To avoid dislocation, always get out of bed on your non-affected side and get into bed on your affected side. For example, if your right hip had the surgery, get out on the left side of your bed and then get into the right side of your bed.
Remember to go up the step with your nonsurgical leg first, then bring your surgical leg up to the same step. "Up with the good." Also remember to go down the step with your surgical leg first, then bring your nonsurgical leg down to the same step.
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 things you should be conscious of is the way you sleep, as some positions will better support your hip's recovery and reduce any risk of dislocation. It's important to follow these sleeping precautions for 6 to 12 weeks after surgery, depending on your health and personal recovery.
You should not bend your hip beyond 60 to 90 degrees for the first six to 12 weeks after surgery. Do not cross your legs or ankles, either.
Pain and Discomfort: First and foremost, whether you've had a hip or knee replacement, you're going to be in pain. This pain will last for several weeks (even months) until it's well under control again. In the meantime, it's undoubtedly affecting how well you're sleeping at night.
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.
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.
Expect moderate to severe swelling in the first few weeks after surgery. You may also have mild to moderate swelling for 3 to 6 months after surgery. To reduce swelling, elevate your leg slightly and apply ice. Wearing compression stockings may also help reduce swelling.
When a person has this procedure, their body has undergone significant trauma to replace the damaged joint. While this will reduce pain and discomfort in the long term, it can cause acute pain in the short term. Most people can expect mild to moderate swelling and pain to subside in 3–6 months.
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.
Sleep on a firm bed or mattress. Use a pillow(s) between your knees to avoid crossing your surgical leg across the middle of your body. Change positions as you become uncomfortable.
Normally, driving should be avoided for the first 6 weeks and even travelling as a passenger is best avoided for the first three weeks (except for essential journeys), as getting in and out of a car can risk straining the hip and stretching the healing tissues.
Loosening of the implants can occur shortly after surgery or even years later. If the acetabular portion of the replacement, known as the cup, becomes loose, you may experience groin and buttock pain.
After hip replacement surgery, you will need a raised toilet seat on your toilet at home. This is to make sure that your knees are not higher than your hips when sitting. including the toilet seat. Your therapist will then tell you what size toilet seat you need.
You'll need to do exercises that strengthen and stretch the muscles around your hip joint. You'll also slowly return to climbing stairs, bending and walking. You'll regain your range of motion and strength over time. It might be six to 12 weeks before you're able to use your hip with no restrictions.
The effectiveness of exercises differs from patient to patient. However, walking is generally considered as the best exercise following total hip replacement. This is because it helps to promote hip movement and is a low-impact activity.
Remember you can't bend more than 90 degrees in those early days, so ensure everyday items are stored at waist height. It's also worth thinking about hiring a raised toilet seat and a shower chair. Setting up a recovery station is a great way to avoid unnecessarily getting up and down when you're trying to recover.