Your Guide to Hip Replacement Recovery

Your Guide to Hip Replacement Recovery Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram What is Hip Replacement Surgery?  Hip arthroplasty, also known as hip joint replacement, is a cutting-edge surgical procedure that aims to relieve pain and enhance mobility in patients suffering from hip joint diseases.  This surgical procedure involves devitalizing or removing the damaged or infected components of the hip joint and replacing them with artificially manufactured implants.   It is an appropriate treatment for those suffering from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fractured hips, avascular necrosis, and other diseases affecting the hip joint. Did you know?  Within five years following their hip replacement procedure, 90% of patients reported mild or no pain.  (Source: Arthritis Foundation) Hip Joint Replacement Surgery Recovery Timeline 1. Immediate Post-Surgery Recovery (1-3 Days)  The medical staff closely monitors your recovery during the first few days following your hip joint replacement surgery.. Accordingly they will offer pain management services and implement simple exercises such as ankle pumping and walking with a walker to improve circulation and lower the risk of complications.  2. Early Recovery Phase (3-6 Weeks)  You’ll be able to progress, in most cases, from using crutches or walkers to walking with less support or even unassisted.  The pain should now be less, and the swelling should begin to reduce.  You will need to avoid all high-impact activities for a while, but the medical team may advise you to perform gentle everyday tasks and increase their pace over time. 3. Intermediate Recovery Phase (6 Weeks – 12 Weeks)  Six to twelve weeks post hip joint replacement surgery, one would notice decreasing pain associated with increasing mobility, flexibility, and strength. During this phase of recovery, the focus will be on strength, balance, and flexible training. Most patients can begin returning to their normal light activities or jobs if it is not too physically strenuous. Important Note: Keep the surgical dressing in place over the incision to protect the wound and help prevent infection. Avoid applying any lotions, ointments, or creams to the area until your doctor gives you the go-ahead. This will ensure the wound heals properly and reduces the risk of irritation or complications. 4. Full Recovery Phase (3-6 Months)  You will be healed from the surgery, and by the time you reach 3–6 months post-operation, your recovery will be nearly complete. The majority of patients at this point will realize significant improvements in mobility and reductions in pain.  You should be on your way to most daily activities like walking, driving, swimming, cycling, and low-impact sports. You should continue the exercises our physical therapist prescribed because they also help maintain joint function and prevent stiffness. While some people may have a slightly different time to fully recover, after 6 months most patients experience a near-complete return to their daily lives without the hip pain that prompted surgery. Do’s & Don’ts after Hip Joint Replacement Surgery Do’s Dont’s Strictly adhere to the doctor’s prescription. Avoid high-impact activities such as running and jumping initially. As directed, use your walking aids (walker or crutches). Avoid bending the hip more than 90 degrees, such as when crossing your legs or bending at the waist. Sleep on your back or the side without surgery, if suggested. Don’t drive until the doctor gives the approval. Use footwear that offers support to prevent falls. Do not climb stairs until you have been cleared for it by the doctor. Do’s Strictly adhere to the doctor’s prescription. Dont’s Avoid high-impact activities such as running and jumping initially. Do’s As directed, use your walking aids (walker or crutches). Dont’s Avoid bending the hip more than 90 degrees, such as when crossing your legs or bending at the waist. Do’s Sleep on your back or the side without surgery, if suggested. Dont’s Don’t drive until the doctor gives the approval. Do’s Use footwear that offers support to prevent falls. Dont’s Do not climb stairs until you have been cleared for it by the doctor. Hip Joint Replacement Recovery: Q&A with a Hip Specialist Q1 : How long will the pain last after hip joint replacement surgery? A1 : Pain generally subsides considerably during the first few weeks. The vast majority of patients have reported either no or very limited pain within three to six months. Q2 : Will I be able to walk after surgery? A2 : You’ll probably start walking with a walker or crutches within a day or two. You may be walking with less support or even unassisted within 3–6 weeks. Q3 : Can I drive after having hip joint replacement surgery? A3 : Drive only when you have stopped pain medications, have adequate mobility, and feel you can drive safely. This is usually around 6 weeks, as per the consultations of our top-notch specialists. Q4 : When can I return to my job after hip replacement recovery? A4 : Heavy-duty jobs require 3-6 months, while most desk jobs return to work after 4-6 weeks. Q5 : Will there be restrictions in activities following hip joint replacement surgery? A5 : Yes, avoid high-impact activities such as running or jumping. Avoid twisting or bending motions for a few months. Q6 : What do I do if I feel like something isn’t right during hip replacement recovery? A6 : Call the doctor immediately for advice on any unusual pain, swelling, or signs of infection (such as redness or fever). The best exercises for hip joint replacement recovery  The right kind of exercise regime is among the most important factors that will lead to a successful recovery from hip replacement surgery.  The specialist suggests these exercises to enhance shoulder muscle strength, flexibility, and joint mobility. Keeping these five essential exercises in mind can significantly aid in your recovery: 1. Ankle Pumps This improves the natural circulation and swelling-related issues inside the leg. 2. Quad Sets It helps strengthen the muscles in front of the thigh to ensure proper support of the hip joint. 3. Heel and Toe Raises Enhance strength at the ankle and help with overall balance. 4.