Walker is used for ambulation for the first week. You can start using a cane the second week and you should use it for at least one week. You can come off the cane when you can walk without the cane and without a limp. Stairs should be done using the non-operative leg and a cane.
Generally, I advise patients to walk only a few hundred yards a day total until they get to around six weeks. By that point, the implants are ingrown with bone, meaning that the bone is fused to the implant.
Most hip replacement patients are able to walk within the same day or next day of surgery; most can resume normal routine activities within the first 3 to 6 weeks of their total hip replacement recovery.
It's best to avoid sleeping on your affected side for at least six weeks. After your doctor gives you the go-ahead, listen to your body, and only lie on your operative side when you feel comfortable.
Patients with hip osteoarthritis have greater hip loading on the healthy side than on the affected side. A cane can reduce the ground reaction force and hip joint load on the affected side.
The best sleeping position for your hip is to lie on your back with a pillow between your legs. This will ensure you won't twist your body during sleep, which could put you at risk of your new hip popping out of its socket.
The precautions are prescribed for 6 weeks postoperatively to foster proper healing and prevent hip dislocation. Hip precautions encourage patients to avoid bending at the hip past 90°, twisting their leg in or out, and crossing their legs.
Can I Climb up and Go Down Stairs? You'll need to restrict activities that require bending, twisting and pivoting for the first four weeks. As your muscles and ligaments get stronger, you can climb up and descend stairs normally after a month.
Returning to normal after your hip surgery
You should be able to stop using your crutches within 4 to 6 weeks and feel back to normal after about 3 months. After this time you should be able to perform all your normal activities.
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. At this point, if you haven't already done so, you may wean to using 1 crutch or cane in the opposite hand/arm.
In the beginning, walk for 5 to 10 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day. As your strength and endurance improve, you can walk for 20 to 30 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day. Once you have fully recovered, regular walks of 20 to 30 minutes, 3 to 4 times a week, will help maintain your strength.
If challenges go beyond feeling slightly unsteady and off-balance while walking, and beyond needing a little extra support, it is definitely a good idea to consider the addition of a walker. Canes do not support a patient's full weight and only provide support to one side of the body.
A cane can be helpful if you have minor problems with balance or stability, some weakness in your leg or trunk, an injury, or a pain. If you are elderly, using a single point cane may help you to walk more comfortably and safely and, in some cases, may make it easier for you to continue living independently.
This can be the same day as your surgery. We recommend initially that you use two crutches both indoors and out until you are confident to mobilise around the house with only one (held in the opposite hand) or none. Outdoors it is advisable to keep two crutches until you can mobilise without a pronounced limp.
The Don'ts
Don't cross your legs at the knees for at least 6 to 8 weeks. Don't bring your knee up higher than your hip. 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.
If you bend over too far at the waist, your hip can pop out of its socket. The same thing can happen if you lift your knees higher than your hip.
“On average, hip replacement recovery can take around two to four weeks, but everyone is different,” says Thakkar.
Walking is good for hip pain and you should try to walk as much as you can each day. You'll find that in time and with consistency, your hip pain will diminish, and in a best case scenario, it will disappear altogether.