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You may be wondering if wearing a knee immobilizer while sleeping is a good move when you have an injury. Yes, it is possible to wear a knee immobilizer while sleeping.
After knee surgery, the surgeon may recommend that you wear a knee immobilizer while sleeping or a knee brace for a period of time to make sure the joint stays in place to heal properly. This is usually often at night. So to wear a knee immobilizer while sleeping is not really a bad thing.
There is a possibility to curl your leg while sleeping, that is why it’s strongly recommended that you wear a brace or a Knee Immobilizer While Sleeping on until you have achieved full recovery of your knee and can adequately perform straight leg raises this is usually between 2-4 weeks. You may loosen the straps to sleep but you should still keep the knee immobilizer or brace on.
What is a Knee Immobilizer?
Knee immobilizers are a type of brace worn on the leg to minimize knee movement during preoperative treatment of quadriceps rupture, patellar tendon rupture, rupture of the medial collateral ligament (MCL), fracture or dislocation of the patella and other knee injuries.
However, knee immobilizers should not be used for long periods of time. This contraindication is the result of new injuries that are likely to be caused, such as prolonged stiffness, muscle wasting, and chronic back pain.
These types of braces play an important role in minimizing knee movement during healing after surgery or injury. In general, they are useful to protect injured ligaments, including ACL, MCL, and meniscus. Knee immobilizers should be used for a short period of time ranging from two to eight weeks.
They are specially designed with foam linings surrounding the calf, thigh, and knee and rigid bars on both sides, with adjustable knee hinges. This air-light design provides special patient comfort due to its freshness. It also has a foam padding pattern that provides warmth and maximum fabric control. Its straps are also designed to allow quick placement and adjustment of the spacer. These characteristics make our knee immobilizers an important choice for sports injuries, general rehabilitation, after surgery, and movement control.
You may also want to read our article on What is a Posture Corrector and Are Posture Correctors Safe? Complete Answers!
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How to Use a Knee Immobilizer
A knee immobilizer is a type of brace that is used on the leg to block the knee in extension and prevent joint movement. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, a knee immobilizer is often used after an acute knee injury, such as a torn ligament or a fracture.
Knee immobilizers are also commonly prescribed after a total knee replacement or ACL. Proper use of the knee immobilizer is crucial to preventing the knee from bending.
Step 1
Place the knee immobilizer on a flat, raised surface. If it comes with a back knee pad, put it in the right place.
Step 2
Lift and move the affected leg until it rests on the knee immobilizer, keeping the leg straight. Adjust the brace under the leg so that the patellar opening in the center aligns with the patella.
Step 3
Attach the closure straps. I suggest coupling the straps from the base of the leg up and pulling the straps snug.
Step 4
Check if it fits properly. The patellar opening should be directly on the patella and the brace should not slip when the patient stands up.
Step 5
Try to walk while using the knee immobilizer to better assess the fit. If the knee immobilizer slips, sit down and start again from the beginning, tightening the straps more tightly.
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How to Sleep with a Knee Immobilizer
1. Invest in Pillows
If possible, try to sleep on your back. The main reason is that it is easier to raise the leg with pillows if necessary and to avoid the situation where one leg puts pressure on the other. Whether you sleep on your side or on your back, you may want to think about investing in body and knee pillows.
First, pillows can be used on either side of your body to prevent (or at least reduce) the chances of moving around in bed. For the knee pillow, make sure you get a memory foam one. They are designed for maximum comfort whether you use it to elevate your leg or between your knees when sleeping on your side. The Elviros knee pillow is a popular option.
2. Adjust the straps
Before going to bed, adjust the straps of the knee immobilizer for your injury. If you sleep with a knee immobilizer with the intention of preventing the knee from moving (causing pain and possibly more damage), make sure it is tight enough to hold everything in place. Just make sure it’s not too tight where it stops blood circulation. If you are recovering from an operation, your doctor may recommend that you keep things a little tighter.
3. Apply ice before bedtime
You must make sure to feel as little pain as possible before bedtime. A great way to reduce pain is to apply ice to the affected area. Cold therapy can reduce knee inflammation, knee swelling, and relieve knee pain before bedtime. A good option is the SimplyJnJ cold therapy wrap for the knee.
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4. Try the knee Immobilizers for longer periods
Some orthotics can become itchy, and generally uncomfortable to wear for longer periods, such as at night. Try wearing the knee immobilizer for a longer period to see if your leg can support it. If you don’t have any comfort issues during this time, the corset is probably something you can wear for at least eight hours without a problem.
5. Keep the area hydrated
When you wear an immobilizer overnight, and probably all day, the skin underneath can become dry and itchy. When you have dry skin like this, it can cause rashes along the brace lines, but more importantly, it can cause severe discomfort when trying to sleep. If you have more than one immobilizer, change them from time to time to reduce the risk of rashes or direct irritation in the same places. If it is not possible. Remove the corset and hydrate the knee area and allow it to air out for a while.
6. Invest in lightweight bedding
This allows you to turn and change position easily without interrupting your sleep. You can use satin sheets or any other smooth material that makes the bed easier and less painful.
I hope these tips help you get a good night’s sleep with a knee immobilizer.
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What You Need To Know
In this aspect of the post: How to use a knee immobilizer while sleeping, I will focus on frequently asked questions about immobilizer.
How could a knee immobilizer help me?
A knee immobilizer limits movement of the knee. It is used after an injury or surgery to help heal the knee, muscles, or tendons.
How to safely use a knee immobilizer?
You should not only wear knee immobilizer while sleeping, but you should also know how to wear it safely.
Have your knee immobilizer adjusted by your healthcare professional. It is important that your knee immobilizer is the right size and fits you well. You can also use the method we have listed above. Use your knee immobilizer as directed. It can be used on your clothes. Check the fit of the knee immobilizer frequently. If it does not fit properly or slips out of place, it could cause further injury.
Use crutches as directed. You may need to avoid putting weight on the injured leg. Your healthcare professional will tell you if you need crutches and for how long.
Also, you should frequently inspect your knee immobilizer. Do not use your knee immobilizer if it is damaged or broken. You may need to replace it if it wears out.
Furthermore, ask your healthcare professional how to take care of your knee immobilizer. You may be able to wash the fabric by hand with mild soap and water. Do not put it in the washer or dryer.
Go to physiotherapy as directed. A physiotherapist can help you strengthen your leg muscles and heal your knee.
When should I contact my health care provider?
- Your knee pain gets worse when you use your knee immobilizer.
- Your skin is sore/raw after using your knee immobilizer.
- Your leg is numb or swollen when you use your knee immobilizer.
- Your knee immobilizer is damaged.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or your care.
When should I ask for immediate attention or call 911?
You ask for immediate attention when you notice you have severe swelling or pain in your leg or knee.
Warning
Never use a knee immobilizer for longer than prescribed by a doctor. This can cause severe loss of knee movement. Always consult your healthcare professional to make sure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal situation.
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Top 5 Knee Immobilizer I Recommend
1. Procare 3-Panel Knee Splint
2. Comfy Splints Knee Orthosis
3. Foam Knee Immobilizer with Compression Straps
4. Bicro Knee Immobilizer with Patella Strap – Universal
5. United Ortho 62018-C Foam Knee Immobilizer
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Conclusion
Rolling and basic readjustment during sleep can cause more knee damage. No one has said that sleeping with a knee brace would be comfortable, but it will keep your knee safe.
Wearing a knee immobilizer while sleeping is for your own good. It is to prevent you from moving your legs in such a way that it will affect the already existing injury on the knee. So when your doctor or physical therapist suggests that you wear a knee immobilizer while sleeping do it with all gladness.
