How do you shower after an anterior hip replacement?

Sutures (stitches) or staples will be removed about 10 to 14 days after surgery. Do not shower until 3 to 4 days after your surgery, or when your provider told you to shower. When you can shower, let water run over your incision but do not scrub it or let the water beat down on it.

How do you sleep after an anterior hip replacement?

What should I wear at home after hip surgery?

clothing you will wear home, including loose-fitting pants, shirt, underwear and socks. flat shoes or athletic shoes (comfortable, supportive with nonslip soles) glasses or contacts (if you wear them) and storage containers.

How long follow anterior hip precautions?

Since the muscles around the hip joint are not cut with the anterior approach, recovery only takes two to eight weeks. Post-Surgical Precautions: When patients undergo a posterior hip replacement, they must follow a set list of very careful precautions for up to 12 weeks to prevent further injury.

What can you never do after anterior hip replacement?

Activities of Daily Living: Stepping In and Out of the Shower

How long does it take to walk normally after anterior hip surgery?

Most patients will continue to need the cane for walking until 2-4 weeks postoperative; if you feel that you still need it for safety/balance, please continue to use it. I like to see you in the office and examine you before prescribing outpatient physical therapy.

How long do you need a caregiver after hip surgery?

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After three to six weeks, they may be able to resume light activities, such as driving a car and walking without crutches or a walker. Many people can return to normal activity 12 weeks after their procedure.

Should you buy new shoes after hip replacement?

A pretty shoe simply is not worth it. Wearing practical footwear until you're well into your knee replacement or hip replacement recovery (let's say a few months in) is the best way to avoid causing damage. A Doc Weighs in: “False.

What should I be doing 1 week after hip replacement?

How far should I walk each day after hip replacement?

We recommend that you walk two to three times a day for about 20-30 minutes each time. You should get up and walk around the house every 1-2 hours. Eventually you will be able to walk and stand for more than 10 minutes without putting weight on your walker or crutches. Then you can graduate to a cane.

Is it OK to sit in a recliner after hip replacement surgery?

Try to sit in a straight back chair (avoid low sofas, recliners, or zero-gravity chairs) for the first 6 weeks. Do NOT sleep in a recliner. Your hip will get stiff in a flexed position and be harder to straighten out.

How soon after hip replacement can I take a shower?

Do not shower until 3 to 4 days after your surgery, or when your provider told you to shower. When you can shower, let water run over your incision but do not scrub it or let the water beat down on it. Do not soak in a bathtub, hot tub, or swimming pool. You may have bruising around your wound.

How do you shower after surgery?

After 48 hours, surgical wounds can get wet without increasing the risk of infection. After this time, you can get your stitches wet briefly with a light spray (such as in the shower), but they should not be soaked (for example, in the bath). Make sure you pat the area dry afterwards.

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.

Can I touch my toes after hip replacement?

You need to remain under total hip precautions for about 12 weeks. During this period, don't turn your toes in or out. Avoid crossing your legs as well. Make sure you keep all your follow-up appointments and ask your surgeon to tell you when you're free to bend beyond 90 degrees or bend down to pick things up.

How far should I be walking 4 weeks after hip replacement?

During weeks 3-5, walking endurance usually increases if you have been consistent with your home program. Weeks 4-5: Ambulation distances up to 1 mile (2-3 city blocks), resting as needed. Weeks 5-6: Ambulation distances of 1-2 miles; able to meet shopping needs once released to driving.

How do I prepare my home for hip surgery?

Set up your bed on the first floor if you can. You may not need a hospital bed, but your mattress should be firm. Have a bathroom or a portable commode on the same floor where you will spend most of your day. Stock up on canned or frozen food, toilet paper, shampoo, and other personal items.

How soon can I ride in a car after hip replacement?

You may go out in a car (as a passenger) approximately three weeks after you return home, but make sure to avoid sports cars and cars with bucket seats because of the low seat height. When riding in a car, make sure to stop every 45 to 60 minutes to get out and do some walking.

Can I take care of myself after hip replacement surgery?

People are typically able to take care of themselves and resume most activities 6 weeks after surgery, and are 90% recovered after 3 months. It can take up to a full year before they are 100% recovered.

What happens first week after anterior hip replacement?

The goal within the first week is to manage pain and slowly rehabilitate the joint. This process can take about 2 weeks. From the 2-week mark, the doctor will suggest further meetings with a physical therapist. Combined with pain management, physical therapy ensures a high success and satisfaction rate.

How much pain is normal after anterior hip replacement?

If you feel like you are consistently at a 6 or more on a 1–10 pain scale, mention it to your doctor, because it could be a sign of infection or another complication. As you continue physical therapy, your pain levels should slowly decrease to about 1 or 2 in 12 weeks after the hip replacement.

How long after anterior hip replacement can you sleep on your side?

It's best to avoid sleeping on your affected side for at least six weeks. After your doctor gives you the go-ahead, listen to your body, and only lie on your operative side when you feel comfortable.