Here are the top 5 things to avoid after knee replacement surgery. Whether you're preparing for surgery or recovering, we have you covered! Something you want to take care of after a major surgery is healing correctly and getting back to your daily activities.

But often, people make common mistakes in recovery. From not exercising to resting on an unsupportive knee pillow, these common mistakes slow you down. In this article, we will discuss the top 5 mistakes to avoid after your knee replacement surgery. Avoid these, and you'll easily be on your way to recovering faster!

Top 5 Mistakes After Knee Replacement Surgery

Mistake #1: No Physical Activity

A woman stretching her legs while listening to music

After knee replacement surgery, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and think that staying still will help your recovery. However, avoiding exercise can lead to stiffness and muscle weakness.

Effects on Your Knee: Neglecting to move your knee can cause it to lose flexibility and strength. This may lead to longer recovery, making everyday activities more challenging and painful.

How to Avoid?

  • Follow a physical therapy program as recommended by your doctor.
  • Incorporate gentle exercises like walking, ankle pumps, and heel slides.
  • Gradually increase your activity level as your knee feels stronger.
  • Set realistic daily goals for movement to stay motivated.

Mistake #2: Not Using a Supportive Pillow

A person lying with his legs resting on a regular cushion

Many patients don’t realize the importance of using a knee pillow during sleep or rest. A knee pillow helps maintain proper alignment between your legs and prevents knee replacement issues.

Effects on Your Knee: Without the support of a knee pillow, your legs may twist or strain your knee joint while you sleep. This misalignment can cause discomfort and delay healing, leading to persistent pain or stiffness.

How to Avoid?

  • Invest in a quality knee pillow designed for post-surgery recovery.
  • Place the pillow between your knees while sleeping or resting to align them.
  • Adjust your sleeping position to find the most comfortable setup for your knee.
  • Replace the pillow if it becomes flat or uncomfortable over time.

Mistake #3: Malnutrition and Dehydration

A woman at a table drinking water, accompanied by a bowl of colorful fruit

Recovery after TKR problems demands extra nutrients to heal effectively, yet some individuals may overlook their dietary needs. Eating poorly or not drinking enough water can have serious consequences.

Effects on Your Knee: A lack of essential nutrients can impair your body’s ability to repair tissues and reduce inflammation. Inadequate hydration can lead to fatigue, muscle cramps, and decreased overall energy, making it harder to engage in rehabilitation activities.

How to Avoid?

  • Focus on a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains.
  • Include plenty of fruits and vegetables for essential vitamins and minerals.
  • Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily.
  • Consider consulting a nutritionist for personalized dietary advice.

Mistake #4: Wearing Flat Footwear

A doctor examines a patient's foot with his shoes on during a medical check-up

Many patients opt for flat shoes after surgery, thinking they’re the most comfortable option. However, not all flat shoes provide adequate support, which can be detrimental.

Effects on Your Knee: Flat shoes often lack proper arch support, leading to misalignment of the feet and knees. This misalignment can increase stress on the knee joint, resulting in pain and potentially prolonging your recovery.

How to Avoid?

  • Choose shoes with good arch support and cushioning designed for recovery.
  • Avoid flat shoes; opt for ones with a slight heel or built-in support.
  • Consider using orthotic inserts for added stability and comfort.
  • Pay attention to how your shoes feel during activities and replace them if they cause discomfort.

Mistake #5: Not Resting Properly

A man with a knee injury rests on the roadside, appearing uncomfortable and in need of medical attention

Many patients eager to return to their regular routines may push themselves too hard after surgery, which can lead to overexertion and burnout.

Effects on Your Knee: Insufficient rest can slow the healing process and increase the risk of complications. When your body doesn’t have enough time to recover, you may experience heightened pain and fatigue, which can deter you from participating in necessary rehabilitation exercises.

How to Avoid?

  • Prioritize rest by listening to your body and taking breaks as needed.
  • Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support healing.
  • Create a comfortable resting environment free from distractions.
  • Set a schedule that includes both activity and rest to maintain balance.

How Can We Help You?

Sleeping on your side can be very helpful after a knee replacement surgery, so you might benefit from this position because it will lower the pressure put on the knee, reduce discomfort, and enhance healing. What is paramount to notice, though, is finding the right support while you sleep.

That is where the Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow comes in. It is engineered to support the head and neck and align your spine, reducing discomfort and allowing you to sleep comfortably. The cooling gel layer stays on the side of your pillow to keep you comfortable all night. This is highly effective during recovery, as a good night's sleep can help intensify your healing.

Eli & Elm pillows will improve your comfort and recovery after knee surgery. Get the restful sleep you need to get back on your feet!

Tips to Sleep on Your Side After Knee Replacement Surgery

Side sleeping has been proven to work well for recovery after a knee replacement surgery. Here are some helpful tips to make side sleeping more comfortable:

  • Use a supportive pillow, such as the Eli & Elm Cooling Side Sleeper Pillow, to align your head and neck more with the direction of your spine.
  • Utilize a small pillow between your legs to align with diminished knee pressure properly.
  • Lie on your unaffected side, or use pillows to support your operated side if you must lie on it.
  • Elevate your legs with the pillow under your knees to reduce swelling and discomfort.
  • You may try several side-lying positions until you find one that is comfortable for you.
  • You may need a full-body pillow to help hold stability and comfort the entire night.
  • Make sure that your sleeping place is dark, cool, and quiet.
  • Use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises or light stretching before sleep to relax.
  • Consult your healthcare provider on sleeping positions and the use of additional support.

Final Thoughts

All knee replacement surgery stages require attention to the needs of your body post-surgery. Some common errors that most people make in everyday life often stall healing, such as failure to exercise, poor pillow support, not focusing on nutrition, or failure to wear compression stockings. Each of the five mistakes discussed demonstrated how recovery becomes easy with proper care and attentive choices.

Being proactive, for example, getting moving, using a pillow that will work for you, having a well-balanced diet, ensuring you wear supportive footwear, and gaining proper rest, hopefully puts you on the right path. As the saying goes, quality sleep can make such a difference, but recovery support will always do that, as with the side sleeper pillow from Eli & Elm. If you take these tips to heart, you'll be off to the races to reclaim mobility and enjoy life.