Hip Replacement Surgery Recovery

There is a variety of reasons why you might find yourself the candidate of a hip replacement surgery. While medical advances have allowed these synthetic implants to last longer and reduced hip replacement surgery recovery times, there are still some things that should be considering before and after hip replacement surgery to ensure that recovery from hip replacement surgery goes as smoothly as possible. This could be possible by following the five important hip replacement precautions.

Every hip replacement surgery procedure is different. Depending on the causes for replacement and the methods used during replacement, recovery limitations and instructions will vary between people. If you have specific questions, always contact your surgeon or general physician for specific instructions. Below are the information on what to expect in a total hip replacement surgery.

Things To Expect During Hip Replacement Surgery Recovery

  • Pain—as with any surgery, you will have wounds within your body that will need to be allowed to heal. In the case of double hip replacement surgery and recovery, the encounter with pain would be doubled. Between incisions, bone shaving, possible bone breaking and general manual movement of bone structures, numerous sources can cause pain. Generally, painkillers will be prescribed and then weaned as hip replacement surgery recovery progresses.
  • Limited movement—most doctors will recommend keeping physical movement to a minimum. This is especially true of complex movements that require the hips to move in multiple directions such as bending, squatting and crossing your legs. As recovery progresses, you will find the activities you are allowed to perform and your range of motion will increase. Often, you will return to your pre-surgery mobility levels within a few months. Full recovery can take as long as six months depending on your health and the specific procedure used.
  • Physical Therapy—as part of getting you back to your pre-surgery routines, many doctors will recommend physical therapy sessions. These provide a safe and supervised environment to test the effectiveness of the procedure and teach you techniques for using any walking assistance that might have been provided.
  • Swelling—swelling is a common recovery symptom of most major surgeries. By elevating your leg and alternating warm and cold compresses, you can manage most swelling. If excessive heat or swelling occurs, call a doctor immediately. These can both be signs of complications including clots or infection.

With the variety of hip replacement surgeries and techniques available, more replacement recipients are achieve successful, long-lasting results. Partial hip replacement surgery and recovery details are almost identical to full hip replacement details. Healing times might be faster in a partial hip replacement depending on the techniques used.

Of all the tips available for a speedy hip replacement surgery recovery, perhaps the most important one is maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle. The hips are a major focal point of load bearing and strain within the human body. Keeping your weight low and avoiding extensive movement of the hips will help to drastically speed up recovery from hip replacement surgery. By maintaining a healthy diet, your body is better fueled to fight potential infections and promote healing and bone growth.