If you are considering a hip replacement, you may have questions about what happens after the surgery. It is important to know that you can expect a full recovery, and that your new hip can last for many years. You will be able to resume your normal physical activities, like playing, working out, running and all daily activities, once you have fully healed. Don’t let fear or uncertainty hold you back from living your best life. A hip replacement can give you the mobility and freedom you need to enjoy your favorite activities again.
In this blog, we will discuss about hip replacement surgery and how long it takes to return to daily activities. You can also hunt an orthopaedic doctor near me on google for more knowledge about hip replacement surgery.
Hip replacement surgery
- Hip replacement surgery is also known as hip arthroplasty.
- It is a surgical procedure that involves removing the damaged parts of the hip joint and replacing them with an artificial implant.
- This surgery is typically performed to relieve pain and improve mobility in individuals who have severe arthritis or a hip injury.
There are two main types of hip replacement surgery: total hip replacement and partial hip replacement.
- In total hip replacement, both the acetabulum (the socket of the hip joint) and the femoral head (the ball of the hip joint) are replaced with artificial implants.
- Partial hip replacement involves the replacement of only the femoral head. This type of surgery is usually performed in specific cases, such as when only the femoral head is damaged.
Hospital discharge after surgery
The discharge from the hospital after your surgery depends on your recovery rate. If you have a good recovery rate, then your hospital stay will last 2-3 days. Before the doctor gives you discharge, he will check that you fulfill the following goals:
- You can get in or out of the bed yourself.
- You are able to eat, drink and use the bathroom.
- You can walk with the help of the assistive device.
- You can climb up and down two or three stairs yourself.
- You are able to perform prescribed exercise.
If you are able to accomplish these goals, you can go home and take the necessary precautions prescribed by an orthopedic doctor.
Early rehabilitation phase
You can expect the following things in this phase:
Pain management
Your post-operative pain will be managed with proper medication and some physical therapies as prescribed by the experts after your surgery.
Strengthening exercise
You can start some strengthening exercises such as ankle pumps, and calf and toe raises after your hip replacement. This will improve the flexibility and mobility of the hip joint.
Weight-bearing activities
In this phase, you can start walking with assisted devices and progress towards independent walking. After this gradually increase weight-bearing activities.
Balance training
Exercise and physical therapy improves stability and balance to prevent falls.
Intermediate rehabilitation phase
This phase of recovery brings you closer to the proper recovery after your surgery. The things you feel and expect in this stage of recovery:
Advance strengthening exercise
You should go one step forward in this phase and start more advanced exercises. It will help you in more stability and flexibility.
Functional activities
Start bending up and down and stair climbing in this phase of recovery.
Advance rehabilitation phase
In the advanced stages of rehabilitation, you are ready for daily and specific activities such as:
Sports activities
You have to start your sports-specific training in this phase.
Cardiovascular activities
Start cardiovascular exercises like stationary biking or swimming to start the healing process.
Sexual activity
Search for an orthopaedic doctor near me on google and ask about how soon you can safely resume sexual activity. Depending on your condition, the doctor will prescribe you when to resume sexual activity after surgery.
Air travel
Ask your doctor before planning for air travel after your surgery. Change in pressure causes swelling in your leg. Also, tell the screener about your surgery before undergoing a metal detector.
Dos and don’ts to protect your new hip after surgery
Here are some common precautions that you should keep in mind:
The Don’ts
- Avoid crossing your legs at the knees for at least 6 to 8 weeks.
- Do not lift your knee higher than your hip.
- Avoid leaning forward while sitting or as you sit down.
- Do not try to pick up anything from the floor while sitting.
- Avoid turning your feet excessively inward or outward when bending down.
The Dos
- Keep your legs facing forward.
- Keep the affected leg in front when sitting or standing.
- If you have posterior hip precautions, use a high chair or barstool in the kitchen to avoid bending your hip more than 90°.
- Kneel on the knee of the operated leg (the bad side).
- Use ice to reduce pain and swelling, but don’t apply it directly to the skin.
- Apply heat before exercising to help with range of motion.
Outlook
Are you or someone you know suffering from chronic hip pain? Hip replacement surgery can be a life-changing solution. However, returning to work after the surgery can be a challenge due to the recovery time and physical therapy involved. The duration before you can return to work may vary depending on several factors.
Nevertheless, most patients can expect to return to work within 4-12 weeks following the surgery. For the best guidance on when it is safe to resume work, it is advisable to consult with an orthopedic doctor. Do not let chronic hip pain limit your life. Book a consultation at Eva Hospital today and get your life back on track.
