You're not alone. Having an orthopedic surgery can leave you feeling tired for weeks or months after the procedure. Here's a list of 7 main causes of fatigue after surgery: surgical stress, blood loss, medications, pain after surgery, energy of healing, dietary changes, and sleep disturbance.
It is common for patients to be tired following a total hip replacement, which is due in part to anesthesia, blood loss, pain, and the necessity of prescription pain medications. This fatigue will slowly resolve over the course of the first 6 weeks following surgery.
How long does post-surgical fatigue last? There is no set time limit on how long post-surgical fatigue lasts. This is because different procedures have varying effects on your body. The more intensive the surgical procedure is, the longer your recovery time will be, including the exhaustion you're feeling.
Here's a list of 7 main causes of fatigue after surgery: surgical stress, blood loss, medications, pain after surgery, energy of healing, dietary changes, and sleep disturbance. Undergoing even a minor procedure puts a big stress on your body.
For an older person having lengthy, major surgery, it may take six months to feel normal, though much of that would likely be due to healing from the surgery itself. A younger person having a short, minor operation may feel fine and be back at work the next day.
How long can I expect to be limping for after my operation? There are many reasons for a limp. This is expected for the first few months after your operation. The majority will have settled after 3 months, some may continue to limp up to 12 months after the operation.
Most people can expect mild to moderate swelling and pain to subside in 3–6 months. According to 2015 data, post-operative pain becomes chronic in about 10% of people who receive a total hip replacement. This means the pain is ongoing.
Many people return to normal activities within 10 to 12 weeks after surgery, but full recovery can take six to 12 months. Pain usually goes away during this time, but some people feel some pain beyond the first year.
It is important to gradually increase your out-of-home activity during the first few weeks after surgery. If you do too much activity, your hip may become more swollen and painful.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are 2 popular supplements used for joint health. While these supplements are commonly associated with reducing pain and inflammation in joints, studies show glucosamine may also contribute to strengthening bones and joints.
Lifting the knee as high as you can without rotating the pelvis, breathe for 1 long second at the top and bring your leg back down. Do this about 10 times. After 1 set, rest for 20 seconds and repeat this exercise for 2 more sets.
After 2–3 months of partial or total hip replacement, a person may be able to resume daily activities but should continue with daily physical therapy and regular walking. As pain and stiffness typically subside by this point, a person may be able to work on improving the following in their hip: strength. flexibility.
Do You Need More Sleep When Injured? Yes, growth hormones need to be released in greater amounts when our body is healing from an injury. These hormones are released during the 'deep sleep' phase of your sleep cycle, which recurs approximately every 90 minutes.
It might be a problem with the artificial joint, or you may have an infection. The pain also could be related to a condition called hip flexor tendinitis. To find out the underlying cause, make an appointment to see your surgeon to have your situation evaluated soon.
If pain was present right from the outset, it may indicate infection or a periprosthetic fracture. Impingement or early failure of osseointegration may also cause pain to have been present right from the first day of surgery. A pain free interval followed by pain may indicate loosening or late infection.
Surgical Procedure
The surgeon makes one incision to the front of the hip, about 4 inches long. The surgeon then pushes the muscles aside to access the hip joint to begin the replacement. At no time during the surgery are any muscles cut. The femur (thigh bone) is separated from the acetabulum (hipbone socket).
CAUSES OF A TRENDELENBURG GAIT
When the hip is replaced, there are two potential problems. The first is that the leg length may be unintentionally altered following the hip replacement. This is due to the surgeon. The second is because of a weakness in the gluteal (buttock) muscles.
In most cases, you can return to light activities or office-based work after around six weeks. If your work is physically demanding it may take up to 12 weeks before you can return. You should avoid extreme movements or sports with a risk of falls (eg skiing and horse riding) after having a hip replacement.
You have a window of time immediately after your surgery in which you can restore the range of motion in your new joint. If you don't move and engage in physical therapy, however, scar tissue develops that restricts movement and your muscles weaken.
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.
The surgery itself causes tissue injury. After surgery, your body undergoes repair and recovery, which drives a higher baseline metabolic rate and draws on your nutrient stores. So it isn't surprising such intense activity at a cellular level results in feeling tired after surgery.