You can typically return to work after
four to six weeks
, and resume driving one to four weeks after surgery, or when you are no longer taking pain medication. Two to 12 weeks after surgery, you’ll have a follow-up appointment with your surgeon to make sure your hip is healing properly.
What is normal pain 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.
How long does pain last after hip replacement?
As you continue physical therapy, your pain levels should slowly decrease to
about 1 or 2 in 12 weeks
after the hip replacement.
What can you not do after hip replacement?
- 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.
- Don’t turn your feet excessively inward or outward when you bend down.
How long does it take to walk normally after a hip replacement?
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 are the 3 most painful surgeries?
- Open surgery on the heel bone. If a person fractures their heel bone, they may need surgery. …
- Spinal fusion. The bones that make up the spine are known as vertebrae. …
- Myomectomy. …
- Proctocolectomy. …
- Complex spinal reconstruction.
How long does it take for bone to grow into hip replacement?
If the prosthesis is not cemented into place, it is necessary to allow
four to six weeks
(for the femur bone to “grow into” the implant) before the hip joint is able to bear full weight and walking without crutches is possible.
How long do you have to sleep with a pillow between your legs after hip replacement?
Make sure you continue sleeping with the pillow between your legs for
at least six weeks
.
Why does my thigh hurt after hip replacement?
Tendonitis around the hip muscles or subtle tears
. Sometimes, inflammation around these tendons irritates the local nerves around the hip and can cause radiation or pain in the groin, thigh, and buttock. These can also usually be addressed with physical therapy, cortisone injections and anti-inflammatories.
How long does it take for soft tissue to heal after hip surgery?
In general, most surgeons prefer that you avoid certain positions of the hip that can increase your risk of dislocation of the hip for
about 6 weeks
following surgery. After 6 weeks the soft tissues involved in the surgery have healed and restrictions are often lifted allowing more vigorous activity.
How do you poop after hip surgery?
After surgery, you should also plan to
take a stool softener
, such as docusate (Colace). A fiber laxative, such as psyllium (Metamucil), may also be helpful. Purchase a laxative or stool softener before your surgery so that you have it available when you return home.
What 3 things should be avoided after hip replacement surgery?
The general don’ts for the first 6 to 8 weeks are as follows, but always follow your doctor’s orders:
don’t cross your legs at the knees
; don’t lean forward as you sit down; don’t pick up something from the floor from a sitting position; don’t turn your feet inward or outward while bending down; don’t reach down to …
How far should I be walking 4 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
.
Why do I waddle after hip replacement?
Oftentimes, this gait results from
straining your hip abductor muscles during physical activity
. Exercises aimed at strengthening your glutes are a common culprit. In this case, the gait will likely fade as muscle inflammation fades. This gait can also appear after a total hip replacement surgery.
What does the incision look like after hip replacement?
It will look
and feel “raised” from normal skin
. Typically, your incision will be in this phase for 2-10 days after surgery. During this time, your incision will be bruised, swollen and red. There may be some spotty drainage, warmth and numbness over the area.
Can you walk too much after hip replacement surgery?
It is important to gradually increase your out-of-home activity during the first few weeks after surgery. If you do too much activity, your hip
may become more swollen and painful
.
