Expected Recovery Period for Hip Replacement Surgery: A Look Ahead
Getting back on your feet after a hip replacement is a journey, but it doesn't have to be a long, lonely one. Here's a break down of what you can expect from the surgery to recovery process, especially for us older folk.
Before Hip Replacement Surgery
Preparation is key for a successful hip replacement. Aim for a partial or total hip replacement and get your body ready several weeks before the surgery.
This not only reduces the risk of complications but also speeds up your recovery.
Some things you can do include discussing the surgery with your doctor, researching what to expect, exercising your legs and core, maintaining a moderate weight, quitting smoking if possible, and preparing meals in advance.
Don't forget to arrange for help around the house for a few weeks after your surgery, and make sure your home has accessibility features like a raised toilet seat, safety bars, and walking or crutches.
After Hip Replacement Surgery and the First Few Days
After the surgery, you'll likely stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days, but some people might go home the same day.
Pain relievers, including opioids, local anesthetic, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and acetaminophen, will be administered in the days following surgery.
Your incision will be stapled or stitched closed for about 2 weeks and may require wound care at home. You'll be encouraged to get up and move around as soon as possible after the surgery, and a physiotherapist will show you exercises to strengthen your leg and advise you on activities to avoid.
Returning Home After a Hip Replacement
In the first few weeks back home, you'll need help with daily tasks, and some people may need to stay in a rehabilitation facility.
You can expect to experience some pain and discomfort for a few weeks, and should continue taking any prescription medications.
Physical therapy or home exercises recommended by your physical therapist will help speed up your recovery, improve flexibility and strength in your new joint, and restore your quality of life.
If necessary, a home health aide, nurse, or physical therapist may visit to check in and assist with your recovery. Keep the surgery incision wound dry until your doctor removes the stitches or staples.
Hip Replacement Recovery Timeline
By 10 to 14 days after surgery, your stitches should be gone. Pain and swelling may start to decrease, although this may take longer for some people. You may be able to move around more easily without aid at this stage.
Many people can generally resume light activities of daily living by the 3 to 6 weeks mark, feeling stronger, more stable, and comfortable putting more weight on their leg. They may also be able to resume some basic self-care and light chores.
Most people feel ready to return to work after 6 weeks, but this may vary. After 6 to 8 weeks, people may be able to safely have sex again.
It's essential to continue physical therapy as recommended by your physical therapist for at least 2 months after surgery. At this point, you and your doctor can discuss when it's safe to do additional exercises, such as swimming and walking.
Hip Replacement Recovery Beyond 3 months
After 3 months, many people may be able to resume daily activities. Check with your doctor about when to reduce or stop physical therapy, and when you can resume low-impact sports.
Tips for Better Recovery
Follow your physical therapist's instructions for exercises, try other gentle exercises like daily walking, use a cold compress to reduce swelling, take medication as instructed, use walking aids like crutches if necessary, and avoid sitting still for long periods or crossing your legs at the knee.
Differences in Recovery for Older and Younger People
Recovery in older adults may be more challenging due to compromised mobility and a higher risk of complications because of conditions such as heart and lung disease, clogged arteries, and high blood pressure. Speak with your doctor for diagnostic tests and treatments for these conditions.
Although traditionally, experts would not recommend hip replacements for people under 20, modern hip replacement implants are leading to improved outcomes and survival rates in younger populations. However, recovery may still be affected by comorbid illnesses.
In people younger than 50, recovery is generally free of complications, but caution should be exercised as they may need to adjust to the new joint and potential changes in their active lifestyle.
Recovery may be more challenging for older adults, as they may need permanent assistance and a longer recovery timeline.
Hip Resurfacing Recovery
In hip resurfacing, the femoral head, or hip joint, is trimmed and capped with a smooth metal cover instead of being removed. The damaged cartilage and bone inside the socket are replaced with a metal shell.
• 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
Most people can go home 1 to 4 days after hip resurfacing surgery. They may begin putting weight on their leg immediately after the surgery, but they may need a walking aid like a walker, cane, or crutches for the first few days or weeks.
People may experience pain and discomfort for several weeks after the surgery, and their doctor may prescribe NSAIDs or opioids for more severe pain. Doctors may also recommend physical therapy after the surgery and exercises to help maintain range of motion and restore strength.
Hip Replacement Surgery Outlook
After hip replacement surgery, people typically experience less pain, improved mobility, a better quality of life, and improvements in daily activities.
However, there may be long-term effects and restrictions such as numbness, pain, or stiffness around the incision site, increased risk of metal detectors at airport security, restrictions on high-impact sports and certain dental procedures, and potential changes to sexual activity.
For older adults, recovery may take longer, and there's an increased risk of complications due to pre-existing health conditions. Make sure to discuss any health concerns with your doctor before the surgery. With proper care and plenty of rest, you'll be back on your feet in no time!
• 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
During the recuperation period after hip resurfacing, you might encounter challenges similar to those experienced after a traditional hip replacement. Adherence to physical therapy is crucial along with engagement in other gentle exercises like daily walking. It's advisable to avoid long periods of sitting, crossing legs at the knee, and bending the hip more than 90 degrees.
For optimal results, using a cold compress to reduce swelling, taking medication as prescribed, and employing walking aids like crutches can be beneficial. It's essential to follow your physical therapist's instructions, avoid sitting in low chairs, and abstain from high-impact exercises, sudden movements, and lifting heavy objects.
In older adults, recovery from hip resurfacing may also be more challenging due to age-related health conditions like Alzheimer's, COPD, obesity, and chronic diseases. It's crucial to discuss any health concerns with your doctor before the surgery and ensure appropriate aging-related adjustments are taken into account during the recovery process.
The outlook for those undergoing hip resurfacing surgery is generally favorable, with less pain, improved mobility, and a better quality of life often achieved. However, it's vital to be aware of long-term effects and restrictions such as numbness, pain, or stiffness around the incision site, increased risk of metal detectors at airport security, restrictions on high-impact sports, certain dental procedures, and potential changes to sexual activity.
When it comes to wellness and health, everyone's journey is unique. If you're dealing with medical conditions such as colitis, ulcerative colitis, or any chronic disease, it's essential to discuss their impact with your doctor before the surgery to devise a tailored recovery plan. By prioritizing your health and engaging in physical therapy and recommended exercises, you can effectively reintegrate physical activity back into your daily routine, regardless of your age or health status.
