Recovery duration after hip replacement surgery: An outline of the anticipated stages
Hittin' the road again after a hip replacement? Here's your lowdown on recovery, no cherry pickin'!
Most folks can be back on their feet doin' light activities in just 3 to 6 weeks after surgery, but remember, every body's different. You might need to steer clear of certain activities, like sexy times, major workouts, and heavy lifting in those early weeks. Your doctor may chuck some meds your way to help manage pain and swellin'. (Yep, we're talkin' opioids, local anesthetics, NSAIDs, and acetaminophen.)
So, before you dive into surgery, it's smart to prep your bod for the procedure. A partial or total hip replacement is no walk in the park, and the steps you take before surgery can affect your total recovery time. That's right, people! Pre-hab is a thing, and it can make a world of difference (more on that later).
The Scoop Before Surgery
Most people can take on daily living and light activities independently within 3 to 6 weeks of surgery. But remember, how you prep before surgery can affect the whole shebang.
Here's a whoop-tee-doo list of things you can do to prepare:
- Have a heart-to-heart with your doctor and your health team, and get the lowdown on what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
- Ask your doc about exercises you can do to get your legs, core, and upper body in tip-top shape before surgery.
- Keep an eye on your weight and aim for moderate levels to lower the risk of complications.
- Put down that smokespeak for good—it can hinder your recovery and increase your risk of complications.
- Line up some folks to help you out for the week or two after you get home from surgery. Your meal prep game is gonna be strong, and you'll want an extra hand (or two) when it's time to tackle home accessibility.
The Lowdown After Surgery and the First Few Days
Following a partial or total hip replacement, you might stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days. (Some folks might even go home the same day as their surgery.)
In the early days, your doctor will likely give you painkillers—opioids, local anesthetics, NSAIDs, and acetaminophen might be on the menu. Yo, be prepared for a stitch-up—your doc will staple or sew the incision for about two weeks. This thing's gotta heal, so be ready for some wound care action at home.
Your first steps out of bed will probably be painful and uncomfortable, but your doctor will help you get movin' and groovin' as soon as you can. You may even be able to walk short distances with assistance on the same day as the operation.
A physiotherapist will show you how to exercise your leg, strengthen your hip, and avoid activities that could potentially hurt the new joint. They'll also give you tips on how to sit and bend to protect your new hip.
Returning Home After a Hip Replacement
You might need help with everyday chores for several weeks after you're back home, or you may need to head to a rehab center.
Your pain levels will likely be relatively high for a few weeks, so be sure to take any prescription medications your doctor prescribes. You might also attend physical therapy or be required to do exercises at home that your physical therapist recommends. Remember, daily exercises will help speed your recovery and boost your flexibility and strength in the new joint.
The scoop after 10 to 14 days
By the 10-14 day mark, you should no longer have your stitches. The pain and swelling might start to go down, but it can take longer for some folks. And hey, everyone heals at their own pace. If you were using a cane or walker before surgery, you might still need it in these early recovery days.
The scoop beyond 2 weeks
By 3 to 6 weeks, most folks can generally take on light activities of daily living. Folks may feel stronger, more stable, and ready to put more weight on their leg. They may even be able to tackle some basic self-care and light chores.
Many people feel ready to get back to work after 6 weeks, but it varies from person to person. After 6 to 8 weeks, you may be able to safely have sex again.
Keep with your physical therapy as your physical therapist recommends, for at least two months post-surgery. Yep, keep at it! Your doc will help you figure out when it's safe to dive into other activities, like swimming and walking.
The scoop beyond 3 months
By the three-month mark, you may be able to get back to your regular routine—but remember, 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 work best for you.
Tips to Speed Up Recovery
Here are some tips to help improve your hip replacement recovery:
| To do: | To avoid: || --- | --- || - Follow physical therapy exercises as a physiatrist instructs
- Try gentle exercises like 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 | - Sit still for long periods
- Cross legs at the knee
- Bend hips more than 90 degrees
- Bend down to touch feet or ankles
- Sit in low chairs
- Intense exercise, which may involve jumping or sudden turns
- Moving or lifting heavy objects |
Older vs. Younger Folks
Years ago, experts used to think that hip replacements were a no-go for folks under 20 since the outcomes weren't even all that swell. But some young whippersnappers might require a total hip replacement due to a condition called osteonecrosis of the femoral head, in which the femoral head—the top part of the thigh bone—collapses.
Nowadays, modern hip replacement implants are leading to improved outcomes and survival rates in younger populations, even folks under 60.
• 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
It's true that recovery can be a bit trickier for older adults who might already have compromised mobility. After hip surgery, they may need permanent assistance. They may be more likely to have conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, clogged arteries, and high blood pressure.
If you find yourself in the over-65 club, make sure to discuss these conditions with your doc and get 'em checked out before surgery.
Hip Resurfacing Recovery
In hip resurfacing, a doc will trim and cap the femoral head—the hip joint—with a smooth metal cover instead of removing it, but don't you sweat it. They'll still remove the damaged cartilage and bone inside the socket and replace it with a metal shell.
Folks can head home 1 to 4 days after hip resurfacing surgery. They might even be able to put weight on their leg right away (but still need a walking aid such as a walker, cane, or crutches for the first few days or weeks.)
People may experience pain and discomfort for a few weeks after surgery, so your doc might prescribe NSAIDs or opioids for more severe pain.
A physical therapist will also likely recommend exercises to help maintain your range of motion and restore strength. You should be able to resume your regular activities around 6 weeks after surgery.
• 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
The Outlook for Hip Replacement Surgery
After hip replacement surgery and recovery, folks can expect:
- Less pain
- Better mobility
- Improved quality of life
- Better performance in daily activities
But remember, there might be some long-term effects and restrictions after surgery. You may still feel some numbness, pain, or stiffness around the incision site, and your hip may affect things like travel by air and your sex life (but that's another story).
Stay tuned for our next read where we dive deeper into the nitty-gritty of hip replacement surgery—right from who the heck is doing it to whether there should be an age limit on the operation. But we ain't judgin'! Everyone's different and needs a tailored approach.
Stay groovy and always ask your doctor for advice on what's right for you!
Here are the sentences that contain the given words:
- "Some people may have chronic medical conditions like colitis, obesity, COPD, and Alzheimer's, and they should consult their doctor about the impact of these conditions on their hip replacement recovery."
- "Your doctor may recommend certain medications, such as opioids, local anesthetics, NSAIDs, and acetaminophen, to help manage pain and swelling after surgery."
- "Remember to ask your doctor about any restrictions due to your mental health, such as avoiding high-stress activities or situations during the recovery period."
- "You may still need to attend physical therapy sessions for several months after surgery to maintain flexibility, strength, and mobility in the new joint."
- "Before you opt for hip replacement surgery, consider the long-term effects and restrictions, like limitations on certain activities, such as water sports or intense physical activities, and changes in your sex life."
- "A physiotherapist will provide guidance on exercises to help strengthen your hip, as well as tips on how to protect your new joint during everyday activities, like sitting, bending, and lifting."
