Taking care of yourself after hip replacement surgery is key to a smooth recovery. It can help you move better and live without pain. This article will give you easy-to-follow tips to make your recovery smooth and successful. By following these tips, you can heal faster and return to your normal activities sooner.
Understanding Hip Replacement Surgery
Hip replacement surgery is a procedure where a doctor replaces a damaged hip joint with a new, artificial one. This new hip joint is usually made of metal, ceramic, or plastic parts.
The surgery is often needed for people with severe hip arthritis or injuries that cause lots of pain and make it hard to move.
1. Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
Your doctor will give you specific instructions on what to do after your surgery.
This might include taking medications, doing specific exercises, and attending follow-up appointments. Make sure to follow these instructions carefully. Doing so will help you avoid complications and speed up your recovery after hip replacement surgery.
2. Take Your Medications
After surgery, you may have some pain and swelling. Your doctor will prescribe medications to help with this.
It is essential to take these medications as directed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about your medication.
3. Keep Moving (But Carefully)
Staying active is important, but you need to be careful. Your doctor or physical therapist will show you safe exercises to do at home. These exercises will help strengthen your hip and improve your movement.
Avoid high-impact activities like running or jumping until your doctor says it is okay.
4. Use Assistive Devices
You might need to use crutches, a walker, or a cane to help you walk safely. These devices take the pressure off your hip while it heals. Ensure you understand how to use them properly to prevent falls and further injury.
5. Eat Healthy Foods
Eating a balanced diet helps your body heal. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains in your meals.
Drinking lots of water is also important to stay hydrated and support your recovery after hip replacement surgery.
6. Keep Your Incision Clean
Keeping the area around your incision clean is vital to prevent infection. Follow your doctor’s instructions on how to care for your incision.
Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any signs of infection, like redness, swelling, or drainage.
7. Rest When You Need To
While staying active is good, your body also needs rest to heal. Make sure you sleep well each night and take short naps during the day if needed.
Listen to your body, and do not push yourself too hard.
8. Avoid Certain Movements
Some movements can strain your new hip, and you need to avoid them. Do not cross your legs, bend your hip more than 90 degrees, or twist your hip.
Your doctor or physical therapist will give you more details on which movements to avoid.
When to Visit Your Doctor After Hip Replacement
Knowing when you should visit your doctor after hip replacement surgery is essential. Regular check-ups and understanding the signs of problems can help you avoid serious issues.
Here are some instances when you should see your doctor:
Follow-Up Appointments
Your doctor will schedule follow-up appointments to check your progress.
Make sure you go to all of these. Your doctor will actively assess your hip at your follow-up appointments to confirm it’s healing well. They will also evaluate if your recovery from hip replacement surgery is on schedule.
Signs of Infection
If you notice redness, swelling, or drainage around your incision, contact your doctor right away.
These can be signs of infection, which need treatment immediately. Fever and chills can also be symptoms of an infection.
Severe Pain
Some pain is normal after surgery, but if you have severe pain that does not get better with medication, call your doctor. This could mean there is a problem with your new hip.
Problems with Movement
If you suddenly have trouble moving your hip or leg or feel unstable, see your doctor. Your hip should feel stronger over time, not worse.
Blood Clots
Watch for signs of blood clots, like leg swelling, pain in your calf or thigh, or sudden shortness of breath.
If you have any symptoms, visit your doctor or the emergency room immediately.
Changes in Your Health
If you notice other changes in your health that worry you, do not hesitate to contact your doctor. It is always better to be safe and get checked out.
Knowing when to visit your doctor can help ensure a smooth and safe recovery from hip replacement surgery.
Always follow your doctor’s advice and seek help when you need it.
Recovery After Hip Replacement Surgery in Bismarck, ND
The Bone & Joint Center in North Dakota is here to help you recover well. Our very own board-certified orthopedic surgeons, Dr. Timothy J. Bopp and Dr. Brian P. Dahl will ensure you get the post-op care you need. We make sure our patients are prescribed the best and most comprehensive program to improve their condition.
To schedule a consultation, you may call us at (701) 946-7400/(866) 900-8650 or use our appointment request form.
Let us help you get the comprehensive hip care you deserve. We look forward to serving you!
