Living with pain due to a diseased hip joint can make completing even the simplest of tasks difficult. After exhausting all conservative treatment options for hip pain, orthopedic surgeons typically recommend total hip replacement, in which the diseased joint is replaced with artificial parts. Total hip replacement can restore your hip’s function and eliminate pain symptoms.
Before you decide to get the procedure done, talk to your orthopedic surgeon about what to expect before, during, and after surgery.
Here is a what a typical total hip replacement recovery entails.
After Total Hip Replacement Surgery
Most patients stay in the hospital for the first few days after a total hip replacement surgery. There is almost always postoperative pain after the procedure, especially during the first 3 days after surgery. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help control your symptoms. After a few days, your pain and discomfort will begin to subside. You will also likely be given antibiotics to reduce your risk of infection. It is important to keep a watchful eye on the surgery wound until it completely heals for any signs of infection, such as redness, heat, bleeding, or discharge.
The day after your procedure, you will work with a physical therapist to get out of bed, stand, and walk a bit. The sooner you use your new hip, the less likely you are to build scar tissue in the new joint. This can save you from a host of problems in the future. The physical therapist will also teach you how to use assistive devices, like a walker or cane, which you will use throughout most of your recovery.
Most patients are able to leave the hospital as soon as a couple of days after surgery to recover at home. Someone should drive you home and stay with you for at least the first two weeks after surgery. Preparations should be made prior to surgery, such as making sure everything you need is within easy reach and that your recovery room at home is easily accessible. You should also ensure you have arrangements for food preparation and daily chores, as it will take you some time to recover enough to take care of yourself.
Once your surgery wound heals a little, your surgeon will ask you to begin physical therapy. This is a critical component of your recovery. Physical therapy involves performing a variety of stretches, exercises, and therapeutic treatments to help improve circulation, flexibility, strength, and mobility in the new hip. Simply getting a hip replacement will not restore your hip to ideal functionality. Physical therapy will help you achieve this. You can expect to do physical therapy for several weeks or months following surgery. You will work with a physical therapy as well as perform exercises and stretches at home on a daily basis.
While in recovery, your will frequently visit your surgeon to check on improvement and any possible issues. If you follow your doctor’s orders, you should be able to recover quickly and effectively.
Total Hip Replacement in North Dakota
The experts at The Bone & Joint Center treat hip pain as well as other orthopedic conditions through a variety of conservative and surgical methods. Visit us today, and see how we can bring you relief.
To schedule a consultation, call us at (701) 946-7400 / (866) 900-8650 or request an appointment now.
