Pause & Check How to Take Care After Hip Replacement Surgery

What to Do and What Not to Do After Hip Replacement Surgery 

Hip replacement surgery, commonly known as hip arthroplasty, is used to treat hip discomfort. Artificial implants are used to replace sections of the hip joint during surgery. A ball at the head of the femur, commonly known as the thigh bone, and a socket make up the hip joint in the pelvis, also known as the hip bone. Hip replacement surgery involves the replacement of one or both sections of the hip. The procedure’s aim is to allow you to continue normal everyday activities and exercises with minimal pain. 

For a lot of people, hip replacement surgery becomes a crucial step in getting back to good health. The majority of patients feel the pain reduction by itself makes it worthwhile, and the enhanced mobility and hip function drastically enhance a person’s quality of life by returning freedom and the ability to engage in activities. According to studies, more than 80% of hip replacements last at least 15 years and more than 70% last at least 20 years, making it an excellent alternative for the long-term treatment of hip issues caused by severe arthritis. 

However, every medical procedure brings with it risks and a lot of those are complications on the patient’s end. Here are some ways to avoid that the surgery remains successful for a long time: 

DON’Ts: 

1. Do not bend more than 90 degrees at the waist. 

Try to remember that a recent surgery means that you are far more vulnerable, medically. Even a procedure as generally successful as hip replacement comes with limitations. It doesn’t take you back to being young and you no longer heal that quickly.  

Bending at the waist can cause permanent damage to the body. Bending down to tie your shoes, sitting in a low chair, or any other action that requires bending at the waist is an example of this. These exercises increase the likelihood of the replacement hip dislocating. 

1. Do not extend your knees past your hips. 

Another risk is bending your knee past your hips. Bending over too much at the waist can dislocate the hip from its socket, and elevating your knees such that they are higher than your hip can do the same. 

1. You should not cross your legs. 

Crossing your legs, especially crossing the operated leg over the non-operated leg, may be restricted merely for a few days or weeks following your operation, or for much longer, depending on the type of hip replacement surgery you’ve had. A displaced hip joint might also arise from this motion. 

1. Don’t rotate or twist at the hips. 

Try to maintain your chest and hips pointed in the same direction as much as possible. Any action taken too quickly that jerks the new hip or causes too much distress to the operated area should be avoided at all costs. Some action is unavoidable and it is usually okay, but try to minimise it as much as you can. The lesser you obstruct the healing process, the quicker the joint will heal. 

1. You should not rotate your feet too far inward or outward. 

Make an effort to maintain your toes and feet pointed in the same direction as your hips. This applies whether you are walking, standing, sitting, or lying down. 

1. Do not drive until your doctor has cleared you. 

Driving after hip replacement is unique to each individual. Some people can drive after a few weeks of having hip replacement surgery, while others require longer time to recuperate and drive safely. Before you drive, consult with your doctor to ensure that you’re safe on the road and that it won’t interfere with your recovery process. 

1. Avoid heavy activities and sports. 

Without first seeking permission, do not play tennis, downhill ski, water ski, run, jog, or engage in other physically demanding sports that need fast starts and pauses. Weightlifting is also not recommended. 

Do not engage in sexual activity until your six-week follow-up appointment has passed and your doctor has granted you permission; intercourse will be unpleasant in the first few weeks after surgery. Do not hurry the healing process. 

1. Do not hurry the healing process. 

We understand how important it is for you to regain your independence, but the last thing you want is to injure yourself again- this time worse or permanently. If you do not feel ready to resume everyday activities after being discharged from the hospital, you have the option of recuperating at our highly skilled facility. You will get the rehabilitative treatment you need to mend and heal at your own speed. 

Now that we know what not to do, here are the things you should necessarily do. 

DOs: 

1. Use Assistive Devices 

Use crutches or a walker to help you walk. Despite those, always be careful, a fall may lead to further, permanent, injuries. To keep your operated leg out to the side, use cushions between your legs or under your knee on the side of your new hip replacement in bed. When putting on shoes and socks, always use assistance gadgets. 

1. Exercise 

Post-surgery our specialist will provide you specific instructions on what exercise you need to do everyday. Make sure you follow all her instructions. Daily movement and exercise can help you restore joint and muscle function. We can offer strengthening and mobility exercises, as per your individual needs, as well as teach you how to use a walking aid like a walker, cane, or crutches. You will be able to progressively increase the amount of weight you put on your leg as therapy advances until you are able to walk without assistance. 

1. Use elevated seating. 

As mentioned before, bending during the early days of post-surgical freedom, you will need to use elevated seating to ensure you don’t hurt yourself or dislocate the new joint. Your body is still getting used to it and it is not ideal to have low seats. Make sure all your chairs, sofas and so forth are high. 

This includes your toilet seat. Under no circumstances should you use an Indian style toilet. Use a raised toilet seat or a bedside commode. You may get one from a local medical supply store or borrow one from a local community organisation. 

We understand how hard it can be to have a replaced hip. Surgeries can develop complications and even when successful, they can cause you some pain before they make you feel better. While most people are able to re-join normal life, for others it may be quite tough to live with. We at Radiance Hospitals understand how difficult it may be. This is why we have specialists at Radiance Hospitals who have the knowledge, education, training and licence to assist you during this difficult time. We work hard to ensure that while you may face hard struggles, you are never alone and always have a team that is ready to guide you and care for you through your journey. Book your appointment with Radiance Hospitals for the further guidance for surgery or post-hip replacement instructions.