How Long are You on Bed Rest After a Hip Replacement?

Introduction

Despite being a common procedure, a hip replacement can change someone's life. It can greatly enhance your quality of life and enable you to resume the activities you once enjoyed before hip pain interfered. If you are thinking about having hip surgery, it's critical to know how you will take care of yourself while you heal from the procedure.

A few weeks or more prior to the procedure, a person should get their body ready for a partial or total hip replacement. This expedites healing and lowers the possibility of complications. Those undergoing a total or partial hip replacement should prepare for surgery in the same way. Both total and partial hip replacements have comparable results and recovery times.

After surgery, a patient can usually go back to their house or a rehabilitation facility in a few days. In three to six weeks, the majority of patients are able to resume light activities and daily living on their own, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).

It can take considerable time to recover from hip replacement surgery. What is reasonable to anticipate? Here is a general summary of what to expect following hip replacement surgery, from the day of the procedure to three months later. Keep in mind that every patient's situation is unique. Recovery times can differ and are frequently influenced by factors such as age, health, diet, and level of activity prior to surgery.

While each person's recuperation following a hip surgery is unique, there are some typical benchmarks. Let's examine the typical recovery period following hip replacement surgery in more detail.

What is Hip Replacement Surgery?

A hip replacement surgery is a procedure performed by orthopedic surgeons to replace the damaged hip joint completely or just the damaged parts of it, with a standard or custom made artificial prosthesis from specific biomaterials.
 
Most hip replacements are performed on adults aged above 50 years. Children and young adults are rarely on the receiving end of it. Depending on the degree of degeneration and your general health, your doctor might recommend a hip replacement if you have discomfort in standing, walking, or moving because of hip pain or other symptoms.

What are Types of Hip Replacement Surgery?

Your specialist will suggest you total or partial hip replacement depending upon your condition and extent knee joint damage:

Total hip replacement: There will be complete removal of the damaged hip joint and replacement of the same with a prosthetic joint. The femoral head or top of thigh bone (femur) and acetabulum (socket in which femur head fits) are replaced with the artificial joint. Majority of hip replacements are total hip replacements.

Partial hip replacement: Partial hip replacements  are rarely performed. Your hip will only be partially replaced by your surgeon during the surgery. Typically, these are limited to the removal of specific types of tumors or the repair of specific types of hip fractures.

Hip Replacement Surgery Timeline

Let's explore more closely at the average recovery period following hip replacement surgery.

• Immediately After the Surgery: After the procedure, you'll be brought to a recovery area where nurses or other medical professionals will keep an eye on your vital signs. Painkillers will be administered to you in the recovery area. In order to minimize blood clot formation, you might also be prescribed a blood thinner and have compression stockings placed on your legs.

          After the anesthesia wears off, you will be shifted to the recovery care ward. With the assistance of a physical therapist, you will be encouraged            to sit up and walk once you are completely awake and aware. Doctors generally suggest that beginning physical therapy immediately following          surgery as it may hasten recovery and enhance results. After your surgery, you'll probably need to stay in the hospital for a period of roughly two          weeks. 

• Few Days in Hospital: Following hip replacement surgery, physical therapy aids in enhancing blood flow and strengthening muscles. It also aids in your transition to safe movement. A physical therapist will work with you soon after surgery to assist you to get up from the bed and leave your bed with the help of a walker or crutches initially to safely navigate short distances. Moreover, your physical therapist will assist you in performing particular range-of-motion and strengthening exercises in bed. A physical therapist will advise you to perform certain daily exercises at home before you leave the hospital. They'll give you advice on how much weight is appropriate for your leg. Additionally, they might advise taking particular safety measures when bending, sitting, or sleeping. These safety precautions could be implemented temporarily or permanently. How long you need to follow these instructions will be decided by your surgeon.
• Immediately Post-Discharge: It will be challenging at first to perform daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, and taking a shower on your own. For this reason, it's critical to have a support network in place to make sure you get help from your caretaker to prevent any fall. After you leave the hospital, you might have to stay at a rehabilitation center. Every day, until you're stable and strong enough to move around safely on your own, you'll receive supervised physical therapy. You will need to carry out the exercises advised by your physical therapist at home.
• Next 3 Months: You'll find it easier to keep up with your everyday activities as you gain strength and increase the amount of weight you can bear on your leg. You will need less assistance than before with self-care and certain simple tasks. Usually, it takes four to six weeks to start feeling better and having less pain when moving around. You will still need to attend your scheduled appointments for physical therapy.

How Long are You on Bed Rest After a Hip Replacement?

You may have to take complete bed rest after the hip replacement surgery till a few days after your surgery. Once your doctor finds it fine to let you move out of your bed depending upon your overall condition, you will be able to walk under proper medical supervision. After that you may be shifted to a rehabilitation center if you are able to walk successfully.

Conclusion

You'll need time to heal your body and build up your muscles after surgery. Don't rush your recuperation; instead, take your time. Discuss your mobility objectives and desired activities following your hip replacement with your surgeon or physical therapist.

Experience comprehensive joint restoration care from Dr. Ishwar Bohra, the best orthopedic surgeon in Delhi, for the best results. Book your consultation today.

FAQs

Q1: What must I do in the two weeks following my hip replacement?

A: After your procedure, you will probably need to use a walker for support for about two weeks. After two weeks, the majority of people will also feel well enough to quit taking their painkillers.

Q2: After hip replacement, how much time should you rest?

A: In approximately two weeks, you can resume work if your job is a desk job with little exertion. It is advised to take around six weeks off work to recuperate if your job involves heavy lifting or other activities that are stressful on the hips. You can resume low-impact sports like golf in a few weeks.