The three key rules after hip replacement focus on preventing dislocation: don't bend your hip past 90 degrees (an 'L' shape), don't cross your legs or ankles, and don't twist or turn your hip inward (pigeon-toe), instead keeping your toes and kneecaps pointing forward to maintain stability and protect the new joint. These precautions help avoid serious complications, especially in the first few weeks.
Do not bend your hip more than ninety degrees; do not sit in low or overstuffed sofas and chairs; do not sit in bucket seats in cars; do not pick up items from the floor – use a grabbing device.
I would like you to be comfortable putting on your shoes and socks by 3 months postoperative. Remember that stretching is a dynamic process and will continue to improve. Otherwise, you are free to enjoy your new hip!
You likely won't be able to sit at the bottom of a bathtub to bathe for about 3 months. You should bathe from a sitting position at the sink, in the tub, or in a walk-in shower using a chair for the first 3 months after your surgery.
Movements to avoid
Medical Complications
Hip replacement can temporarily worsen any existing medical condition. The most frequent medical complication after hip replacement is blood clots. We take steps to prevent blood clots during and after hospitalization. If they do occur, they require treatment.
Sitting Position
Conversely, lying down offers greater relaxation and optimal weight distribution, potentially reducing postoperative discomfort. Patients are advised to use supportive pillows or cushions to maintain alignment while lying down, thus preventing excessive strain on the healing hip joint.
One week after hip replacement surgery, you will likely be walking only short distances to help your body slowly adjust and heal. Most people begin by walking around their home or down a short hallway, usually about 100 to 300 feet each time.
Following first-time (or what we call primary) hip replacement and knee replacement surgery, you will be able to place all of your weight on your leg. There would be no restriction to weight bearing. We will suggest that you use crutches, or most patients use a walker. Now, the walker is for stability.
You may travel as a passenger in a car as soon as you leave hospital and certainly to get home from the hospital. You should not drive for at least six weeks or at your surgeon's discretion.
If you stop wearing compression socks too soon after surgery it may have some negative consequences. This can include: Increased swelling. Blood clots.
Gentle exercise is beneficial, such as short, gentle walks around your home and outside. Supervised physiotherapy, like rehabilitation programmes and hydrotherapy, can also help improve recovery in the weeks following surgery.
After a hip replacement, many patients can kneel down after completing the precautionary period of three months. The safe way to do this is to perform a single-legged kneel whereby the patient kneels on the knee of the operated side only.
Preventing and treating blood clots after hip and knee replacement surgery is an important part of your recovery. Joint replacement patients are at highest risk for developing a DVT two to 10 days after surgery, and remain at risk for approximately three months.
Best Types of Exercise After Total Hip Replacement
Exercise machines such as stationary bikes, elliptical trainers and treadmills are all excellent options for people who've recently had hip replacement surgery because they can provide a good workout for the heart and lungs while being relatively low-impact.
Increased soreness or swelling in the groin or thigh is a sign your body is trying to tell you to slow down and that you may be overdoing it. Remember that the most important part of walking again is increasing your duration and distance.
Although it is unusual for you to be pain-free by six weeks after surgery, we do recommend that you stop taking narcotic pain medications at that time and use over-the-counter medications (for example, Tylenol and/or Aleve).
Other items that may help:
A shoe with good shock absorption is preferred, such as the S.A.S. brand or a tennis shoe. Dress shoes should have a wide heel (no spikes) and not be higher than 2 inches. The higher the heel the more it alters the weight-bearing forces on the joints, causing pain and wear on the joints.
Ensure the chair you are going to sit on is the recommended height for you, ensuring your hip is above the level of your knee and is firm and upright with armrests. If you want to put your feet up when sitting ensure that this does not cause your hip to bend less than the recommended 90° angle.
A: Yes. You will be able to negotiate stairs immediately after surgery and instructed by physical therapy on the appropriate way to do so. Be aware that excessive use of stairs may increase the swelling and discomfort around the knee and as such, try to limit the number of stairs you use initially.
Affected Muscles During Surgery.
The muscles affected in surgery are actually connected to the pelvis. The levator ani muscle is vital in supporting the pelvic organs. After surgery, therefore, it is common for individuals to lose control over urination.
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.
One of the most common complaints after total hip replacement is difficulty sleeping. The most common cause of sleep disruption is pain. It has been reported that more than half of patients wake up with pain after hip replacement.