Anticipated hip replacement recuperation schedule: Insights on the healing process
Hip replacement surgery might be a game changer for some folks, but recovery time varies from person to person. Most people can get back to light activities in a span of 3 to 6 weeks post-surgery.
Before the big day, it's crucial to prepare your body for the surgery, reducing the risk of complications and speeding up recovery. This involves chatting with the doc about what to expect, doing exercises to strengthen major muscle groups, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, arranging help for daily tasks, cooking meals ahead, and making the crib accessible (like installing a raised toilet seat, safety bars, and getting a walker or crutches).
The first few days after the surgery are an adjustment period. Most folks spend 1 to 2 days in the hospital, but some may go home the same day. Doctors usually administer pain relievers like opioids, local anesthetic, NSAIDs, and acetaminophen. They'll stitch or staple the incision, which takes about 2 weeks to heal and may require wound care at home. Physical therapists will help you get moving as soon as possible and teach you exercises to strengthen the hip and improve mobility.
Once you're back home, you might need assistance with daily tasks for a few weeks, as some pain and discomfort are common during this period. You'll continue taking those prescription meds and attend physical therapy or perform exercises at home, as recommended by your PT. Home health aides, nurses, or PTs may check in and assist with recovery if necessary.
Around 10 to 14 days post-surgery, the stitches come out, pain and swelling should subside, though it might take longer for some. Activities will vary from person to person, and walking without aid may be possible for some. Some folks might still need a cane or walker during this stage.
Within 3 to 6 weeks, many people can manage light activities of daily living, feeling stronger, more stable, and comfortable putting more weight on their leg. Most people return to work after 6 weeks, but this varies. Sex is generally safe to resume after 6 to 8 weeks. Continue with physical therapy as your PT advises for at least two months after the surgery, and discuss when it's safe to do additional exercise with your doctor.
• 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
After 3 months, you may be able to resume daily activities, and with your doc's approval, low-impact sports. Recovery might be more complex for older adults, as they may already have compromised mobility and other health issues. The American Society of Anesthesiologists suggests that older adults are more likely to have conditions such as heart and lung disease, clogged arteries, and high blood pressure, increasing the risk of complications. Fall prevention should be a priority for these individuals.
• 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
Hip resurfacing and total hip replacement surgery both have similar outcomes and high success rates. You may be able to walk short distances with assistance the same day as the surgery. Physical therapy during hospitalization and at home can help build strength and flexibility, speeding up recovery. Returning to light activities typically takes 6 weeks, and life as usual is possible after 3 months, following your doctor's recommendations.
Some long-term effects and restrictions after hip replacement surgery include numbness, pain, or stiffness around the incision site, metal detectors alerting during security checks, high-impact sports increasing the risk of falls or injury, and dental procedures necessitating antibiotics. Sexual activity can generally be resumed around 6 weeks after surgery, provided certain precautions are taken.
FAQs:
- How long will it take to walk again after a hip replacement? A person may be able to walk short distances, with assistance, on the same day as the surgery. Over the following weeks, they will typically be able to walk longer distances.
- How long does bed rest last after hip replacement surgery? People should start walking as soon as possible after hip replacement surgery. Although they should rest and only perform gentle movements, a person will not need to stay in bed.
- What age do they stop doing hip replacements? There is no age limit on hip replacements. Doctors may consider factors such as a person's overall health and mobility.
- How long do hip implants or replacements last? A modern artificial hip replacement should last for at least 15 years. A 2019 review of over 200,000 people with hip replacements suggests that people can expect a hip replacement to last for about 58% of cases.
- Preparing for hip replacement surgery can involve discussing with a doctor about expectations, strengthening major muscle groups through exercises, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, arranging help for daily tasks, cooking meals ahead, and making the crib accessible.
- Doctors typically administer pain relievers such as opioids, local anesthetic, NSAIDs, and acetaminophen after the surgery, stitch or staple the incision, and teach physical therapists to help get moving and exercise for hip strengthening and improved mobility.
- After returning home, one might need assistance with daily tasks for a few weeks due to pain and discomfort, continue taking prescription meds, attend physical therapy or perform exercises at home as recommended, and consider the help of home health aides, nurses, or PTs for recovery assistance.
- Within 10 to 14 days post-surgery, stitches are removed, pain and swelling should subside (though it might take longer for some), and activities vary from person to person, possibly being able to walk without aid.
- By 3 to 6 weeks, many people can manage light activities of daily living, feeling stronger, more stable, and comfortable putting more weight on their leg, most people return to work after 6 weeks, but this varies, and sex is generally safe to resume after 6 to 8 weeks.
- Physical therapy should be continued for at least two months after the surgery, and additional exercise should only be done after discussing with a doctor.
- Older adults may have more complex recoveries due to compromised mobility and other health issues, and fall prevention should be a priority for these individuals.
- Long-term effects and restrictions after hip replacement surgery include numbness, pain, or stiffness around the incision site, increased risk of falls or injury with high-impact sports, metal detectors alerting during security checks, and needing antibiotics for dental procedures.
- FAQs about hip replacement surgery may include questions about walking again, bed rest duration, age limitations, and hip implant lifespan.
