Joint replacement surgery is among the most complicated surgeries we’ve ever thought about. For major joints like knee joints, shoulder joints, and hip joints, joint replacement surgery is in consideration if there is no treatment available to fix the condition of the joint.
But for people who are planning to go for surgery, it is important to understand the do’s and don’ts related to it. If they have no clue about it, they may suffer some other complications after knee replacement surgery.
This article is intended for people who are considering or have recently undergone hip replacement surgery. Here we are sharing dos and don’ts after hip replacement surgery so that people can have a seamless recovery period and there will be no problems at all.
Understand about hip replacement surgery!
First of all, it is important to understand the basics of hip replacement surgery. In this surgery, the doctor removes the hip joint and implants a prosthetic one. It is known as a hip prosthesis. After that, a person needs to take complete care of themselves because recovery is really very important.
If a person has not paid attention to recovery, there are chances that they may suffer from some different conditions as well. Also, there are various factors that decide whether you will have a stable recovery period after hip replacement surgery or not.
This majorly depends on pre-existing conditions. If you are someone who is dealing with diabetes or any other health-related issue, the recovery period will take time.
Dos and don’ts after hip replacement surgery:-
As we have already said, here we are discussing the do’s and don’ts, so pay attention to the things we are discussing below:
Don’ts after hip replacement surgery:
· Avoid extending your knees beyond your hips:
If you are trying to bend over too far at the waist, chances are it results in dislocation of the hip from its socket, and similarly, it happens when you are trying to lift up the knees. Therefore, avoid doing it.
· Avoid bending at the waist by more than 90 degrees.
It is not advisable to bend at the waist more than 90 degrees because it contributes to dislocating the new hip. It is a painful condition, and in some cases, it causes injury to nearby tissues.
· Avoid crossing your legs.
Crossing your leg is not advisable after hip replacement surgery, particularly crossing the operated leg over the non-operated leg, because it causes strain and sometimes results in dislocation of the hip joint. Therefore, for a few days and weeks, avoid doing such things.
· Avoid rotating your feet inward or outward.
Be sure to keep your feet in the exact position with your toes and feet pointing in the same direction as your hips. This is important to consider when you are standing, sitting, or walking. If you are not paying attention and rotating the field inward or outward, the chances of this location are high.
· Avoid driving for a while:
Unless the doctor has given you the green light to drive the vehicle, do not go for it. While driving the car, it is important for you to be in a static position, and this static position is responsible for causing strain on the new hip joint due to which you are experiencing pain. In some cases, it leads to dislocation as well.
· Don’t engage in physical exercises until and unless your doctor suggests it.
Physical exercises are not advisable for patients after hip replacement surgery till the recovery period is over and they have started feeling fine. If you are engaged in it, there are possible chances that the recovery period will get longer.
Do’s after hip replacement surgery:-
· Fix an appointment with the physiotherapist:
After 4 weeks of surgery, it is advisable to fix an appointment with the physiotherapist. After hip replacement surgery, some people experience stiffness in the joint due to which they are not able to engage in activities seamlessly.
· Start doing exercise as the doctor suggests.
You cannot do the exercises at first after hip replacement surgery. But when the doctor suggests you do exercises, start doing them to maintain mobility and joint functioning. Also, if you start feeling pain, stop it immediately.
· Use a heating pad before exercising.
When you are about to engage in exercises make sure to use a heating pad to assist with range of motion. For 15 to 20 minutes, it is recommended to help you deal with range of motion and other outcomes of exercise.
· Use ice on the hip:
Using ice on the hip is helpful in reducing pain and swelling. But we suggest you not apply it directly to the skin. Instead, consider an ice pack or wrap it in a towel.
· Keep the affected leg in front.
Whenever you are sitting or standing, try to keep the affected leg in front. It will reduce the strain on the hip and will not let you experience unnecessary pain.
· Start moving for a while after surgery:
Do not consider complete bed rest at all after hip replacement surgery because it is a major contributor to blood clotting. To prevent clotting, we suggest you move for a while.
· Take medications on time.
A patient is supposed to take medications on time because these medications do not only include over-the-counter medications but some medications that promote healing.
· Meet up with the doctor:
Patients after hip replacement surgery do not meet the doctor for an after-checkup. This is not the right way at all. Be sure to be under constant pressure with the doctor so that things can be managed out seamlessly.
The following are the dos and don’ts after hip replacement surgery that a person needs to consider after hip replacement surgery. If you are facing hip joint related problems and are looking for a doctor around Jaipur, fix your appointment with Dr. Lalit Modi at Jaipur Joints in Jaipur.
He is one of the best joint replacement surgeons in Jaipur whom you can approach for the surgery. Also, you can discuss the problem in detail with him and let him conclude what to do and what not to do.
If there is no need for surgery, he will not suggest you do the same. You just need to follow the treatment he is suggesting for a stable and better recovery period.
FAQ:
Q.1 – Can I drive a car after hip replacement surgery?
Answer – After completing the recovery period, a person will be able to drive a car after hip replacement surgery. But if you are facing any problems during driving, we suggest you avoid it. Also, sometimes long hours of driving cause pain even after complete recovery.
Q.2 – Do I need to make any dietary changes after hip replacement surgery for recovery?
Answer – Diet changes are important for patients to make after hip replacement surgery. Make sure to take a nutrition-rich diet so that it will be able to cope with the effects of surgery.
Q.3 – Do I need to change my sleeping position after hip replacement surgery?
Answer – Sleeping posture after hip replacement surgery is also very important to consider. You can’t sleep in the same position as you used to.
Q.4 – How long is the hip replacement surgery recovery period?
Answer – The recovery period after hip replacement surgery lasts for 12 to 18 weeks.
Q.5 – Who is the best doctor to approach for hip replacement surgery in Jaipur?
Answer – Dr. Lalit Modi is the best doctor to approach for hip replacement surgery in Jaipur.
