5 Tips for a Smooth Recovery After Hip Replacement Surgery

If your hip hurts and the pain prevents you from doing the things you enjoy, like walking and sleeping, and other treatments have failed to reduce your pain, you may be a candidate for hip replacement surgery. 

If you’re reluctant to get surgery, it may help to know that nearly 500,000 adults undergo hip replacement surgery every year, and it has a 95% satisfaction rate, even 10 years after the surgery.

Hip replacement surgery is just what it sounds like — a procedure where the surgeon replaces damaged parts of your hip with an artificial hip joint, usually constructed of metal, ceramic, and hard plastic. Arthritis is the most common reason people have their hip joint replaced. 

At Brick Orthopaedic Associates, James M. Lee Jr., MD, is an expert at performing minimally invasive direct anterior hip replacement surgery. 

The benefits of a minimally invasive procedure over traditional open surgery includes:

• Faster recovery
• Less pain and pain medication
• Shorter hospital stay

To make sure your recovery goes smoothly, start preparing for your recovery before your surgery. Here are five tips to do just that and help smooth your path to a speedy recovery.

Find a good surgeon

Make sure your orthopedic surgeon specializes in hip and knee replacements and is trained in the latest techniques. You also need a surgeon with whom you feel comfortable, especially asking questions, and with whom you feel a high level of trust. 

A surgeon with special expertise improves your chances of having a speedy and successful recovery. Dr. Lee is a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who specializes in joint replacement surgery.

Get your house ready

When you get home from the hospital, you’ll have trouble walking and standing for long periods. Invest in a shower bench so you can comfortably shower without fear of falling or slipping.

If your room is on the second floor of your house, consider a ground-level space to bunk while you’re recovering. Make sure loose carpeting is secure and your floor is free of clutter. 

Lose weight and strengthen your legs

Before surgery, get your leg muscles good and strong. Having the muscle strength going into surgery will help get you back into fighting shape after surgery. 

Overweight people are at higher risk of infection, so if you’re carrying extra weight, reduce your risk of complications by slimming down before your procedure.

Start moving 

As soon as you feel up to it and Dr. Lee gives you the OK, start moving your legs, whether it’s simply dangling them over your hospital bed or getting up and taking a few steps.

After that, you can slowly resume normal activities, such as going up or down stairs, walking to the kitchen, or going to the bathroom. You may experience some pain, but that’s to be expected. Soon you’ll be able to resume most activities without pain. 

Be diligent with physical therapy

Part of a successful recovery is not only visiting a physical therapist but doing the exercises outside of your appointment. Physical therapy can help improve strength, flexibility, and mobility. 

Are you ready for hip replacement therapy? Call us at Orange Orthopaedic Associates for a consultation with Dr. Lee or request an appointment online.