Should you walk while waiting for hip replacement?

Keep moving. Exercising regularly (even for a short period of time) can help to ease pain, it will make your muscles stronger and help your body to recover post-surgery.


What should you not do before hip replacement?

Seven days before surgery: Stop taking all NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as naproxen (Aleve), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and aspirin. They interfere with blood clotting, which can increase blood loss during surgery.

What to do while awaiting a hip replacement?

If you're faced with an extended period of dealing with pain, here are some things to try that could help.
  1. Rest. ...
  2. Avoid Painful Situations. ...
  3. Do Gentle Motion Exercises. ...
  4. Physical Therapy Exercises. ...
  5. Medications. ...
  6. Braces and Other Supports. ...
  7. Diet.


How do you deal with pain before a hip replacement?

Hip/Knee Pain: 10 Steps to Take Before Considering Surgery
  1. Get a proper diagnosis. ...
  2. Start an Exercise Program. ...
  3. Modify Your Activities. ...
  4. Nutritional Supplements. ...
  5. Apply Heat and Cold. ...
  6. Use Orthotics/Bracing/Self-Help Devices/Support. ...
  7. Investigate Over-the-Counter Medications. ...
  8. Ask About Prescription Medications.


Can you wait too long for hip replacement?

If you wait too long, the surgery will be less effective. As your joint continues to deteriorate and your mobility becomes less and less, your health will worsen as well (think weight gain, poor cardiovascular health, etc.) Patients who go into surgery healthier tend to have better outcomes.


Waiting for surgery? Top tips from TheHipSurgeon!



What is the average age for hip replacement surgery?

Generally, most hip replacement surgeries occur between the ages of 50 and 80. It's easy to conclude that it's best to get hip surgery as early as possible, but that's not always the right decision. Of course, if the replacement surgery is due to a traumatic injury or deformity, then there is no choice to wait.

How long can hip surgery be delayed?

How long can surgery be delayed? Available evidence suggests that waiting up to 72 hours to allow time to stabilize any existing medical conditions does not adversely affect health or functional outcomes in patients with hip fracture.

What I wish I knew before hip replacement surgery?

Recovery takes time

You might be on your feet quickly, but recovery takes time and it's different for everyone. Some people might be doing well after a few weeks, but it usually takes about three months for the initial tissue healing. During that time, you're not to bend more than 90 degrees.


How painful is a hip replacement?

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.

Do you need a special chair after hip replacement?

Sit up straight in a firm chair. Sit in chairs higher than knee height. Sit in a firm, straight-back chair with arm rests. Do not sit on soft chairs, rocking chairs, sofas, or stools.

How long are you on bed rest after a 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.


When should you not have hip surgery?

If you have advanced arthritis and have not been active because of it, it will be much harder for you to resume normal activities after hip replacement surgery. The surgery only replaces the hip joint. It does not strengthen the tendons, ligaments, and muscles that support the joint.

How do I prepare my home for hip replacement surgery?

Clear all walkways

Inside the house, put away any small area rugs and secure TV and internet cables with zip ties, making sure they're out of your living space to ensure that you don't trip. It's also important to make sure your stair railings are secure and to place nightlights in every room you'll be using.

What happens first week after hip replacement?

Within the first week after surgery, stay alert for any signs of infection such as fever, redness, and discharge from the wound. Proper wound care is also essential. Sponge baths are recommended until two weeks after hip surgery or before the staples that close the wound are removed.


Can you climb stairs after hip replacement?

Physical therapists and orthopaedic surgeons have a saying they use with hip replacement patients: Up with the good, down with the bad. That means you should lead with your stronger leg that still has your original hip to walk up the stairway and your weaker leg to walk down it.

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 is the biggest risk with a hip replacement?

Risks
  • Blood clots. Clots can form in the leg veins after surgery. ...
  • Infection. Infections can occur at the site of the incision and in the deeper tissue near the new hip. ...
  • Fracture. During surgery, healthy portions of the hip joint might fracture. ...
  • Dislocation. ...
  • Change in leg length. ...
  • Loosening. ...
  • Nerve damage.


How quickly do most people walk after hip replacement surgery?

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 is the newest procedure for hip replacement?

The SUPERPATHâ„¢ hip replacement is a new technique using superior capsulotomy that allows for implantation of the total hip components under direct vision through a single incision.

How long is the average hospital stay after hip replacement?

The typical hospital stay after hip replacement is one night, but some patients stay longer, while others go home on their surgery day. Please contact our office if you're interested in our outpatient program.


What happens if you don't have surgery for a broken hip?

The longer you wait to get treatment after a hip fracture, the weaker and frailer your body becomes. This further reduces quality of life and increases the risk of a future fracture. Gaining and maintaining muscle mass increases strength and balance, which lowers the risk of falling again.

Is there an alternative to a hip replacement?

But now, orthopedic surgeons are employing a new, easier alternative called subchondroplasty , in which a damaged hip is strengthened by injecting a cement-like material.

What does your hip feel like when you need a hip replacement?

The loss of cartilage leads to pain and inflammation. Pain due to arthritis in the hip is usually felt in the groin or thigh rather than the buttock. It may radiate down your thigh to your knee. Swelling in the joint can also make it harder for you to move your hip.


What weight should I be for hip replacement?

There is a range of accepted weight ranges, but the current standard is that anyone obese (greater than 100 pounds over ideal weight or a BMI of roughly 40-45) should not consider joint replacement.

How long after hip surgery can you leave the house?

It is very common that you will go home three to four days after surgery, depending on your healing progress.