By Recovery following a significant procedure like hip replacement involves many important considerations. How should someone get ready? What hurdles might appear during the healing period? Is the assistance of a caregiver required?
Successful recovery requires collaboration between your medical team, you, and your loved ones. Dr. Gaurav Gupta, a robotic joint replacement specialist from Jhansi, provides insights into common questions about the hip replacement healing process and rehabilitation.
When can I go home after a hip replacement?
“Typically, patients are able to begin walking within a few days and are discharged shortly thereafter,” notes Dr. Gaurav Gupta. Complete bed rest is rarely needed. In fact, movement helps activate healing and encourages better outcomes with the new joint.
Those with medical conditions that require monitoring, such as heart or lung issues, or individuals who’ve had more complex surgeries or lack a solid support system at home, may need to remain off their feet longer.
Will I need to use a walker at first?
Your medical team—which includes your surgeon, physiotherapist, and primary care provider—will determine if any mobility aids are necessary. If your balance feels off while walking, you may be advised to use a walker or cane for safety, but in many cases, these aren’t needed for long.
When will my hip incision heal?
“These days, surgical incisions for hip replacements are quite minimal,” says Dr. Gaurav Gupta. A dressing covers the site, and healing generally takes around six weeks. During the early part of this period—roughly the first two weeks—patients are advised to avoid bathing to reduce infection risk until the incision closes fully.
How soon does rehabilitation start after the hip surgery?
“Physical therapy begins even before surgery and continues right after,” explains Dr. Gupta. Patients usually start movement exercises with a physiotherapist shortly after surgery and are encouraged to keep up with a home routine once they’re discharged.
Initial rehab includes relearning basic actions like rising from a bed or standing up from a chair. Over time, these movements advance to more involved activities such as stair climbing and entering or exiting a car. Building muscle strength is critical, which is why resistance exercises for the hips and knees are emphasized in the rehab plan.
Hip and Knee Replacement at Jhansi Orthopaedic Hospital
The Hip and Knee Replacement initiative at Jhansi Orthopaedic Hospital is run by a seasoned team of joint replacement professionals. From preparing patients ahead of surgery to guiding them through recovery with physical therapy, the team ensures a smooth, safe journey. The ultimate aim is to help patients return to their preferred levels of activity as quickly as possible.
What is considered a “normal” amount of pain after a hip replacement surgery?
Some discomfort and swelling are to be expected after the procedure. To manage these symptoms, Dr. Gupta suggests resting between therapy sessions, applying ice to the surgical site, and using anti-inflammatory medication as directed by your doctor. Elevating your leg while lying down, so it’s above the level of your heart, can also assist with swelling.
Patients should remain aware of how much pain they’re feeling. If pain levels remain consistently at 6 or above on a scale of 1 to 10, it’s important to consult your doctor, as this may indicate a complication such as infection. With continued physical therapy, most patients see pain drop to 1 or 2 within three months after surgery.
How long does it take to recover after a hip replacement?
“Most recoveries fall in the two to four week range, though each person is unique,” says Dr. Gupta. Several elements influence the speed of recovery, including your age, level of physical activity prior to surgery, diet, and other health conditions.
“To speed up recovery, we introduce patients to a concept known as prehabilitation,” Dr. Gupta adds. This involves strengthening the body before surgery to make the post-operative phase more effective and less stressful.
How soon can I return to regular activities after a hip replacement?
The main objective of rehab is to help you resume your daily life—whether that means returning to your job, playing with your children or grandchildren, or picking up a favorite hobby. How quickly you can return to each activity depends on its physical demands.
If you had surgery on your right hip, it may take up to a month before it’s safe to drive. For those who had their left hip replaced, driving could resume in as little as one to two weeks. Always begin by driving in a safe area like a parking lot, and avoid driving while on medication that might impair your reflexes.
Desk jobs may be resumed after two weeks, while jobs that involve heavy lifting or more movement may require up to six weeks off. Participation in sports should also wait six weeks. Swimming should be avoided until the incision heals completely, which typically also takes about six weeks. You can resume sexual activity whenever you feel ready and comfortable.
What could slow down my recovery?
“There are risks associated with any operation,” says Dr. Gupta, “and hip replacements can sometimes lead to complications like infections, bone fractures, or dislocation of the joint.” Be alert for signs like fever, unusual discharge from the wound, limited movement, or sharp pain that doesn’t ease with medication. Any of these symptoms should prompt an immediate call to your healthcare provider.
Going slowly and carefully during rehab, and avoiding sudden or forceful movements, can reduce the risk of setbacks such as dislocations or falls.
How long will my hip replacement implant last?
Modern hip implants are built using materials like ceramic, metal, and plastic, which makes them far more resilient than the older all-metal models. These newer implants usually last between 20 to 30 years, and the likelihood of them wearing out or needing replacement is relatively low.
How long after replacing one hip should I wait to replace the other?
“If both hips are affected by serious arthritis, a patient may opt to replace both at once,” says Dr. Gupta. This approach—known as double hip replacement—can actually be more efficient and may lead to a faster overall recovery in suitable patients.
However, the rehabilitation can be more demanding, since both legs need to be strengthened at the same time. It can also be harder to move around the home early on, so additional help may be required. If surgeries are to be done separately, waiting at least six weeks between procedures is advisable. This helps reduce the chances of complications such as blood clots.
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