Anticipated Course of Healing after Hip Replacement Surgery: Understanding the Recovery Process
Ready to chat about your hip replacement recovery? Here's what you should know:
Hip replacement surgery is no joke, but most folks can get back to their regular activities within 3 to 6 weeks. To excel in your recovery, follow these tips:
Pre-SurgeryBefore the big day, prepare your body for a smoother surgery experience. Strengthen your leg, core, and upper body with recommended exercises, maintain a moderate weight, and try to quit smoking if possible. Also, ensure you have help around the house and meals prepared for after the surgery.
First DaysAfter the operation, you may be in the hospital for 1 to 2 days or even go home on the same day. Your doctor will administer pain relievers, like opioids, local anesthetic, NSAIDs, and acetaminophen, to keep you comfortable. You'll likely have staples or stitches to close the incision, which a medical team will guide you through the home care process.
Coming HomeYou'll need help with daily tasks for several weeks after returning home, or you may need to stay in a rehabilitation facility. Pain and discomfort can linger for a few weeks, so continue taking prescription medications as directed. Expect physical therapy and recommended exercises to help speed up recovery, improve flexibility, and strengthen the new joint.
10 to 14 Days Post-SurgeryAt this stage, the stitches should be gone, and you should experience less pain and swelling. Activity levels will vary, but you may still need assistance with mobility.
Beyond 2 WeeksAfter 3 to 6 weeks, many people can resume light daily activities. You'll likely feel stronger, more stable, and comfortable putting more weight on your leg. By 6 weeks, you may be able to return to work, and after 6 to 8 weeks, you can have sexual activity again. Continue with physical therapy following your physical therapist's recommendations, for at least two months after surgery.
Beyond 3 MonthsYou should be ready to resume your regular activities by this time, but check with your doctor about reducing or stopping physical therapy. By this time, you may be able to participate in low-impact sports.
What to Do and AvoidFollow physical therapy exercises, engage in gentle exercises, and use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Avoid sitting for long periods, crossing your legs, bending your hip more than 90 degrees, bending down to pick things up, and intense exercise.
Recovery in Older vs. Younger PeopleRecovery is generally more challenging for older adults as they may already have compromised mobility and are more likely to have heart and lung issues. On the other hand, young people can recover well with fewer complications.
Hip Resurfacing RecoveryIn hip resurfacing, a surgeon trims and caps the femoral head with a metal cover rather than completely removing it. Most people go home within 1 to 4 days after surgery. You may start using a walking aid like a walker, cane, or crutches right away, and doctors will recommend physical therapy and exercises to help maintain range of motion and restore strength.
• follow physical therapy exercises as a physical therapist instructs• try other gentle exercises, such as daily walking• sit in a reclining position• use a cold compress to reduce swelling• take any prescription medications as a doctor instructs• use walking aids, such as crutches, if necessary
Hip Replacement Surgery OutlookAfter recovery, people can expect less pain, better mobility, better quality of life, and improvements in daily activities. Some long-term effects and restrictions may still occur, such as continued numbness, pain, or stiffness around the incision site. Hip replacements may also impact certain aspects of life, like metal detectors, high-impact sports, dental procedures, and sexual activity.
Frequently Asked Questions* How long will it take to walk again after a hip replacement? - Patients may be able to walk short distances with assistance on the same day as the surgery, and over time, they will typically be able to walk longer distances.* How long does bed rest last after hip replacement surgery? - Patients should start walking as soon as possible after hip replacement surgery. They will not need to stay in bed for extended periods.* What age do they stop doing hip replacements? - There is no age limit for hip replacements, but your overall health and mobility will be considered.* How long do hip implants or replacements last? - A modern artificial hip replacement should last for at least 15 years.
• sitting still for long periods• crossing the legs at the knee• bending the hip more than 90 degrees• bending down to touch the feet or ankles• sitting in low chairs• intense exercise, which may involve jumping or sudden turns• moving or lifting heavy objects
- Strengthening your leg, core, and upper body through recommended exercises is crucial before hip replacement surgery for a smoother recovery process.
- After the surgery, you might receive an array of pain relievers such as opioids, local anesthetic, NSAIDs, or acetaminophen from your doctor to manage discomfort.
- Older adults may face more challenges during recovery as they are more prone to heart and lung issues, and they may already have compromised mobility.
- In hip resurfacing, a surgeon trims and caps the femoral head with a metal cover, allowing many patients to go home within 1 to 4 days after surgery.
- The cold compress is a great tool to reduce swelling and promote faster recovery during post-surgery hip replacement recovery.
- Following physical therapy exercises as instructed by a physical therapist is essential for the successful recovery after hip replacement surgery.
- Some chronic diseases like obesity, COPD, ulcerative colitis, Alzheimer's, cancer, and heart disease can influence the recovery process, so it's important to manage these medical conditions during pre-surgery preparation.
- Nutrition, health and wellness, and mental health play a vital role in the recovery process. Maintaining a moderate weight and quitting smoking can significantly improve the healing process.
- After a successful hip replacement, you can expect improvements in your cardiovascular health, better quality of life, and less pain, but there might still be certain long-term effects such as continued numbness, pain, or stiffness around the incision site.
