Activities After Hip Replacement Surgery: What You Need to Know

Hip replacement surgery is a major procedure, and while it will certainly improve your quality of life, there will be a few modifications you’ll need to make in order to heal properly.

When Can I Resume Normal Physical Activity?

You should be able to resume normal physical activity after surgery; typically, a physical therapist will guide you through the initial stages of recovery in order to teach you how to use your new hip implant. A patient is expected to begin moving around as soon as possible after surgery. This is crucial in order to begin recovery from anesthetics, as well as to regain your physical strength. Often, the toughest battle is fought immediately after surgery, when pain is at its most severe and the side effects from general anesthesia are acute. These side effects should lessen after a few days, and you’ll be well on your way to recovery.

Be Honest About Your Pain Level After Surgery

It is important to be honest with your family and physicians about your level of pain as well as your comfort level with being back at home after your surgery. Many patients feel more secure going to a rehabilitation center following their surgery so they can get the attention they need, especially if they live alone and no family members live close by to help out in case of an emergency. Several weeks of physical therapy could be necessary to get you back on track and feeling like yourself again.

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Make Sure You Can Function In Your Home

Once you are back at home, take stock of your surroundings to ensure that you aren’t in danger of slipping or falling, and that you will not need to strain to reach any important items. Here are some tips:

1. Furniture: Have someone rearrange your furniture to accommodate use of crutches or a walker, if needed, so you’re not in any danger of bumping into chairs, sofas, or any other objects that could cause pain and discomfort.
2. Bathroom: Have your bathroom modified to include grab bars in your shower and toilet, and use a shower chair while bathing in order to sit comfortably.
3. Emergency Phone Numbers: Keep important phone numbers and other items within easy reach. The last thing you want to be doing is hunting for the remote control or cordless phone. If everything is in one central location, you’ll feel safer and calmer about being on your own.

Will Staying Active Help Me Recover From Hip Replacement Surgery?

1. Stay Active: The key to a successful recovery is to say active. Whether you’ve had the benefits of rehabilitation or not, you should make every effort to do as much as you can as comfortably as you can.
2. Don’t Overdo It: It’s okay to resume normal activities as soon as you feel you can, but keep in mind not to overdo it. You can expect to have good days and bad days, but overall, normal activities like walking, driving, sleeping, sitting and standing should not be a problem.
3. Talk To Your Doctors: Remember to keep in contact with your doctor or physical therapist if you feel any unusual pain or discomfort while performing simple tasks. Take care not to lift or drag heavy items, and exercise caution when climbing stairs.

What If Activities Are Painful After Hip Replacement Surgery?

1. Contact Your Doctor: If you’ve followed your aftercare instructions and are still experiencing moderate to severe pain or discomfort, contact your doctor.
2. Do Your Research: Get as much information as you can about the type of hip replacement device you received and be specific about the symptoms you are experiencing.
3. Seek Out a Second Opinion: There is no set time frame for a complete recovery from a hip replacement surgery, but if you’ve followed the advice of doctors and therapists and you’re still not feeling up to par, something could be wrong. If you feel you are not getting adequate advice from your physician or therapist, seek out a second opinion.

Get Help Now from Rottenstein Law Group

The worst case scenario might be that you received a defective hip implant. If your recovery has not progressed and you have been unable to resume normal activity without suffering pain, discomfort and decreased mobility, please fill out this contact form to protect your rights. You may be eligible for compensation for pain and suffering, unforeseen medical expenses and lost wages in a DePuy Pinnacle hip replacement lawsuit. The Rottenstein Law Group is standing by to take your call and help you through every step of your case, even if it means going to trial.