Do and don'ts after total hip replacement surgery?

Don't cross your legs at the knees for at least 6 to 8 weeks. Don't bring your knee up higher than your hip. Don't lean forward while sitting or as you sit down. Don't try to pick up something on the floor while you are sitting.

What 3 things should be avoided after hip replacement surgery?

Hip replacement patients are given a long list of things not to do—do not bend the hips or knees further than 90 degrees, do not cross the legs, do not lift the leg to put on socks, and much more. These movement restrictions protect the new hip from dislocation.

Are there permanent restrictions after hip replacement?

That's right, no restrictions. After an anterior hip replacement you can do anything you want to.

How long does it take to walk normally after a hip replacement?

3 to 6 Weeks After Hip Replacement Surgery

You'll likely be able to walk without a walker or crutches.

How should you sit after a hip replacement?

Sit on a firm chair with a straight back and armrests. Keep your hips and knees at 90 degrees (i.e., knees below hips). Don't sit on low, soft or overstuffed furniture that may cause excessive bending of your hip.

13 Do's and Don'ts After Hip Replacement Surgery

What is the best sleeping position after hip replacement?

The best position to sleep in after total hip replacement is on your back with a pillow between your legs. You can also sleep on your non-operative side with two pillows lined between your legs. When you're sleeping on your back, make sure you don't cross your ankles or legs.

What are the 3 hip precautions?

Hip precautions encourage patients to avoid bending at the hip past 90°, twisting their leg in or out, and crossing their legs. Patients are also encouraged to sit with their hips higher than their knees, sit in a chair with armrests, and sleep on their back with a pillow between their legs.

How long do you have to sleep on your back after hip replacement?

It's important to follow these sleeping precautions for 6 to 12 weeks after surgery, depending on your health and personal recovery. The best sleeping position for your hip is to lie on your back with a pillow between your legs.

How long will I limp after hip replacement?

You will walk without support when you feel you are safe and can walk comfortably without dropping your hip or limping. Some patients can do this within 2 weeks after surgery while others take 6-8 weeks or longer.

What should I be doing 2 weeks after hip replacement?

Can you tie your shoes after hip replacement?

Because it can take up to 6-8 weeks for the tissues to heal, the surgeon would caution the patient not to bend during this healing process, meaning that it could take up to 8 weeks before you could tie your shoelaces.

Can you cut your toenails after hip replacement?

How will I cut my toenails after surgery? Prior to surgery, it is recommended you trim your toenails. After surgery you may have movement restrictions that will prevent you from bending forward to touch your toes. If a family member or friend is unable to assist you, there are various foot care services available.

Can you ever bend over after hip replacement?

You should not bend your hip beyond 60 to 90 degrees for the first six to 12 weeks after surgery. Do not cross your legs or ankles, either. It's best to avoid bending to pick things up during this period.

What can't you do after hip surgery?

Never Break Movement Restrictions

The replaced hip is less stable than a normal hip joint. It is possible for the ball of the ball-and-socket hip replacement to dislocate. Positions to avoid include crossing your legs—also when putting on socks and shoes.

What is the best exercise after total hip replacement?

When can you put full weight on leg after hip replacement?

Instructions after first postop visit (6-8 weeks after surgery): You should now be comfortable in walking with a cane or nothing at all, placing full weight on the operated leg. At this point, if you haven't already done so, you may wean to using 1 crutch or cane in the opposite hand/arm.

How long should I elevate my leg after hip replacement?

We don't recommend putting heat on your leg since it can increase swelling. Elevate your leg several times throughout the day by lying flat with your foot on three to four pillows, so your knee is above your heart. Do this for 30–60 minutes, four to five times a day (or as needed).

How do you poop after hip surgery?

Be sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat foods high in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, to prevent constipation. Use a stool softener while taking pain medication. Take a laxative if you do not have a bowel movement within two to three days. Notify your doctor if you don't have results after taking the laxative.

How do you wash your hair after a hip replacement?

Wash your hair using normal shampoo. Make sure you rinse the shampoo from your hair and body. Wash your face with your regular soap or cleanser. Using a fresh, clean washcloth and 1/3 of the Hibiclens Soap or CHG, wash from your neck down.

How long does it take for bone to grow into hip replacement?

If the prosthesis is not cemented into place, it is necessary to allow four to six weeks (for the femur bone to "grow into" the implant) before the hip joint is able to bear full weight and walking without crutches is possible.

When can I start doing housework after a hip replacement?

For several weeks after your operation, you are likely to need help with activities such as house keeping, laundry and vacuuming. You can engage in light housework only for first 6 weeks – Do not engage in activities which require bending or heavy lifting.

Can you kneel after a hip replacement?

After a hip replacement, many patients can kneel down after completing the precautionary period of three months. The safe way to do this is to perform a single-legged kneel whereby the patient kneels on the knee of the operated side only. This means that the other hip has to bend whilst the operated hip stays extended.

Can you sit in a rocking chair after hip replacement?

Sit in chairs higher than knee height. Sit in a firm, straight-back chair with arm rests. Do not sit on soft chairs, rocking chairs, sofas, or stools.

What happens if you bend over 90 degrees after hip replacement?

Don't bend at the waist more than 90 degrees

These activities increase the chances of dislocating the new hip.