If you have been following along with our series then you already know that elevating your knee after you have had a total knee replacement is crucial to the healing process because it increases blood flow, reduces swelling, and eases your post-surgical discomfort. You may be wondering how to elevate your knee after total replacement surgery.
The best way to elevate your knee and sleep after a total knee replacement is to use a wedge pillow.
These pillows are designed specifically for people who need to elevate their knees after having surgery.
By using the proper wedge pillow you will make the recovery process more convenient and comfortable. Using a wedge pillow saves you from having to carry around fifty pillows or blanket rolls to prop yourself up with as well, so they also save time and space.
Continue reading for some helpful information on the best wedge pillows to use after having a total knee replacement and how they can benefit you.
| Name | Picture | Price | Best Feature | Our rating | Best Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DMI Bed Wedge Ortho Pillow for Leg Elevation |
 
|
$$ | Supportive yet comfortable foam. Has nearly 12,000 reviews | 9.7/10 | See Current Price |
| Ebung Leg Elevation Pillow |
 
|
$ | Comfortable angle for recovery. We dig the cooling gel which feels good after surgery | 9.6/10 | See Current Price |
| InteVision Ortho Bed Wedge Pillow |
 
|
$ | 2-layered design with soft foam on top. We like the bamboo cover | 9.5/10 | See Current Price |
| Kolbs Leg Elevation Pillow |
 
|
$ | Memory foam pillow with more style for the home | 9.5/10 | See Current Price |
| LightEase Post-Surgery Leg Elevation Double Wedge Pillow |
 
|
$$ | Great if you have a double surgery | 9.1/10 | See Current Price |
What is a Wedge Pillow
A wedge pillow is a type of pillow to help keep your knee and other parts of the leg elevated. They are perfect for after-surgery surgeries or for anyone with chronic swelling.
They made from different types of foam, cooling gels, and even bamboo.
What are the Benefits of using a Wedge Pillow for Elevation
There are many benefits to using a wedge pillow including:
- Swelling Management – helps drain swelling back into the lymph and venous systems by using gravity
- Decreased Pain Levels – Reduced the pressure on the cells and blood vessels by having the swelling drain back to the body
- Improve Blood Flow – By draining the swelling out of the leg it allows for less blockage and less resistance for normal blood flow to occur
- Decrease Pressure in the Veins – Veins can swelling and increase in diameter increasing the risk for a blood clot and other swelling related problems
- Increased Comfort for a night of better quality sleep – Simply put it’s just more comfortable to sleep with your leg elevated to get pain relief after a total knee replacement.
Who Should Use a Leg Elevation Pillow
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FAQ About Using Wedge Pillows
What’s the Purpose of a Leg Elevation Pillow
The goal of using a leg elevation pillow is to reduce swelling and pressure in the legs. By elevating the legs, gravity helps clear the swelling out of the legs so that the body can naturally process it.
Does Leg Elevation Help with Swelling
It does. Leg elevation helps with the swelling! The great the angle and the higher your legs are elevated is equal to the amount of swelling management.
To get the most benefit, the legs should be elevated greater than 30 degrees as measured from the hip.
How Long Should I Elevate My Leg After a Knee Replacement
For the first few days after surgery, you want to elevate your leg frequently and for longer periods of time. We recommend elevating multiple times a day for 30-45 minutes to maximize swelling reduction.
How High Should My Knee Be Elevated After Surgery
The angle is measured at the hip joint and should be no less than 30 degrees. For better swelling reduction, we like the angle of the leg to be greater than 45 degrees.
Why Does Leg Elevation Feel Good
Leg elevation feels good because it is taking swelling and pressure off of your nerves and blood vessels as swelling leaves the leg. This reduced pressure helps the nerves calm down and gives the leg pain relief.
Sleeping with Leg Elevated after a Knee Replacement
Sleeping with your elevated after a knee replacement can be challenging. Heck, sleeping at all after a knee replacement is a task.
If you can sleep on your back with a wedge pillow underneath your leg then that’s best.
Some people have great luck sleeping in a recliner with a wedge pillow to maintain elevation.
The absolute most important part is that you cannot sleep with a pillow or anything underneath the knee. This can cause the muscles and ligaments to heal in a shortened position and it’s difficult to straighten them back out.
How to Use a Wedge Pillow
Reduce Swelling and Discomfort with Wedge Elevation Pillows
DMI™ Bed Wedge Ortho Pillow for Leg Elevation
A great option for elevating those legs while you are recovering. This bed wedge orthopedic pillow is a simple yet effective way to reduce the pain and swelling that you may be experiencing after your total knee replacement.
Enjoy the following features and benefits of this product:
- Foam is designed to retain its shape even after long-term usage.
- Includes an easy to remove, breathable, and washable cover.
- It helps to promote better blood flow and reduces pain and swelling.
- Made from high-quality materials with an ergonomic design for maximum comfort.
- Sleep through the night so you can wake up rested and ready to tackle the day.
- This pillow will comfortably elevate your legs after your total knee replacement.
Click on the image for more information
Ebung™ Leg Elevation Pillow with Cooling Gel
Stay cool and comfortable with this convenient wedge pillow. Great for those who have just had a total knee replacement because of its ergonomic design.
Enjoy the following features and benefits of this product:
- Improves circulation and reduces swelling.
- Includes a breathable cover that is safe to wash.
- Made from hypo-allergenic materials.
- Made of high-quality memory foam for superior comfort with cooling gel to keep your temperature regulated and reduce sweating.
- Relieves leg, hip, and knee pain.
- The ergonomic design takes the pressure off of your tired joints and allows you to rest comfortably.
Click on the image for more information
InteVision™ Ortho Bed Wedge Pillow
This leg elevating wedge pillow will allow you to slip into a peaceful sleep with its ergonomic design made especially for those suffering from pain as a result of surgery and other conditions.
Enjoy the following features and benefits of this product:
- The cover is machine washable and made from bamboo which is a hypo-allergenic and breathable material that provides less friction on your skin and is easy to clean.
- This pillow helps to relax your spinal cord and elevate your legs to promote better blood flow and speed the recovery process up.
This wedge pillow is designed for comfort and support by using a high-density foam for the base and high-quality memory foam on the top for a soft, yet supportive feeling.
Click on the image for more information
Kolbs™ Post Surgery Leg Elevation Pillow
Enjoy the soft luxury of this post-surgery leg elevation pillow. Made from top-quality materials with an ergonomic design specifically for those who have just had a total knee replacement.
Enjoy the following features and benefits of this product:
- Luxurious materials and design for a stylish look that doesn’t look like and feel like you are in a hospital bed.
- Made with a base of high-density foam and topped with comfortable memory foam for maximum comfort and support throughout the night.
- Promotes good blood flow and reduces swelling and pain.
- This pillow will be sure to help you get the sleep you need to recover quickly and with less swelling and discomfort.
Click on the image for more information
LightEase™ Post-Surgery Double Wedge Elevation Pillow
This is another great option for a wedge pillow. It has an ergonomic design with contours that cradle your legs and keep them in position even if you fall asleep. There is plenty of room for your ice packs as well.
Enjoy the following features and benefits of this product:
- Can potentially speed up your recovery time by 30%
- Comes with a comfortable cover that is machine washable.
- Designed for long-term use, so it will not lose its shape.
- Great for elevating both legs and keeping the body aligned properly so you can heal more comfortably.
- Includes handy straps for easy positioning and carrying around from place to place.
- Promotes better circulation and reduces swelling and discomfort.
- Specially designed with high-density memory foam for people who are recovering from surgeries.
Click on the image for more information
Key Takeaways
If you have been experiencing swelling and pain from having a total knee replacement take the edge off by using a wedge. They are designed for people like you who need to get some relief and much-needed rest so you can recover quickly and return to the things that bring you joy in life. Don’t carry around a bunch of bulky pillows or blanket rolls. Save time and reduce the hassle by using one of the pillows we recommended for you today.
Other Great Health Related Articles
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Dealing with Painful Stairs After Ankle Replacement Surgery
Walking After a Total Ankle Replacement: Tips for a Successful Recovery
Exercises While Non-Weight Bearing After Ankle Replacement: Elevation, AROM, Leg Raises, and More
Ankle Pain with Stairs: Causes and Home Treatment Options
5 Common Mistakes You’re Making After an Ankle Sprain
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is for educational purposes only. This is not a substitute for a medical appointment. Please refer to your physician before starting any exercise program.