How soon will I be up and about?
Rehabilitation starts immediately. The staff at the hospital will help you to get up and walk about as quickly as possible. If you’ve had minimally invasive surgery or are on an enhanced recovery programme, you will be able to walk on the same day as your operation. Generally, you’ll be helped to stand within 2 - 4 hours after your operation.
During your stay in hospital, you will see a physiotherapist daily. Blood tests will be taken and x-rays of your new hip. Your leg will be examined and the wound will be monitored. Medications you were previously on will be restarted when it is safe to do so and you will be started on other new medications such as laxatives and blood thinning medications as well as stronger pain killers.
Will I be able to walk on my own?
Part of the recovery from surgery is regaining your mobility. It is normal to experience discomfort when you first start walking and exercising after surgery, as your legs and feet may be swollen. Some people may feel as though one leg is longer due to being used to walking a certain way pre-surgery in order to ease the load and pain in the hip.
Initially you may start with a frame to aid balance and weight bearing through your hip. Once able, you will be progressed onto elbow crutches or sticks. A stair assessment will be completed by the inpatient therapist if required prior to your discharge.
A physiotherapist or an occupational therapist may offer advice on how best to get in and out of a bed, a chair, the shower etc. They may also offer advice on things to avoid.
How long will I be in the hospital?
Most patients are discharged from hospital after a hip replacement between day 1 and day 3, depending on the progress with physiotherapy and medical fitness. Some places are starting to offer the surgery as a day case procedure, meaning that the patient will be able to go home the same day provided you are feeling well and the surgical team are satisfied that it is safe.
Before you leave hospital, an occupational therapist will assess your physical ability and your situation at home, and they may arrange special equipment for you, such as a raised toilet seat or gadgets to help you dress.
How can I make my new hip stronger?
During your stay in hospital, a physiotherapist will teach you exercises to help strengthen the muscles around your hip. You can usually begin these within hours after your operation and are encouraged to do these at least three times a day. It is important to follow the physiotherapist’s advice to avoid complications of your new joint.
You are encouraged to mobilise regularly to prevent stiffness in the new hip joint. The key is not to do too much too soon. While you may have good and bad days, you should start to feel gradual improvement over time.
How long will it be before I feel normal?
You should be able to stop using your crutches or walking frame and get back to normal leisure activities 6 weeks after surgery, although this can take up to 3 months. It may take up to 6-9 months for the pain and swelling to settle down, and one year for full recovery.
It is important to take extra care within the first eight to 12 weeks after the operation, to avoid dislocating the hip. You may struggle to bend your leg towards your body as far as you’d like to. Your therapist will provide guidance about any movements that you need to take special care with. Don’t be tempted to test your new joint to see how far it will go.
However, it’s important to continue with the programme of muscle-strengthening exercises recommended by your physiotherapist. Returning to normal everyday activities will take time. You must be an active participant in your recovery process to allow you to get there sooner and have a more successful outcome.
Even after you have recovered, it’s best to avoid extreme movements or sports where there’s a risk of falling, such as skiing or mountain biking. Your doctor or a physiotherapist can advise you.
References:
NHS 2019, Recovery- Hip Replacement, viewed 18 December 2020, link
Versus Arthritis 2018, Hip Replacement Surgery, viewed 18 December 2020, link
Royal College of Surgeons, 2020, Total Hip Replacement, viewed 17 December, link