After a major knee surgery, sleeping can feel almost impossible. This usually happens due to total knee replacement pain at night. This can worry people because sleep helps relieve pain and is essential for healing. While you sleep, your body focuses on growing new tissue and restoring your health. Not getting enough sleep can also be emotionally and mentally draining.
What Is a Total Knee Replacement Surgery?
Total knee replacement surgery, or total knee arthroplasty (TKA), is a procedure to replace the damaged parts of the knee joint with artificial components. Surgeons mainly perform this to relieve severe pain and disability. It also gets rid of conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis.
Total Knee Replacement Pain Duration
Significant pain may last from a few weeks to several months, but many patients notice improvement over time. Full recovery can take up to a year. Regular follow-ups with healthcare professionals and following rehabilitation protocols are essential for the best outcome.
Why Does Total Knee Replacement Pain Occur at Night?
Your body does a lot of healing at night after surgery. When you lie down to rest, your brain, digestive system, and muscles relax. These systems are less active than when you’re awake because you’re not using them as much. When you’re awake, your body sends blood flow and nerve signals to these areas, which distracts you from the knee pain after knee replacement surgery. When you sleep, this distraction is gone, so your body focuses on healing your new knee.
At night, your body focuses on healing injured areas. After a knee replacement, this includes the knee joint and muscles in the shin and thigh. Even with a partial knee replacement, you can expect some night pain. Night pain is common with many undiagnosed injuries, like a rotator cuff tear. While it’s good for your body to heal at night, getting quality sleep is also important for healing. It’s important to find a balance between the two.
How to Sleep with Total Knee Replacement Pain at Night?
Experiencing trouble sleeping after surgery is quite common. The primary reason for this difficulty, particularly after knee replacement surgery, is pain. It can be challenging to find a comfortable position when you’re in pain. The following tips can help:
Sleep on Your Back
Sleeping on your back is one of the best positions after knee replacement surgery. It helps keep your leg straight, which promotes good blood flow. Use pillows to support your leg, placing them underneath the entire length of your knee and calf to prevent bending.
Sleep on Your Side
You can sleep on your side, but make sure your operated leg is facing up and not touching the bed. This reduces pressure on the knee that had surgery. Placing a pillow or a few pillows between your knees can offer extra support and comfort.
Other Tips to Sleep Better After Knee Surgery
- Ice your knee before bed to ease the pain.
- Limit fluids before bed to avoid nighttime bathroom trips.
- If you have pain medication, take it an hour before sleeping unless directed otherwise.
Bottom Line
It can be hard to deal with total knee replacement pain at night. However, you can go through the recovery phase easily if you follow your surgeon’s advice religiously.
If you are having difficulties after knee replacement or need surgery, visit Dr. Ugo at Ugo Ihekweazu, MD, FAAOS. Our board-certified orthopedic surgeon serves on national leadership committees with the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. Dial (254) 602-5713 or (346) 201-4477 to reach out.