Hi @janicemmccarthy, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You'll notice that I moved your message to this existing discussion called "Has anyone had a tight band feeling after total knee replacement?" I did this so you can meet other members who are talking about this same issues weeks, month, and, like you, even years after a total knee replacement.

Click VIEW & REPLY to see past responses and learn more about @artscaping @contentandwell @johnbishop @lilypaws @tennisgolf @ellenka @sweede536 and many others. They may have some thoughts on your questions about the use of collagen pills. And for pain alternatives to ibuprofen or tylenol.

You may also be interested in these discussions:
- Swelling and stiffness, 3 years after total knee replacement https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/swelling-and-stiffness-3-years-after-total-knee-replacement/
- Night Pain: Using a knee wedge after total knee replacement? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/using-a-knee-wedge-after-total-knee-replacement/

Janice, have you tried using a pillow between your legs for sleeping? How is your activity level and range of motion during the day?

Hi @janicemmccarthy, I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with @colleenyoung and other members. Sorry to hear about the stiffness and pain at night. I had my right knee replaced a year ago April and it's a little stiff and I have issues sleeping at night because I'm a side sleeper. I mostly sleep on my right side until my hip starts hurting and then I switch to the other side for awhile. There was a while when my knees would rub and cause pain. I started using one of the small My Pillow Roll & GoAnywhere pillows - https://www.mypillow.com/rngbogo.html. I like it because it's small and easy to put between my legs.

My wife and I have used collagen powder mix daily for a couple of years. She likes it because it has helped her fingernails become stronger and not break anymore. We get it on Amazon but I'm sure you could get it anywhere and it mixes with anything - Collagen Hydrolysate - https://www.amazon.com/Great-Lakes-Gelatin-Hydrolysate-Unflavored/dp/B005KG7EDU/ref=sr_1_7

@janicemmccarthy I have had two TKRs but never had the tight feeling that so many people mention! I wish I could be of some help but this is an area where my only knowledge is that I have seen on here on Connect.
I doubt that collagen pills would hurt but I would definitely run it by your orthopedist or any other doctor whose care you are under. I have to run everything by my transplant team because I am post-liver transplant. Is collagen similar to glucosamine and chondroitin supplements? I did try one of those at one point prior to having TKRs but found them to be of no help. Some people do get relief from them though.
Again, give your doctor a call and ask if he would suggest any of those OTC supplements. I can't remember who the orthopedic doctor was whom I was seeing back then but I do recall he said that some people do get help from those supplements. Whether it's a placebo effect or not is questionable.
JK