Hip replacement patients will need to be extra careful with their new hip, especially in the weeks following the surgery. After hip replacement, you are usually discharged a day or two after the surgery. Preparation should have been made prior to the surgery for a more comfortable and ultimately successful recovery.
Caring For Your Hip Replacement At Home
- Careful Movements Aim for careful movements following a hip replacement. Avoid sudden or forceful movements that can lead to injury. There are movement limitations you should follow, such as avoiding bending and crossing your legs. Avoid bending far forward and pulling your leg up in a hip flexion that is greater than a 90-degree angle. Avoid crossing your legs when sitting and lying down. When seated, try to change positions and stand every 30 minutes. When lying down, avoid laying on the side of the new hip or your stomach. Place a pillow between your thighs.
- Self-Care Sit down when getting dressed to avoid having to do a deep forward bend. When showering, use a shower chair and keep a rubber mat in the tub or shower to avoid slipping. If you need assistance with bathing, ask for it. Install a raised toilet seat to ensure the hips are kept at a higher level than the knees. A post-surgical abductor pillow helps keep the hip in proper alignment.
- Physical Therapy A physical therapist will teach you light exercises that gradually strengthen the hip joint and leg muscles. Hip replacement patients have an extensive physical therapy program to complete. Aside from physical therapy exercises, the physical therapist will teach you how to safely get out of bed, sit down, and put weight on the affected leg. They will also teach you how to make use of assistive devices for safer and more comfortable movement. You can start your strengthening and range of motion exercises while in bed. Use a cane or walker when walking, and stand up as straight as you can. Follow the weight limitations your surgeon recommends. Take small steps and walk slowly.
- Activity Limitations Contact and high-intensity sports such as basketball, football, and volleyball should be avoided. This is true even after you have made a full recovery from the hip replacement. Sports that you may participate in after a hip replacement include gold, bowling, cycling, and swimming. Low-impact sports help prevent hip replacement complications.
Patients who have any questions about how to take care of their hip replacement are advised to ask their health care team. With proper care, and barring any complications, hip implants can last up to 25 years.
Hip Replacement Surgeon in Merriam, KS
At Midwest Orthopaedics, our health care team focuses on helping patients recover from hip replacement surgery effectively and efficiently. We also provide extensive physical therapy services to help our patients with pain management and to get them back the full function of their hip. To make an appointment, call Midwest Orthopaedics or use our online form.
