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.
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.
Most people will fully recover from hip replacement surgery within a few months to a year, but recovery times vary for each patient. Expect about one to four days of bed rest immediately after surgery, but physical rehabilitation usually starts the same day as your procedure.
You will need help preparing meals, bathing, moving around the house, and doing other daily activities. Over time, you should be able to return to your former level of activity. You will need to avoid some sports, such as downhill skiing or contact sports like football and soccer.
The best position to sleep in after total hip replacement is on your back with a pillow between your legs. You can also sleep on your non-operative side with two pillows lined between your legs. When you're sleeping on your back, make sure you don't cross your ankles or legs.
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.
Pain related to the surgery itself can be associated with the implant, bone alterations, and soft tissue or nerve injuries. The situation complicates when history, clinical examination, and plain radiography fail to locate the exact origin of hip pain.
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.
With modern hip surgery, you can be up in a matter of days instead of weeks. Physical activity, especially that is performed under the guidance of a physical therapist, is key to your eventual recovery. You will learn how to do everyday tasks using your new hip, including climbing stairs.
You should use the raised toilet seat for six weeks following your operation. comply with the hip precautions. Do not use a rocking/swivel chair, as they are unstable and not safe.
Conclusion: Surgeons may allow patients to resume driving within 1 week after anterior hip replacement and return to work within 3 weeks if they are medically fit and deemed safe.
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.
There is no official cut-off age for getting a hip replacement. In fact, trends indicate that hip replacements have a higher success rate in older patients than younger ones! This means, as long as patients are healthy, hip replacements are possible well past the 75 – 79 age bracket.
When showering, you can stand and shower for about 15 minutes, standing on both feet. Sitting is also an option you can explore. Hip Replacement: After a hip replacement, it is advised to have help washing and drying your feet as you may not bend more than 90 degrees at the hip.
Going to the bathroom doesn't have to cause any worry after hip replacement surgery. There are just a few steps to take so that you don't experience unnecessary pain or discomfort: Lean on your non-operated hip for support. Support yourself even more with your arm/elbow on the same side.
Tub/Shower
To make sure the surgical sites stay dry, cover the dressing with "Glad Press and Seal." Note: Your post-surgical dressing is water proof. Transfer into the tub from a seated position if possible, sitting on a shower chair or tub-transfer bench and then swinging your legs into the tub from a seated position.