How to Properly Wear Your Knee Brace After Surgery (2023)

FAQs

How do you wear a knee brace after surgery? ›

Start wrapping the foam wrap around the leg with the wraps closest of the knee. The hinges should be positioned slightly above the middle of the kneecap and towards the back of the knee on the sides. Secure and fasten the two strap closest of the knee first, then secure and fasten the remaining two straps.

A brace that is too tight may cut off circulation or pinch on nerves leading to increased swelling, discoloration, or numbness and tingling in your leg. To ensure a proper fit, be sure to slide two fingers under each strap. Your fingers should be able fit under the strap, but not too easily.

Centre the brace on your kneecap.

Most braces will have a small hole in the front to indicate which way they should go on. If the kneecap is visible though this hole, the brace is being worn correctly. This will offer the greatest comfort and keep the skin ventilated underneath the brace.

You need to sleep with your brace locked in extension for the first two weeks. You will discontinue the brace once you have full ROM and good quadriceps control. This usually occurs between 4 and 6 weeks post-op.

Suffering or recovering from a knee injury can bring its own unique challenges, like learning to wear a knee brace with pants. You should generally wear a knee brace directly against your skin, as wearing on the outside of pants can push the brace down the leg, causing it to be in the wrong position.

PRO TIP: Don't wear most knee braces over loose pants

If you wear functional knee braces or post op knee braces over your pants and bend your knee, the pants will pull the brace down. If you have a cotton-lycra knee sleeve or tight leggings that are not slippery, you can wear your functional knee brace over your pants.

If your orthopedist recommends it, you can wear your brace all day. However, improper use of a knee brace can worsen your pain or cause further damage to the knee. If you are using a brace that immobilizes your knee, the joint can weaken.

Bending and straightening the knees becomes reduced over time. The goal after knee replacement is to get the knee to at least 120 degrees of flexion or bending motion. You need at least 110 degrees to enter and exit a car and most people need 110 to 120 degrees to ride a bike.

One to three weeks after surgery

Typically, you'll be able to bend your knees at a 90 degree angle, fully straighten your knee, and walk for at least 10 consecutive minutes during this stage of physical therapy. You can expect to use assistive devices like walkers, crutches or canes during this phase of recovery.

But, should you sleep in knee brace? It is sometimes recommended that you take a knee brace off while sleeping to give your leg a break. However, your doctor might instruct you to wear your knee brace while in bed depending on your post-operative care.

How tight should a knee brace fit? ›

Slide two fingers under the strap. If those two fingers cannot fit under the strap, the brace is too tight. Loosen the strap slightly and repeat the test again. If you can slide two fingers under the strap and actually have room to wiggle a third finger in there, then the brace is too loose.

Compression knee sleeves should not be loose or baggy, in fact, a snug fit is exactly what you're looking for so that you can get the right support. The knee sleeve should not be so tight that it cuts off flow or feel like it's pinching your knee/skin.

Can you sleep on your side after knee replacement surgery? You can, but it's wise not to do so until at least a few weeks after surgery, when you can start bending your knee. Make sure you lay on your non-operative side. Sleeping this way makes sure no pressure falls on the knee you had surgery on.

The best sleeping position just after your surgery is sleeping on your back. You should make sure that your operative leg stays as straight as possible to avoid hypertension of the knee and keep proper blood flow to the surgery site. If you are sleeping on your back, put the pillow under your calf and knee.

Recliners and sofas are not recommended after your knee or hip replacement because they are not supportive, difficult to get out of and can limit range of motion. Straight back chairs with arm rests are suggested for safety.

Tightly-woven fabrics tend to be less breathable, while open knits offer more breathability. Thinner materials, like those made of lightweight cotton, can also help reduce sweating. These are also comfortable in the heat, making them an ideal choice if you want to wear a knee brace over them.

A brace that is too tight may also create problems for you. It may cut off circulation to your leg or it may pinch nerves in your leg. This could lead to discoloration, swelling, or numbness and tingling in your leg.

A layer worn under your knee brace can help prevent the brace from slipping and sliding down your leg. To keep the brace in place, try wrapping the areas under straps with a compression bandage. This can help keep the brace from sliding and reduce friction on your skin.

One video blogger suggests using sticky-back, hook velcro and attaching a thin rubber material to the back of it. The velcro part can then be attached to the inside of the knee brace, while the rubber will have more grasp on your pants or skin, preventing the brace from migrating.

If your doctor recommends a knee brace, your Medicare coverage may help pay for some of your costs. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) will cover medically necessary knee braces under its durable medical equipment (DME) benefit.

When should you not wear a knee brace? ›

Typically, a complex knee brace is worn for the first year. After that, a brace usually isn't needed for low-level activities. Keep in mind it can take up to two years to return to baseline stability. Once you're returned to full function, you can stop wearing a brace.

Can you wear knee sleeves all day? A person should only wear a knee sleeve when they need extra knee support for physical activity. An individual may be at risk of developing issues with the knee joint if they wear a knee compression sleeve that restricts their movement for long periods.

Knee supports tend to be discrete and can comfortably be worn under clothes. Knee braces on the other hand tend to be more mechanical in nature. They help stabilise the knee joint and protect the knee from any more injuries. There are a wide range of knee braces, all catering to different conditions that you may have.

Yes, it is possible to elevate an injury too much. Elevation is a technique commonly used to treat many musculoskeletal injuries ranging from foot fractures to tendinitis in your knees. Elevating injuries in your legs or arms can encourage blood flow to inflamed tissue and reduce swelling.

Causes of Joint Stiffness from Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee stiffness and pain that can occur after a knee replacement may be because of scar tissue and collagen attaching to the knee implant. This is called arthrofibrosis, and it is your immune system's reaction to the new “invader” in your knee.

The inflammatory process is most active in the first 24 hours after a surgery, persisting for up to 2 weeks. We recommend that you continue the aforementioned icing routine for the first 2 weeks after your surgery. This is a very effective way to maximize your healing environment.

Elevating your knee for short periods of time can help with swelling, but shouldn't be done for sleeping. Two pillows, or a wedge-shaped foam block, will under your calf will often provide an elevated position for the knee. Raising your leg above your heart while lying on you back will aid in swelling.

Most people are able to walk independently with sticks after about a week. During your stay in hospital, a physiotherapist will teach you exercises to help strengthen your knee. You can usually begin these the day after your operation.

If a brace is worn too long, that can cause muscle weakening (atrophy) and de-conditioning of the surrounding ligaments, joints, and muscles; especially if daily exercises to strengthen the area are not done.

Can you walk around in a knee brace? ›

After your knee brace fitting

Some people wear their knee braces only during continuous activity, such as walking or playing certain sports. Other people find it helpful to wear the brace most of the day.

You can sleep on your back or side. Do not rest your knee with a pillow/towel under. It is very important to keep your knee straight. You will need a walking aid after your operation as you are likely to have a reduced weight-bearing (partial weight-bearing) capacity through your operated leg for two weeks.

TKA patients begin rehabilitation during the seven-day bedrest period, with the goals of decreasing swelling, increasing ROM, promoting normal leg control and promoting normal gait with an assistive device.

A cane, crutches, or a walker. A reacher to help you pick up things from the floor, put on your pants, and take off your socks. A sock aid to help you put on your socks. Handle bars in the bathroom to allow you to steady yourself.

1. Keep your knee straight. It's tempting to sit back and prop your leg on a pillow after knee surgery, but you should keep the joint completely straight after your procedure. To support the healing process, keep your leg and foot pointing straight ahead whenever you lie down or sit.

To minimize the swelling in your leg, you need to elevate your operative leg above the level of your heart. This should be done at least three times per day for 30 minutes each time. Place your leg on the top of several pillows while you lie on your back.

Postoperative pain is common after surgery and can cause fatigue through its effects on sleep and mood. Pain has negative effects on sleep quality, duration, and nighttime awakenings. Poor quality restless sleep results in increased daytime sleepiness and fatigue.

Acetaminophen: Normal Tylenol taken at doses recommended by your doctor can help with pain relief and have a much lower risk of future addiction. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs are a great option for non-narcotic pain medications, such as ibuprofen (Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve).

Elevate leg

Prop your leg on cushions or pillows so your knee is at least 12 inches above your heart for the first three to five days after surgery.

What time of year is best for knee replacement? ›

Many patients ask this question when considering TKR and the consensus is that the spring and early fall are the best seasons. You'll want to wear as little clothing as possible during your recovery because it makes cleaning the wound and moving around easier.

It should fit snugly so it doesn't slide down, but not so snug it pinches your skin. Your healthcare provider will tell you when you should wear a knee immobilizer. It may or may not be needed when you sleep.

This is normal during the early stages of recovery, as the knee experiences swelling which causes temporary stiffness. This should begin to subside within the first month or so after the operation; if it continues to feel stiff or if the stiffness gets worse, contact your surgeon.

Knee braces may cause pain or further injury to the knee if they are not worn properly. If your doctor recommends a knee brace, be sure to check its fit and placement regularly after you put it on. A knee brace is not a substitute for professional medical care.

Slide two fingers under the strap. If those two fingers cannot fit under the strap, the brace is too tight. Loosen the strap slightly and repeat the test again. If you can slide two fingers under the strap and actually have room to wiggle a third finger in there, then the brace is too loose.

Risks of wearing a knee brace might include: Discomfort wearing the brace. A knee brace can feel heavy, bulky and hot at first. Poor fit can cause it to slip.

Venous compression is a rare but accepted cause of Deep Venous Thrombosis. We report a case of DVT caused by extrinsic compression of the popliteal vein by constricting elasticated knee pads.

Knee compression sleeves are not suitable for constant use. Instead, they are for wearing during physical activity, when people may need extra knee support. They can provide stability to the knee during exercise or prevent post-workout soreness and pain.

can you wear knee sleeves to bed? Short answer: It depends. If you're recovering from knee surgery, then a knee sleeve (or brace) will ensure that the joint stays in position overnight. If you suffer from chronic knee pain, you may fund relief by putting on a knee sleeve overnight.

Within 7 to 10 days after your knee replacement, you should be able to get your knee entirely straight/full extension (Fig. 1) (no space between the back of your knee and the table) and you should be able to bend/flex your knee to at least 90 degrees (Fig. 2).

What are the most painful days after knee surgery? ›

The first few days after surgery should include the highest level of pain, but your doctor will send you home with pain medication adequate for your pain level. Most people fully recover from knee replacement surgery in about six months.