How to Sleep After ACL Surgery?
Anterior Cruciate Ligament or ACL surgery removes the torn ligament from your knee and replaces it with an artificial one to restore your knee function. The ligament could be either removed fully or preserved, depending on the severity of the injury. Your orthopedic surgeon in Navi Mumbai will brief you on the postoperative recovery.
Although the surgery doesn’t usually take more than 2 hours, patients might experience discomfort for a few days following the operation. The biggest question is how do you sleep during the recovery phase? Which posture is the best? Let’s find out.
Use Compression Stockings to Prevent Blood Clots
You need to wear compression stockings for 2-3 weeks post your ACL reconstruction surgery in Navi Mumbai. It helps prevent blood clot formation on the treated site and reduces pain and inflammation. It also helps you sleep comfortably.
You may have to continue the use of compression stockings at least until the sutures have not been removed and healed. Keep your affected area covered in this wrap every day and for 24 hours. You can remove it when taking a shower or changing the wrap.
Use Ice to Reduce Swelling
Post-surgical pain is common. While the doctor might give you over-the-counter medication to relieve the pain, you can try some home remedies too. Ice massage, for example, is a highly effective method to reduce swelling. Massage the injured site with ice packs twice a day—in the morning and before going to bed. This will reduce the pain, helping you fall asleep faster.
Also Read: Is Orthopedic Surgery Worth It?
Choose the Right Sleeping Position
After the surgery, you should sleep on your back with your treated leg raised slightly upward above your heart. Remember, finding the right sleeping position after ACL surgery is extremely important. A position that applies too much pressure on your affected leg will not only cause discomfort but can slow your healing.
Patients healing from ACL surgery should sleep in a supine position, i.e. on their back instead of the stomach or side. Put a soft pillow beneath your leg to elevate it comfortably. This will alleviate pain, improve blood circulation, and reduce muscle tension.
Clean Your Bandage Regularly
Infection after the operation can be avoided by cleaning your bandage frequently and keeping it dry at all times. Note that wet stockings will serve as the breeding ground for germs, leading to infection on the wounded site. Besides that, it creates moisture on the leg, which can slow down your healing. A good hygienic practice for patients undergoing ACL surgery would be to remove the bandage before going to sleep, apply ointment, and wrap a new bandage.
Take OTC for Pain Management
Pain makes it difficult to fall and stay asleep after the ACL surgery. You can take over-the-counter medication to reduce pain and swelling. The anti-inflammatory medication will relieve the pain and help you have a good night’s sleep.
However, prescription medication can have side effects and might lead to addiction if taken in inappropriate dosage. It’s advisable to discuss your condition and sleep issues with the doctor to find the best solutions.