A total hip replacement surgery can be a complicated procedure because the entire hip joint is removed and replaced with a metallic prosthesis. The surgeons will cut through layers of fascia and muscle which will require an ample recovery time to get back to normal functioning.
A complete hip replacement surgery could have a tough recovery period. Patients are usually asked to take bed rest for at least a month. A physiotherapist will visit you in the hospital after your surgery and probably a few times after you’re discharged in your home and guide you with exercises and strengthening routines for the muscles around your hip joint. Here are some precautions you need to take after such a surgery is done –
- Weight bearing activities – You will be asked to take rest for a few weeks after surgery and you’ll have to use crutches as a walking aid so the entire weight isn’t falling on the replaced hip. Total hip replacement precautions include managing the weight that falls on the operated hip because it is not fully equipped to handle the weight as yet. It has become weak due to the surgery and only after a few months you will be allowed to walk without the assistive devices.
- Exercises – Even when you’re on bed rest, you will have to keep performing the exercises given to you by the physiotherapist as a home program. These exercises are necessary to keep the blood flowing to your Prosthesis so that it gets nourished and the muscles around it can repair themselves quicker.
- Any signs of discomfort – Your doctors will alert you regarding the red flags of the total hip surgery you have gone through. Some of the symptoms may include sudden onset of pain in the prosthesis which could indicate the implant isn’t compatible with your body. Also, the part may turn blue due to lack of blood supply and there could be a sudden onset of fever and chills. You need to make sure that you report to your doctor immediately because these aren’t good signs and the healing may be hampered in your case.
- Don’t rush recovery – Although, you will be allowed to perform low intensity daily activities after about a month but ideally, you should be taking it slow. Recovery takes its own time and you should give your body ample rest after a total hip replacement is performed. You can keep working on ways to increase your fitness level but don’t overload your body.
Surgeons can perform a total hip replacement with very minimum of complications but the aftercare gets tough for the patient because the doctor won’t be there for you all day. You could call your surgeon to ask for doubts if you have any but mostly you’ll be on your own. It is essential that you know how to take care of yourself after the surgery. Make sure you are mentally prepared for rehabilitation after the surgical procedure and you take the recovery one step at a time.
