Knee joint replacement surgery is agonizing, just like any other type of surgery. Hence, proper care must be provided while recovering and recuperating. Consequently, it is essential to sleep properly with the adequate level of support.
You may find it difficult to fall asleep and sleep all night after ACL surgery because of the pain and discomfort.
But as you recuperate from your operation, it is crucial that you get a decent night’s sleep and get some rest.
This is extremely crucial because our bodies spend the majority of the sleep time repairing themselves, healing all kinds of injuries.
No amount of emphasis can be placed on the value of following a good post-operative care routine.
Muscle tension can be relieved and healing time can be sped up with a good night’s sleep.
What do you mean by the term “ACL”?
The anterior cruciate ligament is referred to as the “ACL.” The knee has four ligaments in total.
Besides the MCL and LCL, there are three other knee ligaments: the PCL (posterior cruciate ligament), the MCL, and the LCL (lateral collateral ligament). The ACL is situated behind the knee cap (patella). It stabilises the knee during any kind of rotation.
The ACL and PCL attach to both the tibia (shin bone) and femur (thigh bone).
An injury can lead to a tear or overstretching of the ACL ligament. One frequent knee ailment is a torn or ruptured ACL.
What are the symptoms associated with ACL damage?
A characteristic popping sound is the primary identification feature of an ACL injury. In addition to pain and swelling, this sound also frequently occurs. Your kneecap or bones in the leg region could feel like they are grinding together all at once.
Another telltale sign is the inability to support your weight on your leg.
A mild injury to the ACL can cause patients to experience instability or a feeling that their knee might give way while they are using it. I would recommend to use Neuragenex pain management to get relieve from pain..
What are the causes of an ACL injury?
In sports or other active scenarios, ACL injuries are pretty common. They typically happen without direct contact. The injury may result from various factors, such as:
If you are in motion and abruptly stop or turn around,
If you are standing still, then move quickly (like with a sudden jump or turn).
If you extend your knee joint too far from your comfortable reach.
If a person strikes you in the knee and it displaces from the rest of your leg compartment,
These things may take place while skiing, playing football, badminton, or soccer, or even while jumping on a trampoline.
What are the types of ACL damage?
There are two types of ACL tears: partial and complete. Only a specific portion of the ligament is ripped with a partial tear. When the ligament is split into two complete pieces, this is called a full or complete tear.
An ACL tear most frequently happens in the centre of the ligament.
On occasion, the ligament is entirely severed from the thigh bone (the femur). Several injuries may develop simultaneously.
Some examples of ACL injuries are:
The MCL, the ligament that stabilises your knee, as well as other ruptured knee ligaments, a torn meniscus, or bone bruising are examples of these kinds of injuries.
What is the diagnosis of an ACL injury?
Examine your knee. This is done to assess the condition’s severity and range of motion.
To check for damage to the knee bones, the doctor could suggest an X-ray. In case there are no signs of bone damage present, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of your knee could help in identifying an ACL injury.
How to Sleep After ACL Surgery ?
After surgery, it is normal to feel excruciating pain and discomfort while trying to sleep. However, if you sleep in a manner that puts undue pressure on your healing leg, the discomfort may become much worse.
In order to adjust to the prolonged healing process, you might need to change your typical sleeping position by trying out several postures until you finally find the most comfortable one.
For instance, if you generally sleep on your side or stomach, after surgery you might want to change your position and try sleeping supine or on your back.
After undergoing knee surgery, lying on your back is the ideal position for sleeping. It will be easier and more comfortable for you to elevate your leg or knee. If you sleep on your back, it will aid in controlling the swelling and inflammation post-surgery.
Most of the ACL surgery patients find that lying on their back with the affected leg raised just slightly above the line of the heart reduces swelling and is the most convenient sleeping position. The desired level of elevation can be achieved by using a soft pillow for the adjustment of position.
Sleeping might be difficult after ACL surgery since it can be difficult to find a suitable and comfortable position.
Typically, resting on your back is said to be the healthiest sleeping position since it relieves headaches, improves posture, releases muscle tension, provides better sleep, and promotes healthy blood circulation.
If you are resting on your back, it would put the least amount of weight on your healing leg. Post-ACL surgery, this may be the most comfortable posture.
While sleeping on your back, you can place a pillow or soft cushion beneath your calf muscles to enhance your comfort for a better, undisturbed sleep.
Can you sleep sideways after ACL surgery?
Yes! The most typical sleeping position for those recovering from knee injuries is on their side or in a lateral position. Once more, lying on your back is the most recommended position. For improved neck alignment when you sleep on your side rather than your back. You might need a thicker cushion under your head. It is beneficial to place some extra cushions for support once you are in a comfortable position.
To sleep on your side, turn your hips so that your damaged knee is flat against the mattress and as close to it as possible for support.
Conclusion :-
ACL surgery can be completed in a short amount of time, but the recovery period is long enough, so finding the correct way to sleep is of utmost importance.
Several things must be taken care of post the knee replacement surgery. The way you sleep can impact how quickly you recover from surgery and how much pain you experience during this process. For this reason, it is important to sleep in the proper position.
Consult your doctor thoroughly, if you still have trouble sleeping. Some medications make it difficult to fall asleep, but taking your painkillers an hour before bed will ease your night-time discomfort and restart your sleep cycle. Not only will you wake up fresh, but also rejuvenated.
Hence, following the guidelines mentioned in this article can aid you in getting a better sleep after ACL surgery.