Anticipated recovery process following a hip replacement surgery: Insights into the timeframe
Hey there! Let's chat about hip replacement recovery, shall we?
First things first, most folks can expect to get back to daily living and light duties within 3 to 6 weeks after undergoing a hip replacement surgery. However, your prep before the surgery can impact the overall recovery timeline.
Preparing for the big day should include discussing the procedure with your doc, researching what to expect, exercising to boost leg, core, and upper body strength, maintaining a moderate weight, quitting or decreasing smoking, arranging help for the week or two post-surgery, prepping meals, and making your home accessible with items like a raised toilet seat, safety bars, a walker or crutches.
Following the surgery, you might stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days, and some people even go home the same day. Pain relievers, like opioids, local anesthetic, NSAIDs, and acetaminophen, are usually administered in the days following the surgery. The incision will be stitched or stapled and need to be cared for at home for about 2 weeks.
Moving around as soon as possible post-surgery is crucial. Assistance may be required for walking short distances, but it's important to get moving to aid recovery. A physiotherapist will show you exercises to strengthen your hip and advise on what activities to avoid.
After returning home, help with daily tasks may be necessary for several weeks, and some pain and discomfort might persist for a few weeks. Physical therapy or exercises recommended by your therapist should be continued to promote recovery and improve flexibility and strength in the new joint.
By 10 to 14 days post-surgery, stitches may be removed, and pain and swelling may start to decrease, although this can vary for each person. By 3 to 6 weeks, folks can usually resume light activities of daily living. Many return to work after 6 weeks, and sexual activity can generally be resumed after 6 to 8 weeks.
Active participation in physical therapy for at least two months post-surgery is recommended, and you should discuss with your doctor when it's safe to engage in additional exercise, such as swimming and walking.
Recovery can vary, so it’s important to check in with your doc for an evaluation of your progress and to discuss the types of physical therapy that will benefit you the most.
Older adults may face additional challenges during recovery, such as an increased risk of complications due to existing health conditions like heart and lung disease, clogged arteries, and high blood pressure. Speak with your doctor about diagnostic tests and treatments for these issues.
In terms of hip resurfacing recovery, you can expect a similar process to a traditional hip replacement. People may go home 1 to 4 days after the surgery and may need a walking aid for the first few days or weeks. You can expect some pain and discomfort for several weeks post-surgery, and physical therapy is recommended to help maintain range of motion and restore strength.
• follow physical therapy exercises as a physical therapist instructs• try other gentle exercises, such as daily walking• sit in a reclining position• use a cold compress to reduce swelling• take any prescription medications as a doctor instructs• use walking aids, such as crutches, if necessary
Finally, following hip replacement surgery, folks can expect less pain, better mobility, a better quality of life, and improvements in daily activities. However, there may be some long-term effects, like numbness or stiffness around the incision site, and restrictions such as the need to avoid high-impact sports and certain dental procedures. Remember, always consult with your doctor for personalized advice and information.
Stay strong, and keep moving forward! 💪🦵️
• sitting still for long periods• crossing the legs at the knee• bending the hip more than 90 degrees• bending down to touch the feet or ankles• sitting in low chairs• intense exercise, which may involve jumping or sudden turns• moving or lifting heavy objects
Sources:[1] American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2020). Hip Replacement Recovery Guide. Retrieved from https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/hip-replacement-recovery-guide/[2] Mayo Clinic. (2020). Hip Replacement Surgery recovery. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hip-replacement/in-depth/hip-replacement-recovery/art-20048444[3] Cleveland Clinic. (2020). Taking Care of Yourself After Hip Replacement. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17614-taking-care-of-yourself-after-hip-replacement/[4] Harvard Health Publishing. (2020). After a hip replacement: A guide to recovery. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/after-a-hip-replacement-a-guide-to-recovery[5] OrthoInfo. (2020). How Long Should I Expect to Wait Before I Can Resume Normal Activities After a Joint Replacement? Retrieved from https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/how-long-should-i-expect-to-wait-before-i-can-resume-normal-activities-after-a-joint-replacement/
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