Long Recovery Time The length of recovery from hip fractures among older patients can increase with age. In general, the older individuals are and the greater number of conditions they have, the longer it can take to recover. The recovery time for a hip replacement ranges from four weeks to up to six months.
On average, patients can expect to take six weeks to three months before resuming everyday activities and getting back into sport and exercise. Full recovery can take upwards of a year. Swimming, tennis, walking and golf after a hip replacement are all excellent options to explore to keep fit.
A total hip replacement is a major surgery. With walking and other physical therapy done daily, a patient can expect to be back in their usual routine in about six weeks. If you have more questions about recovering from total hip replacement surgery, contact Dr. Dan Albright at 919-863-6808.
Dr. Shekhman has reassured plenty of 70- and 80-year-old patients: Not only are they not too old for a joint replacement — they're in the most common age group. “Patients in their 70s and 80s are old enough to have worn out their joints, but usually healthy enough to go through surgery,” says Dr. Shekhman.
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Many people can return to normal activity 12 weeks after their procedure. It's important to avoid overdoing it — and to expect some good days along with some bad ones. Sometimes, full recovery from hip replacement surgery takes six months and up to a year.
For females who underwent surgical treatment for hip fracture, estimated life expectancy would be 8.2 years for those aged 70 years, 4.8 years for those aged 80 years, and 2.8 years for those aged 90 years.
Many individuals will have excellent pain control as soon as 4 to 6 weeks following surgery. It is common for patients to be tired following a total hip replacement, which is due in part to anesthesia, blood loss, pain, and the necessity of prescription pain medications.
Remember you can't bend more than 90 degrees in those early days, so ensure everyday items are stored at waist height. It's also worth thinking about hiring a raised toilet seat and a shower chair. Setting up a recovery station is a great way to avoid unnecessarily getting up and down when you're trying to recover.
Most patients, even if they live alone, can safely go directly home from the hospital after hip or knee replacement surgery, according to a recent study.
This is why most people are encouraged to delay total hip replacement until at least their 60s, if possible. If you are in your 40s or 50s, a new hip is likely to wear out during your lifetime. Then you'll need to have revision surgery to take out the old one and replace it.
You can expect to experience some discomfort in the hip region itself, as well as groin pain and thigh pain. This is normal as your body adjusts to changes made to joints in that area. There can also be pain in the thigh and knee that is typically associated with a change in the length of your leg.
The Don'ts
Don't lean forward while sitting or as you sit down. Don't try to pick up something on the floor while you are sitting. Don't turn your feet excessively inward or outward when you bend down. Don't reach down to pull up blankets when lying in bed.
It is important to gradually increase your out-of-home activity during the first few weeks after surgery. If you do too much activity, your hip may become more swollen and painful.
One of the most common serious medical complications related to joint replacement surgery is blood clots. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) refers to a blood clot in the leg and is called a deep vein thrombosis. A sudden increase in leg swelling along with calf tenderness may be the first sign of a blood clot in the leg.
The effectiveness of exercises differs from patient to patient. However, walking is generally considered as the best exercise following total hip replacement. This is because it helps to promote hip movement and is a low-impact activity.
To recover fast and be more comfortable after the hip replacement procedure, you should have someone living with you for the first 3 to 4 days. Then, when you're discharged from the hospital, ensure there's someone in your home to help and provide continuous care, especially in the next 24 to 48 hours.
When can I do housework? You should be able to help with light domestic chores within a few weeks after your surgery. You should avoid heavy tasks like vacuum cleaning and changing beds for at least 6 weeks after your surgery.
How will I do housework/kitchen activities? Continue to be aware of the hip precautions. when you return home. Housework such as vacuuming can be resumed as comfortable after six weeks.
After undergoing hip replacement surgery, you can expect to go through a process of healing and recovery. During this period, navigating around your home and climbing stairs may seem intimidating. However, with a little patience and support, you'll easily get back to enjoying your activities in no time.
Normally, driving should be avoided for the first 6 weeks and even travelling as a passenger is best avoided for the first three weeks (except for essential journeys), as getting in and out of a car can risk straining the hip and stretching the healing tissues.
Instructions after first postop visit (6-8 weeks after surgery): You should now be comfortable in walking with a cane or nothing at all, placing full weight on the operated leg.
Seniors should avoid hip flexion past 90 degrees — bending your hip too far or lifting your knee too high. This movement occurs when you lift your leg or your knee up towards your body. For example, when you put on socks or shoes. Generally, keep the knee below hip level.
Try to sit in a straight back chair (avoid low sofas, recliners, or zero-gravity chairs) for the first 6 weeks. Do NOT sleep in a recliner. Your hip will get stiff in a flexed position and be harder to straighten out. Do not extend your hip or leg backwards for 6 weeks.