Tag: Hip Replacement

The recovery time after hip replacement surgery varies depending on factors like the patient’s overall health, age, surgical technique, etc. This article will give you an overview of the things you need to take care of during hip surgery recovery. 

Hip Surgery Recovery:  What to Expect  

The typical recovery time after hip replacement is several months to a year. Generally, bed rest for a few days is followed by immediate physical rehabilitation. Progress is gradual, with decreasing pain, improved balance, and increased mobility each week. A study showed that 46.7% of people experienced significant improvement, while 15.5% had worsened outcomes. 

 Types Of Hip Replacement Surgeries 

There are 3 types—

1. Total Hip Replacement (Total Hip Arthroplasty): In the case of total hip replacement, the entire hip joint is replaced. It is the most common type. 
2. Partial Hip Replacement: It is less common and involves replacing only part of the hip. These are usually performed in case of hip fractures or to remove any kind of tumors. 
3. Hip resurfacing: It is usually performed in young and active patients. 

 Recovery Time After Hip Replacement  

 The typical recovery time for anyone who has undergone a total hip replacement surgery is anywhere between six months to one year. However, patients aged above 50 years [4] might take longer to recover. Here is a general timeline that may give you an idea of what to expect:

After Surgery

Your hip surgery recovery begins within 24 hours after the procedure. 

Hospital Stay: Typically, patients stay in the hospital for 3 to 5 days after the surgery. During this time, they receive pain medication, undergo physical therapy, and are monitored for any complications.

Post-operative period: It involves waking up from anesthesia and monitoring for any complications. In most cases, hip replacements are performed as outpatient surgeries. Thus, allowing patients to go home on the same day. 

1 Week After 

• After the 5th day, physical therapy continues with a focus on independence in daily activities. 
• Pain management and medication adjustments continue.
• Patients engage in physical therapy exercises to improve their range of motion, balance, and strength
• Walking without assistive devices may be encouraged.
• Throughout the first week, patients receive guidance on post-surgery care, wound management, pain management, and activity restrictions. 
• It’s important to note that individual recovery experiences may vary, and it’s best to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice. 

10 to 14 Days

•  During the first 1-2 weeks after a hip replacement surgery, certain milestones can be expected:
• Stitches that haven’t yet dissolved are removed, and it is generally advised to avoid getting the wound site wet for a few more days.
• Pain should have significantly decreased, and pain medication may no longer be necessary. 
• Surgery staples will be removed, allowing for showers, baths, and walking without assistance.
• Mobility improves, and patients can move more easily without assistance.
• Some individuals who previously relied on a cane or walker may still need it during this early recovery period. 

3-6 Weeks

• Within 3-6 weeks, light activities of daily living can be resumed, without the need for crutches or a walker. 
• Some discomfort or soreness may persist, particularly towards the end of the day.
• Approximately six weeks after surgery, driving should be possible again. 
•  Physical therapy should continue as recommended, along with regular walking and avoiding prolonged sitting. 

6-12 weeks

•  Most pain should be gone, and swelling further reduced.
•  Patients can resume regular day-to-day activities, such as climbing stairs or bending.
•  Increased strength and ability to put weight on the leg.
•  Continued physical therapy and regular appointments are necessary.
•  Walking regularly is highly recommended to maintain mobility. 

Beyond three months

• Daily activities, including low-impact sports, can be fully resumed.
• Physical therapy exercises should be continued to improve strength, flexibility, joint motion, and balance.
• Exercises emphasizing weight-bearing and the correct body mechanics are beneficial.
• Regular follow-up examinations are advised.

Taking Care of Your New Hip: Essential Tips for Hip Surgery Recovery

Tips for caring for your new hip:

• Don’t bend your hip beyond 90°
• Stay away from twisting motions (of your hip joint)
• Take small steps when you turn.
• Avoid pressure on the wound
• Don’t cross your legs
• Be cautious with your hip and avoid discomfort
• Use raised toilet seats and avoid low chairs. 

Risks or complications of a hip replacement

Here are the possible risks and complications of hip replacement surgery:

•       Infection
•       Dislocation
•       Fracture
•       The difference in leg length
•       Nerve or blood vessel damage
•       Allergic reactions
•       Loosening
•       When to Call The Doctor 

 When to Call The Doctor

 It is advisable to call your surgeon or healthcare provider when you experience any of the following symptoms—

•       Pain in the hips that don’t go away with medications or keeps on getting worse
•       Shaking chills
•       The outflow of fluid or any kind of bad smell from the site of the incision. 
•       Redness/swelling at the incision area (especially if it gets worse with time)
•       Fever higher than 38°C
•       Pain or swelling or redness in the calf or legs 

 Conclusion 

 It’s important to note that the recovery process can vary from person to person. Some individuals may recover more quickly, while others may take longer. Patients need to follow their doctor’s instructions, attend scheduled physical therapy sessions, and report any concerns or complications promptly.

Hip replacement surgery recovery tips

A hip replacement is one of the common and life-altering operations. It helps patients get back to normal life and improves their quality of life. Suppose you are considering or have undergone hip surgery. In that case, you should know about the important hip replacement tips that can help you understand how to support yourself during the recovery phase.

Here are some of the hip replacement recovery tips recommended by specialists to help with successful recovery from hip surgery:

• Prepare your home in advance

  Before surgery, one of the basic hip replacement recovery tips is rearranging your home to access all the necessities easily. Most importantly you will have to reorganise your kitchen and bathroom. Keep all the important things at the waist level and within easy reach.

  After coming home from surgery, you will need assistance with household chores like cleaning, cooking and shopping. Talk to your friend or family in advance to help you out for a few weeks after the surgery.

  Another hip replacement surgery recovery tips is to go shopping before surgery to buy a perching stool or chair. You will need it to move around and complete tasks. The perching stool has a seat that slopes and also has armrests. Using this type of stool can make the everyday activity less strenuous. 

• Take some time off from work.

  The recovery time depends on how you manage the phase and what hip replacement surgery recovery tips you follow. Giving yourself enough time to recover before continuing your regular activities is very important. It is expected to have three months for rehabilitation after the operation. If you have a physically demanding job, your return to work may take longer.

  Moreover, your travel convenience is also a factor to consider while looking for hip surgery recovery tips. It is best to explore a different way of working for a smoother and quicker recovery. Plan this before the surgery to avoid any issues after the operation.

• Rest, recovery and gentle exercise

  Patients tend to minimise their movement as much as possible after the surgery. Though taking adequate rest for recovery is important, moving is also important. If you stay still for too long, your body can become stiff, impacting your recovery and increasing the time.

  Therefore one should do gentle exercises like short, gentle walks in and around your home. Supervised physiotherapy, like rehabilitation programmes and hydrotherapy, includes hip surgery recovery tips.

  Consult your orthopaedic care team to support you with exercises. It is important not to overdo exercise as it could lead to more pain and loss of confidence. Hence a balance between rest and exercise is vital.

• Nutrition plays a major role.

  A healthy and balanced diet is a key hip surgery recovery tip. After surgery, the body needs to heal, and for that, it needs a varied diet. It boosts the healing process. Nutrients such as protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals must be present in your diet. Moreover, one should not try to attempt weight loss during recovery.

• Think about your holidays and travel plans

• Lying

  For the first six weeks after surgery, you should refrain from flying. You can fly short-haul after some time, but long-haul should completely be avoided for three months. Sitting for too long can increase the chances of developing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in your legs.

• Driving

  This is the basic hip replacement recovery tips you should follow if you drive. You should check with your insurance company if your policy covers you driving following a surgical procedure. You might not be insured to drive for some weeks.

You can consult with your surgical team about your after-surgery pain medication and hip replacement tips. It is important not to drive at all on strong painkillers. 

You start driving again after six weeks. In any case, one should be aware that reflexes can get impacted just after surgery. So take a comfortable position in your driving seat where you can perform an emergency stop.

These are some of the important hip replacement recovery tips that you should follow for quicker recovery. To know more about hip replacement tips, consult the doctors at Germanten Hospital. Book your appointment now.  

One of the most commonly performed elective surgeries is total joint replacement, including hip replacement. 

Total hip replacement surgery or arthroplasty is the surgical procedure in which the damaged ball-and-socket hip joint is replaced by an artificial joint made of metal or synthetic material. 

The surgery is performed to provide relief from arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and from various other hip-related issues. It helps to restore the range of motion in the joint. The surgery is only performed after conservative measures have failed to treat the underlying pain or mobility. Some of the conservative hip treatments are: 

• Pain medication
• Physical therapy
• Therapeutic exercise 
• Stretching
• Weight Management

Total Hip replacement surgery recovery time varies from one person to another. However, knowing what to expect from the recovery will help you plan effective outcomes. 

How to prepare for recovery?

During hip replacement surgery recovery time, one needs to be patient. There are various instructions that one needs to follow after the surgery. However, preparing before the surgery will help you to make the hip replacement surgery recovery time smooth. 

Before the Surgery

Steps to take before the surgery that helps to make total hip replacement surgery recovery time easier are: 

• Undergo a physical therapy program to strengthen the muscles around the hip. 
• Arrange a help who can assist you after the surgery. 
• Make changes in your home arrangements to make sure that you carry on with your daily activities after the surgery safely and efficiently. Start with putting a seat in the shower or bathtub. Install a hand-held shower. Apart from that, remove things that you can trip on and fall. 
• Consult your surgeon about what to expect and what issues to look for after the surgery. 
• If you are overweight or obese, then lose weight before undergoing surgery. 

After Surgery 

Following your healthcare provider’s instructions after the surgery is one of the most vital things. The more you follow their instructions, the easier the recovery will be. 

• Wound Care
  Always keep the wound area dry and clean for at least 3 weeks after the surgery. After that, you can either change the dressing or ask your caregiver.
• Exercises
  Physical therapy starts right after the surgery. Being consistent with the exercises after hip replacement is key to leading a safe, effective, and quick recovery phase. Your physical therapist will put together the most effective exercise routine for you. You will need to perform the exercises after hip replacement 3 to 4 times a day for various months.  

The simple exercises you do can be particularly beneficial following surgery to prevent blood clots and improve your recovery.

Ankle pumps: When sitting on the back, slowly move your foot upwards and downwards repeatedly. Repeat this exercise for one foot, and repeat it with the second. Repeat the exercise as many times as possible every 5-10 minutes.

Ankle rotations: When lying back on your back, rotate the ankle towards your body and then back towards your other foot. Perform this exercise on one foot and, afterwards, the other. Repeat five times, three or 4 times per day.

Knees bend: When lying back, bend your knee while keeping your heel on the mattress. Move your foot towards your buttocks while keeping your knee straight. Keep your knee bent for 5-10 seconds before resetting it. Repeat this exercise for one knee, and then repeat it for the other. Do this 10 times. Repeat 3-4 times a day for both legs.

Make sure you work closely with your physical trainer to keep up with the number of exercises after hip replacement you’re performing.

Take a walk frequently

One of the most effective methods to increase your fitness is to walk. In the beginning, you’ll use the walker and, later, aid for stability. As per the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, it is possible to begin walking for 5-10 minutes at a stretch three or four times per day. When your strength grows, you can increase the duration from 20-30 minutes per session to 2-3 times per day.

After recovering from your injury, you can begin a routine maintenance regimen that will require walking for 20-30 minutes at a time, three or four times per week.

Visit Germanten Hospital to know more. 

If you have undergone a total hip replacement procedure, you must take some precautions while recovering. It becomes extremely important to take these precautions, especially when you have undergone surgery through the posterior approach. 

You should take these precautions because they reduce the chances of dislocation of the hips. In this situation, the artificial ball of the upper femur gets dislocated from the artificial hip socket. 

In this article, you will understand the three precautions you need to take after undergoing hip replacement surgery. In addition, this article will also help you if you are looking for how long to recover from hip replacement on the internet. 

Recommendations 

You must avoid three movements along with heavy exercises after hip replacement through a posterior incision to ensure the artificial hip does not get dislocated. Until you have completely recovered, all your movements will be closely observed by your orthopedic surgeon. Here are a few things you should not do after hip replacement surgery:

• Stretching your hips past 90 degrees: 

  If you are looking for hip replacement exercises to avoid, you must not stretch your hips too far or list your knee too high. When you sit on a chair, see to it that your thigh should be parallel to the floor. If you are sitting on a low chair, you might have to bend your knee and hip, making it highly possible for you to dislocate your knee. 

• Crossing your operated leg over the other one: 

  One of the things not to do after hip replacement surgery is crossing your operated leg over the other one. Apart from that, you should also use a wedge such as an abduction pillow while sleeping. It will help you to keep your legs separated.
  

• Walking pigeon-toed:After undergoing a total hip replacement through the posterior approach, you must ensure not to rotate your hip inward. Therefore, you should keep your toes straight ahead or slightly rotated outwards while doing activities such as walking, sitting, standing or lying down.

Sometimes doing exercises after hip replacement can be risky and result in several complications. So you may want to have a consultation with physios at Germanten Hospitals to understand the recovery process of hip replacement and the exercises to avoid during that time.

When to call a healthcare provider?

You must contact your health care provider as soon as you experience signs that you may have dislocated your hip. Some other occasions are:

• Intense pain around the hip area and groyne. 
• Occurrence of a popping sound while you are moving. 
• If you are experiencing difficulty in walking or cannot walk at all. 
• You are not able to move the hip joint.
• If you notice that the prosthetic hip appears shorter than the other one. 

If you are confused about exercises after hip replacement, contact Germanten Hospital. Our doctors will help you understand the hip replacement recovery exercises and other details about the procedure. If you need advice regarding this, have a consultation with the doctors at Germanten Hospital. They are experts in their field, and you will get everything you need to know about.

Duration of Precautions And Recovery

After hip replacement surgery, most people follow the precautions for around 90 days. However, some health care providers might instruct you to follow the precautions for about six months. On the other hand, some others may ask you to follow them for 60 days. The duration of precaution generally depends on factors such as your general health, your level of mobility and the complexity of the procedure. It is also determined by rehabilitation and recovery after the surgery. 

Your doctor will instruct you when you can stop following the precautions. You will have to listen to the instructions of your health care provider and avoid some movements in your daily routine. Every person has a different recovery time after the procedure, so you should consult your doctor regarding that. 

If you need advice regarding hip replacement recovery exercises, consult the orthopaedic experts at Germanten Hospital. Our experts will help you understand the hip replacement recovery exercises. They will also provide information about how long you will recover from a hip replacement and which exercises to avoid. So book your appointments now for consultation regarding exercises after hip replacement.