How much should you rest after hip replacement?

If you have a desk job with minimal activity, you can return to work in about two weeks. If your job requires heavy lifting or is otherwise tough on the hips, it is recommended to take off about six weeks to recover.


How long is bed rest after hip replacement?

Expect about one to four days of bed rest immediately after surgery, but physical rehabilitation usually starts the same day as your procedure. The process is slow and steady, barring complications, and each week should bring less pain, better balance and increased mobility.

Should I walk everyday after hip replacement?

I recommend that you walk as much as your feel comfortable (at least 2-3 times a day), trying to walk a little further each time. You may walk inside or outside as you feel comfortable. As stated above, you will need a walker or cane for stability for the first 3-6 weeks.


How much is too much activity after hip replacement?

Generally, I advise patients to walk only a few hundred yards a day total until they get to around six weeks. By that point, the implants are ingrown with bone, meaning that the bone is fused to the implant. Dislocations used to be a very big concern for hip replacements.

How often should you get up and walk after hip replacement surgery?

We recommend that you walk two to three times a day for about 20-30 minutes each time. You should get up and walk around the house every 1-2 hours. Eventually you will be able to walk and stand for more than 10 minutes without putting weight on your walker or crutches.


How Long Is the Recovery Time After a Hip Replacement?



What is the fastest way to recover from a hip replacement?

These are the top five tips you can follow for a faster recovery.
  1. Optimize your health before surgery.
  2. Manage your pain.
  3. Engage in physical therapy.
  4. Don't do more exercise than recommended.
  5. Get plenty of rest and eat well.


What 3 things should be avoided after hip replacement surgery?

Don't cross your legs at the knees for at least 6 to 8 weeks. Don't bring your knee up higher than your hip. Don't lean forward while sitting or as you sit down. Don't try to pick up something on the floor while you are sitting.

Can you overdo it after hip replacement?

Overworking your new hip

But no matter how much you feel like a superhero, restrain yourself. Whenever you overdo your exercises you risk injury to your hip, and you know you don't want that! When you leave the hospital, you'll likely go to a rehabilitation center. This is where the real healing takes place.


Is sitting OK after hip replacement?

Sit in a firm chair with a straight back and armrests. Avoid soft chairs, rocking chairs, stools, or sofas. Avoid chairs that are too low. Your hips should be higher than your knees when you are sitting.

Is it normal to sleep a lot after hip replacement?

It is common for patients to be tired following a total hip replacement, which is due in part to anesthesia, blood loss, pain, and the necessity of prescription pain medications. This fatigue will slowly resolve over the course of the first 6 weeks following surgery.

How far should you walk 2 weeks after hip replacement?

Patients who have superPATH, direct superior, or anterior hip replacement approach in an Ambulatory Surgery Center begin walking an hour after surgery; they no longer require a walker after 1-5 days; and it usually takes them 2-4 weeks to build up to walking a mile in 20 – 30 minutes.


When can I do housework after hip replacement?

When can I do housework? You should be able to help with light domestic chores within a few weeks after your surgery. You should avoid heavy tasks like vacuum cleaning and changing beds for at least 6 weeks after your surgery.

How long after hip surgery can you walk normally?

Most hip replacement patients are able to walk within the same day or next day of surgery; most can resume normal routine activities within the first 3 to 6 weeks of their total hip replacement recovery. Once light activity becomes possible, it's important to incorporate healthy exercise into your recovery program.

What hurts the most after hip replacement surgery?

You can expect to experience some discomfort in the hip region itself, as well as groin pain and thigh pain. This is normal as your body adjusts to changes made to joints in that area. There can also be pain in the thigh and knee that is typically associated with a change in the length of your leg.


Can you drive 2 weeks after hip surgery?

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends a waiting period of 4–8 weeks post-surgery before recommencing driving in an automatic car.

What are permanent restrictions after hip replacement?

Some common things to avoid after hip replacement surgery include:
  • Don't resist getting up and moving around. ...
  • Don't bend at the waist more than 90 degrees. ...
  • Don't lift your knees up past your hips. ...
  • Don't cross your legs. ...
  • Don't twist or pivot at the hip. ...
  • Don't rotate your feet too far inward or outward.


How long do I have to sit in a high chair after hip replacement?

Because of this you have to avoid putting undue strain on the hip whilst it is healing and follow “hip precautions”. These must be followed for six to eight weeks following your operation.


Should I avoid stairs after hip replacement?

Using Assistive Devices to Climb Stairs After Hip Surgery

When you are out in public, try to stay away from climbing stairs or sloped walkways that do not have any handrails. Additionally, avoid stairs with steps that are far apart from each other or have odd shaping.

Do and don'ts in total hip replacement?

Post-Op Do's & Don'ts After Hip & Knee Surgery
  • DO lie with a pillow between your knees. ...
  • DO NOT lean forward or bend down to pick up items. ...
  • DO keep your legs straight with your toes pointed up towards the ceiling. ...
  • DO NOT pivot on your affected leg. ...
  • DO wear supportive shoes with rubber soles.


Is walking the best exercise after hip replacement?

However, walking is generally considered as the best exercise following total hip replacement. This is because it helps to promote hip movement and is a low impact activity.


What should I be doing 3 days after hip replacement surgery?

Three to four days after hip replacement surgery

By the third day after surgery, patients usually find it easier to walk around unassisted. Pain is also manageable. If there are no post-surgical complications and your surgical team sees that you can complete essential tasks independently, you may be allowed to go home.

What can I do at home after hip surgery?

A cane, crutches, or a walker. A reacher to help you pick up things from the floor, put on your pants, and take off your socks. A sock aid to help you put on your socks. Handle bars in the bathroom to allow you to steady yourself.

What are the restrictions after hip surgery?

Hip Replacement (Posterior) Precautions: Don't bend your hip too far
  • Don't lean forward while you sit down or stand up, and don't bend past 90 degrees (like the angle in a letter "L"). ...
  • Don't lift your knee higher than your hip.
  • Don't sit on low chairs, beds, or toilets.


Can you climb stairs right after hip surgery?

It's not uncommon for people to use a cane, walker, or other equipment for walking assistance immediately after hip surgery. When climbing or descending stairs, hold onto the railing with one hand and place the crutch or cane on the opposite side of your repaired hip.
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