Total hip replacement is a medical procedure performed to relieve intense hip joint pain. You’re expected to take proper care to help the joint heal and recover faster.

One can expect their lifestyle to be similar to what it was before surgery - but without the pain (although it might take time to return to your regular activities). Being active in your healing can help in faster recovery and better results.

Even though a person can resume most activities, they may need to modify their approach. For instance, you may need to learn new ways to bend down that are safe for your new hip.

In this article, we will go through some of the tips and suggestions recommended by medical professionals for the new hip joint.

Hospital Discharge

Based on the recovery, your hospital stay may last 1-2 days For an outpatient hip replacement, you will go home the same day. Before the hospital release, a person should be able to do the following on their own-

1. They should easily be able to get in and out of the bed.

2. Have acceptable pain control.

3. They should be able to drink, eat, and use the bathroom.

4. They should be able to operate assistive devices like a cane, walker, or crutches.

5. They should be able to climb up and down the stairs.

6. They should be able to perform some recommended exercises.

7. They should know about hip surgery precautions and injury prevention.

After the discharge, you will be provided with information on ‘supportive recovery’. Instructions should be read carefully by the patient and their family members.

Complications are rare in this surgery. Doctors will guide you through some potential risks and complications like an infection or a blood clot. If you face any problems, contact your doctor immediately.

Warning signs of infection

1. Persistent fever (above 100 degrees)

2. Body chills

3. An increase in the redness, tenderness, and swelling of the wound

4. Wound drainage

5. Increased pain

Warning signs of clots

1. Pain in leg or calf

2. Tenderness/ redness above or below the knee

3. Severe swelling in the thigh, calf, ankle, or foot.

Recovering at Home

Patients at home may need help for a few days to weeks after the discharge. Many people reach out to a caregiver for assistance.

If you need a caregiver, visit our website at Sehaasouq. Just fill out the form, and book your slot!

How to prepare home?

Let’s go through some of the tips to make your home comfortable after a hip replacement surgery-

1. Rearrange the furniture - Using a cane or crutch is a challenge. For easy maneuvering, rearrange the big items like chairs and tables.

2. Keep essentials near - Phones, laptops, tablets, chargers, etc should be kept handy. Your medications should also be near your reach.

3. Keep the house clean - Rugs and clothes can cause falls. Prevent those and keep the area clean!

4. Comfortable furniture - Get a firm and high-raised chair. It is safer and more comfortable.

5. Install shower chair - Bathroom assistive devices like a shower chair, grip bar, raised toilet seat, etc help in easy bathing and toileting. Explore our range at Sehaaonline.

6. Reachers and grabbers - Make life easy with assistive devices like reachers and grabbers to avoid bends. Shop now at Sehaaonline.

Wound care

Prevent infection with the following tips-

1. Keep the wound area dry and clean. You may get regular dressings every 7-10 days.

2. Keep the dressings off from showers. Although most of the dressings are waterproof, take precautions.

Notify your doctor if you see increased redness or drainage in the wound.

Swelling

Moderate to servers swelling in the first few weeks is common. Some patients get mild to moderate swelling for 3 to 6 months. Make sure to wear compression stockings, and give cold pack compressions. You can explore our range from the website.

Medications

Keep a tab on all prescribed medicines- pain killers, oral or injectable blood thinners, antibiotics, stool softeners, and anti-nausea. Make sure your doctor knows your medications (if taken any additional supplements).

Dos and Don’ts For Your New Hip

Don’ts

1. Avoid crossing legs at knees for at least 6 to 8 weeks.

2. Don’t elevate the knee higher than the hip.

3. Avoid leaning forward while sitting.

4. Don’t pick anything from the ground while sitting.

5. Avoid turning feet inward or outward while bending.

6. Don’t reach down to pull blankets while sleeping.

7. Avoid bending the waist beyond 90 degrees.

Dos

1. Keep the leg facing forward.

2. Keep the operated leg in front while standing or sitting.

3. Use a high kitchen or barstool in the kitchen.

4. Kneel on the operated leg’s knee.

5. Use ice packs to reduce swelling and pain, not direct ice.

6. Use heating pads before exercises. It gives a better range of motion.

7. Cut on exercises if muscles ache.

Conclusion

Be it a minor or major surgery, it is always challenging. Surgery is a complication itself. Hence, remember to take aftercare seriously.

To make things easy, Sehaasouq has launched the ‘Total Hip Replacement’ in Post-Op Care. You can rent or buy used/second-hand hip replacement equipment in Dubai. Visit here to know more- https://sehaasouq.com/hip-replacement-care.

Got doubts? We would love to help! Drop us a mail at info@sehaaonline.com/ info@sehaasouq.com.