Hip replacement surgery can help relieve pain and restore the function of your hips. Doctors recommend the procedure only after other treatments like medicine and physical therapy fail to help you.
All surgeries carry risks. Blood clots can form in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) and travel to the lung or heart, and infections are common.
1. You Can’t Do All the Things You Used to
Hip replacement surgery has become increasingly common in recent years. It’s typically recommended if other treatments, such as physiotherapy or steroid injections, haven’t helped relieve pain and improve mobility. This major operation is generally only recommended for patients who are fit enough to cope with both the operation and its recovery period.
While the majority of patients can return to most of their daily activities, there are a few things that need to be avoided at first. For example, bending over too far or crossing your legs can increase the risk of dislocating the new hip. Your hip surgeon Chicago will advise you on what exercises are safe for you to do, but most will recommend avoiding anything repetitive or high-impact.
Depending on your age and general health, you may be advised to avoid jogging and running, but you should be able to swim, cycle and perform other low-impact exercises. The exact recommendations will vary from patient to patient, so talk to your doctor for further information.
Your surgeon will select the right hip implant for you, taking into account how active you want to be in the future. They’ll also consider whether you want a ceramic ball with a plastic socket or a ceramic socket with a ceramic ball (ceramic-on-ceramic). If a ready-made implant isn’t suitable for you, your surgeon will have one made specially for you.
2. You’ll Need to Exercise Daily
After hip replacement surgery, doctors recommend walking daily and gradually increasing the amount of weight you put on your operated leg as you recover. This will reduce post-op pain, improve movement and strengthen muscles in your hips. However, it is important to talk to your doctor or physical therapist before you start a new exercise regimen to ensure your health.
After you leave the hospital, it’s best to follow the exercise instructions you receive from your therapist until you’re ready to stop. However, you should avoid any activity that involves repetitive high impact or a fall risk until your doctor gives you the green light. This includes jogging and running, as well as sports that involve contact or impact on the knees, such as basketball, soccer, football, softball and rollerblading.
In addition to walking, you can also do other low-impact exercises that help with recovery such as cycling and swimming. Some patients may be able to perform water aerobics and Pilates once they are given the okay by their surgeon. It is also a good idea to stretch your muscles daily. For example, one simple exercise you can do is to stand in front of a step with your feet hip-width apart and slowly lift your operated leg straight up as high as you can while keeping your back straight.
3. You’ll Need to Wear a Brace
A hip replacement, or arthroplasty, replaces the diseased bone and cartilage in the hip joint. This surgery is typically done to treat arthritis, hip fractures and general wear-and-tear. It’s an effective treatment for these conditions and can eliminate pain, stiffness and other symptoms.
Before you have your surgery, it’s important to prepare for recovery. Talk to your doctor about arranging for help at home and making sure you have the proper equipment. You should also arrange for transportation to and from the hospital.
You’ll likely spend 3 to 5 days in the hospital after your operation, but it depends on your situation. You’ll have a nurse, physical therapist and occupational therapist to help you during your recovery.
When your hospital discharges you, you’ll be able to walk around using a frame or cane and will have learned exercises that help you move better. You can continue these exercises outside the hospital until you’re ready to return to your daily activities.
One common problem that can delay recovery is the development of a blood clot in a deep vein in the pelvis or leg. This can be life-threatening if it breaks free and travels to your lungs. To prevent a blood clot, your doctor will outline a prevention program. This may include blood-thinning medication, support hose or inflatable leg coverings.
4. You’ll Need to Stay Active
After hip surgery, your surgeon will teach you stretches and exercises to improve hip movement. It’s important to continue these exercises at home to strengthen the muscles that support your new hip and prevent future problems. You may also need to use a cane or walker. You should never put more weight on your operated leg than is recommended. This could cause blood clots, increase hip pain and slow recovery.
Your physical therapist will recommend simple exercise to get your new hip moving as soon as possible after surgery, Dr. Ast says. These exercises will likely start with daily walking, which you should slowly increase each week. Eventually, you’ll be able to walk more and more, but it may take months to fully recover from hip replacement surgery.
Depending on the surgical method your doctor uses, you may need to take special precautions when sitting, bending or sleeping. These will vary from person to person, and your doctor or physical therapist will explain them to you in detail.
Before your hip operation, make sure you’re prepared by creating clear pathways around your home. You may need to move furniture or remove throw rugs to make walking easier. You’ll also need a dependable form of transportation to get you to and from physical therapy appointments and your follow-up visits with your surgeon.
