Complete Recovery Guide for Hip Replacement Surgery

Recovery from a hip replacement involves several stages. Preparing for the surgery and knowing what you can and cannot do in the days and weeks following surgery are two of them. Planning for at least three days or more is essential because hospital stays often last for two days or lesser.

If nothing goes wrong, your hospital stay will be brief. You should be aware of whether you will return home right away or visit a physical rehabilitation centre. You will have access to a lot of skilled assistance throughout treatment.

You’ll need assistance when you get home if you’re travelling straight from the hospital, and you’ll want your house to be ready for your limited mobility. Since the surgery will already be one that would be tiresome, here are a few tips to guide you through the entire process and to help you recover as soon as possible.

What happens after surgery?
You’ll be given an antibiotic and pain medicine following surgery. Your surgeon could advise medication or physiotherapy to avoid blood clots. You may be prescribed medicine, instructed to wear special stockings for two to three days after surgery, and instructed to perform ankle pumps to reduce your risk of developing a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) after surgery. Depending on the method your surgeon prefers to use to close the wound, you might need to schedule an appointment to have any staples or exterior sutures removed.

Any of the following symptoms should require the immediate attention of your surgeon:

• Excessive redness
• Ache or swell
• Drainage from the wound
• Lumps or acne
• Anything else you find troubling

If there is no complication to look out for after your surgery, your physical therapy will start within a day.

What You Can Do to Improve your Recovery
The most effective surgical operation overall, across all surgical subspecialties, is hip replacement surgery, with patient satisfaction usually reported at 95% or above. A hip replacement allows patients to have active, healthy lifestyles and is known to greatly raise people’s quality of life.

The only restrictions you can anticipate after having a hip replacement, according to your surgeon, are those that are connected to your range of motion. Here are some things that you can do to ensure a faster recovery period.

• Stay mobile
  It’s crucial to begin walking once the stiffness and pain have subsided, as well as while they are still there. Physical therapy is crucial to healing, but it must be carried out carefully and properly. A smart tip is to remove any clutter from the house, such as throw rugs. It will take some time to correct your posture, and slipups are possible. Physical treatment and 30-minute workout sessions, either in place of or in addition to it, will accelerate healing. Always be careful and keep an eye out for any potential problems, such as persistent pain.
• Adjust the daily tasks
  It’s crucial to keep in mind what you can and cannot do right away after surgery. For instance, driving must wait three to six weeks following surgery, prolonged walking must be postponed until the stitches are removed, and showering must be avoided to keep the scar dry. Showers and frequent baths are not an option, thus sponge baths can be opted for. Prior to the surgery, other arrangements for driving should be made, such as working from home or using a transport service.
• Maintain a healthy diet and weight
  It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on a patient’s nutrition since those who have had hip replacement surgery are less active. Losing activity can result in weight gain, which can negate the advantages of the replacement altogether.

  Before and after a hip replacement, there are many things to think about. Following surgery, the first few days will be difficult. It will take several weeks before you can resume your regular exercise routine and longer walks. Don’t rush the healing process; most people may resume an active lifestyle after a hip replacement with time.

• Take help of a physiotherapist
  You’ll need to exercise using your new hip after surgery to walk and move about. To help you with this, consult a physical therapist. It’s crucial that you show up for your physiotherapy appointments. You will build strength by carefully adhering to the therapist’s instructions. Additionally, it will assist you in regaining your mobility. You should be able to return to many regular household tasks as the weeks pass.

How can I get proper sleep and rest after getting a hip replacement?
After your hip replacement, certain sleeping positions are preferable, while others should be avoided. Here are a few useful pointers:

What can you do?

• Use a firm mattress or bed to sleep on.
• To prevent your surgical leg from crossing your body in the middle, place a pillow or pillows between your knees.
• When you start to feel uncomfortable, switch positions.

What to avoid?

• Never go to bed on your stomach.
• Never sleep with pillows between your knees.

What are the Exercises After Hip Replacement Surgery?
After a total hip replacement, it’s crucial to rebuild your strength and range of motion in order to get back to doing the things that are essential to you. The following fitness regimen will be recommended to you as soon as possible after surgery. You will first receive assistance from your physical therapist with the exercises, and you will be required to perform them as directed on your own. Some workouts will likely be stopped while you heal, while others might be added. If you experience any difficulties while performing your exercises, you must let your therapist or surgeon know. Some exercises that may be a part of your healing process will be-

• Ankle Pumps
• Thigh Squeezes
• Heel Slides
• Lying Kicks
• Sitting Kicks

How Sancheti Hospital Helps You
Sancheti Hospital is amongst the leading hospitals across the country for all surgeries related to joint replacement, hip replacement, spine replacement, geriatrics, plastic and reconstructive surgeries, and all orthopedic issues. If you need a hip replacement surgery, Sancheti Hospital, Pune is your go-to. With a celebrated panel of leading surgeons with extensive experience, your hip replacement surgery will surely be successful. Your surgeon will follow a specific plan for treatment depending on your individual ailment and chart down the exact process to be followed right from your surgery to your recovery.

People also ask

• How long does it take to walk normally after a hip replacement?
  Everyone is different, but rehabilitation and being able to walk after a hip replacement can often take two to four weeks. It depends on a number of variables, such as how active you were prior to surgery, your age, your diet, any underlying medical concerns, and other aspects of your health and lifestyle.
• How long are you on bed rest after a hip replacement?
  While you may be allowed to go home on the next day of your surgery or the day after, you cannot get on with extensive activities. After 10 to 12 weeks of daily physical therapy exercises, you should be ready to resume the majority of your regular activities.
• What 3 things should be avoided after hip replacement surgery?
  While there is a big list of what not to do after a hip replacement surgery, here are the top 3 things you should follow-
  • Avoid crossing your legs at the knees for 6-8 weeks
  • Avoid leaning or bending forward and straining your hip for a few weeks
  • Avoid sleeping without a pillow between your knees
• How long does the pain last after hip replacement?
  Your pain after a hip replacement surgery will take around 10-12 weeks to go away. It may require some more or less time depending on your speed of recovery and how well you’re taking care fo yourself.
• What happens first week after hip replacement?
  At first, walking and exercise will make you feel uncomfortable, and your feet and legs may be swollen. You will learn hip strengthening exercises from a physiotherapist, who will also go through what you should and shouldn’t do following the operation. To prevent harming your new hip, they will instruct you on how to bend and sit.