Life After Hip Replacement: What to Expect

Don't ignore your suffering! Are you tired of conservative treatments and still living with pain because you're afraid and have many unanswered questions about hip replacement surgery? Usually, your doctor won't recommend a hip replacement until more conservative treatments have not resolved your pain or movement issues. 

Here in this article, we will discuss key aspects of life after hip replacement surgery. 

What is hip replacement surgery? 

The surgical procedure for hip replacement requires anesthesia during the operation. Under anesthesia, the surgeon makes a cut on the side of the hip and then extracts the upper femur part from its matching socket. A new artificial ball and socket joint replaces the former components of the hip. Every operation of this type typically completes in under 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Opt for the best hip replacement doctor in delhi for genuine treatment. 

Benefits of Hip Replacement Surgery 

A total hip replacement will improve your movement capabilities, walking or running abilities, quality of life, and bring back your freedom. It can assist you in returning to your favorite activities. 

Pain relief is the main benefit of hip replacement surgery. It also improves joint movement, makes daily activities easier, and often leads to long-term improvement in mobility. A damaged hip can affect nearly every aspect of your daily routine. After the successful surgery, you will experience complete relief from discomfort and a noticeable boost in your overall quality of life. 

When will you get discharged from the hospital?

Hip replacement surgery usually takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Most people stay in the hospital for 3 to 4 days, depending on how quickly they recover. 

At the time of discharge, the health care team will give instructions to assist you with recovery at home. Having a family member or caregiver present is helpful in this discussion so that the person can understand what is needed for your effective recovery. 

Pain Management 

Pain with swelling occurs commonly after surgery during the initial weeks of recovery. Most patients handle their symptoms by taking medications that doctors prescribe at the time of discharge and using ice packs, and giving themselves time to rest. The treatment of your surgical area requires proper attention. 

Monitoring the incision while keeping it dry and clean is essential, as well as staying alert to possible infection while preventing wetting of the wound during recovery. Medical attention demands an immediate response if you experience fever, together with unexpected swelling or unusual discharge from the surgical area. 

Need for Assistance 

Your doctor will advise particular suggestions about when to apply weight to the leg and whether to use a cane, walker, crutches, or other mobility aids. Depending on the type of hip replacement you had and what your doctor has prescribed, you may be able to resume full weight bearing gradually over a few weeks. 

Usually, patients use mobility aids for 2 to 3 weeks, depending on their recovery and balance. Other assistive devices, such as grabbers, grab bars, shower chairs, raised toilet seats, etc., are also helpful. 

How long does it take to recover after a hip replacement? 

Each person's body responds differently to hip replacement surgery. It takes a few weeks to several months to recover after having a hip replacement. It totally depends on a number of factors, such as your age, diet, preexisting ailments, level of physical activity before the surgery, and other lifestyle and health concerns. 

Patients must perform physical therapy for several months post-surgery. A physical therapist or surgeon will begin providing stretches and exercises to start 24 hours after your surgery. They will be watching for the strength and flexibility in your leg and hip, and your range of standing and sitting. 

Adjusting Lifestyle Changes

While the advantages of hip replacement are significant, recovery through lifestyle adaptations is the most important part of the healing process. Here are some tips that will help you make your home return more convenient: 

●       Modifying the furniture arrangement allows better navigation with a cane or walker, or crutches whenever possible. 

●       If your room is upstairs, you might temporarily switch rooms in your home (for example, turning the living room into a bedroom). 

●       Frequently used items like a remote control, glasses, water, a mug, a phone with its charger, a laptop or tablet, reading documents, and prescription medications should all be placed within easy reach of you. 

●       To increase flexibility and strengthen the hip muscles, participate in an organized physical therapy program. A speedy good recovery depends on this. To sustain the gains obtained during physical therapy sessions, keep up with the exercises that have been prescribed. 

●       For at least 6 to 12 weeks, avoid crossing your legs, turning your leg inward, or bending your hip more than 90 degrees. Depending on the surgical technique employed, your doctor may modify this. 

●       To prevent hip discomfort, make ergonomic changes at work and home. This may include making sure you're wearing appropriate footwear or using supportive seats, etc. 

●       Sustaining a healthy weight reduces the chances of long-term problems and relieves the strain on the hip joint. Early in your recovery, start concentrating on weight management, and keep going throughout time. 

●       Return to your hobbies and everyday activities gradually. Be careful about your body and refrain from exerting yourself too rapidly. Additionally, schedule routine follow-up visits with your surgeon to keep an eye on the hip implant's condition and quickly resolve any issues.

When to resume normal activities after hip replacement?

Physical therapy empowers you to resume your daily life, be it going back to work, playing with children, indulging in your favorite game, or anything else. The nature of work varies depending on the extent of physical involvement required to accomplish a specific task. 

Driving: You can start driving approximately after a few weeks or a month. Start off in a parking lot and progress your way up to the local roads gradually. 

Work: You may return to work in approximately 2 weeks if you are in a desk job with little movement. If the type of work is heavy lifting or any other task that places unnecessary stress on the area of the hip, a 6-week recovery time is recommended. 

Sports: You should wait roughly 6-8 weeks before returning to activities like swimming, stationary or outdoor cycling, etc. It is advisable to avoid high-impact activities like running, jumping, contact sports, etc., to protect your replacement hip and extend its lifespan, which is typically 20-30 years or longer. 

Conclusion

Positive changes occur in life after hip replacement surgery, especially in terms of pain management and increased mobility. You can lead an active and satisfying life with your new hip joint if you adhere to your rehabilitation program, make the required lifestyle changes, and continue to take charge of your health. You can seek a top orthopedic doctor in Delhi for any joint-related treatment.