FAQs about Total Hip Replacement Recovery

Patients with severe arthritis in the hip joint no longer have to spend their entire lives in pain, thanks to advanced orthopaedics.  A procedure is known as ‘hip replacement’ can help them live a pain-free life, as surgeons remove the damaged parts of the joint and replace them with prosthetic components to reduce pain and strengthen the hip. Though this is the best option for people with severe arthritis, there are still a lot of questions that people have in their minds, specifically about recovery after a total hip replacement. We have compiled all the concerns that most people have regarding the recovery process. Read below and prepare yourself better:

How long will I stay in the hospital after my surgery?

90% of patients go home within 1 day after the surgery. In very rare cases, the stay is prolonged.

How will I feel after the surgery?

You might feel numbness around the incision site, and you will also experience swelling in your legs. But you shouldn’t worry even if the swelling remains for approximately 6 months because this is a normal part of the recovery process. To minimize the swelling, you can elevate your leg and apply ice.

How soon will I recover after the surgery?

Most patients with hip replacement surgery are able to walk within the same day or on the next day of surgery. And most can resume normal daily activities within the first 3 to 6 weeks. After the surgery, you will move to a recovery area for some hours. This is where the medical staff monitors your blood pressure, pain level, pulse rate and your need for medications.  Moreover, a physiotherapist is assigned to help you with some exercises and suggest ways to safely put your full weight on the replaced hip so that you can walk independently. Moreover, you and your caregiver will also get tips for your new hip before you leave the hospital.

What kind of pain medication will I be able to take after my procedure?

After the surgery, the effects of your spinal anaesthesia would stay with you for several hours, but once they ware off, you will be provided with intravenous pain medications. In most cases, the patients experience a moderate level of pain that can easily be tackled with simple oral medications. Your doctor will assess the type of medication that will work best depending on your condition.

When will be my first post-up visit?

Your first op-visit will be 3 weeks after the surgery. In this visit, an assessment will be done to make sure that your recovery is going smoothly.

How long will it take to resume my daily activities?

Once you are home, you should try to stay active, but not do too much, too soon. You can perform exercises prescribed by your physical therapist for over 2 months after the surgery. You will gradually feel the improvement with the exercises prescribed by the physical therapist. Just trust your doctor and the physical therapist for best and quick results! A hip replacement is a major surgery, and it needs special care. Not all orthopaedic specialists are fully trained to manage and treat infected joints. Visit Apollo Spectra to consult with the best surgeons in your city and get specialist treatment. At Apollo Spectra, we schedule routine follow-up exams and x-rays to make sure that the hip is maintaining proper placement and alignment after the surgery. Consult with a specialist today!