How long is full recovery from hip replacement?

People who have sedentary jobs can typically return to work about 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. People who need to stand, bend, and lift objects on the job may need to wait about 2 or 3 months. Heavy manual labor is not recommended. A full recovery may take from 3 months to a year.

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

Most hip replacement patients are able to walk within the same day or next day of surgery; most can resume normal routine activities within the first 3 to 6 weeks of their total hip replacement recovery. Once light activity becomes possible, it's important to incorporate healthy exercise into your recovery program.

How long does it take for full recovery from a total hip replacement?

Within 12 weeks following surgery, many patients will resume their recreational activities, such as talking long walk, cycling, or playing golf. It may take some patients up to 6 months to completely recover following a hip replacement.

How long does it take to drive normally after hip surgery?

When Can Hip Replacement Patients Drive? Some patients may drive as soon as 2 weeks after surgery¹, while others may need as long as 8 weeks. Importantly, drivers must not be taking any pain medications that impair driving skills—this is unsafe and illegal.

Are there permanent restrictions after hip replacement?

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

The first 6 weeks after Hip Surgery: Rapid Recovery Hip Replacement

Are there things you can never do again after hip replacement?

What Cannot be done after hip replacement?

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.

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 painful is a hip replacement?

You can expect to experience some discomfort in the hip region itself, as well as groin pain and thigh pain. This is normal as your body adjusts to changes made to joints in that area. There can also be pain in the thigh and knee that is typically associated with a change in the length of your leg.

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.

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

This can happen when patients do too much walking and stress the implants prior to the ingrowth process. Generally, I advise patients to walk only a few hundred yards a day total until they get to around six weeks.

Can you live a normal life after hip replacement?

Around three months after your hip operation, most things will go back to normal, and the pain goes away for most people. You need to look out for signs of complications and continue being careful with how you move your hip. After 6 to 12 months, the recovery is considered complete.

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.

Will I walk differently after hip replacement?

Many people who have undergone a total hip replacement have had a significantly altered gait pattern, or limp, for some time prior to surgery. Besides reducing pain, alleviating a limp is the priority for many during the recovery period. Improving your ability and efficiency of walking is a multifaceted process.

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.

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.

Does a hip replacement make you weigh more?

While many overweight patients intend to lose weight after joint replacement, a study at Hospital for Special (HSS) finds that although some patients are able to achieve this goal, equal numbers of patients actually gain weight after hip or knee replacement.

How long does it take to walk without a limp after hip surgery?

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. Continue to use support as needed to minimize limping.

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.

Can you climb stairs after hip replacement?

Using Assistive Devices to Climb Stairs After Hip Surgery

After the operation and throughout the early stages of recovery, you will need some form of support when ascending or descending stairs, such as using the handrails and a cane. At home, your stairs should have some handrails or banisters already installed.

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.

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.

When can I sit on a sofa after hip replacement?

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.

What happens after 6 months of hip replacement?

Although you'll likely be functioning well 4 to 6 months after your surgery, weakness in the muscles surrounding your hip may persist for up to 2 years.

Can you feel a hip replacement?

Initially, you'll feel discomfort while walking and exercising, and your legs and feet may be swollen. A physiotherapist will teach you exercises to help strengthen your hip and explain what should and should not be done after the operation.