How long should I elevate my leg after hip replacement?

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 high should I elevate my leg after hip replacement?

It is important to elevate the entire leg, down to the ankle. When elevating, your feet should be above the level of your heart. You may also use pillows to elevate, but never place a pillow behind your knee.

How long does it take for swelling to go down after hip replacement?

Expect moderate to severe swelling in the first few weeks after surgery. You may also have mild to moderate swelling for 3 to 6 months after surgery. To reduce swelling, elevate your leg slightly and apply ice. Wearing compression stockings may also help reduce swelling.

How often should I get up and walk 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 many days do you ice after hip replacement?

You should keep the ice machine for approximately two weeks. Do not use the ice machine while you are sleeping. It is great for you and your new hip to go for a walk 3-4 times a day.

Top 3 Mistakes After Total Hip Replacement

Can you elevate your leg too much after surgery?

Minimize sitting time as much as possible to limit swelling. When sitting, elevate your leg as tolerated. Do not allow your leg to dangle downwards for too long.

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.

Can you overdo walking after hip replacement?

While you recover from your surgery, stay active without overdoing it. Some days will be better than others, but over time you should see an improvement. Follow the guidelines given to you by your doctor and therapy team.

How far should I be walking 2 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.

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

Patients who have superPATH, direct superior, or anterior hip replacement approach in an Ambulatory Surgery Center begin walking an hour after surgery; they no longer require a walker after 1-5 days; and it usually takes them 2-4 weeks to build up to walking a mile in 20 – 30 minutes.

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.

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

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.

What should I be doing 3 weeks after hip replacement?

What should I be doing 2 weeks after hip replacement?

How long should you elevate your feet?

The more the swelling and the longer there has been swelling, the longer and more frequently your need to elevate your legs. Start with 20 minutes twice a day. This might do the trick. If not, go to 30 minutes or even an hour.

How do you get rid of stiffness after hip replacement?

While lying on your back, pull your “good” towards your chest. Let your recovering leg dangle in a relaxed state while you do this. This stretch will create some tension in the front of your thigh and in your hip. Hold this position for 10-15 seconds, and return to a fully relaxed position.

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.

How long does it take to walk without a cane after hip replacement?

In most cases, you will need to use a walker or crutches for two to four weeks after surgery. You may be advised to use a cane after you have stopped using crutches. Most patients use an assistive device (walker or crutches) until they can walk without a limp.

What happens at 4 weeks after hip replacement?

It usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks to start feeling stronger and to be able to get around with less pain. You'll still need to continue with physical therapy by going to regular appointments. Walking at this point is especially important for your recovery. You'll want to walk regularly and avoid sitting for too long.

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.

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.

Should I sleep with my legs elevated?

Elevating your legs while you sleep can help your circulation and prevent swelling. It's best to elevate your legs above the level of your heart. Wedge-shaped pillows make this easier to do. You can also use pillows or folded blankets you have on hand to elevate your legs in bed to help circulation.

How long should I keep my leg elevated after surgery?

After application of a splint or cast, it is very important to elevate your leg for 24 to 72 hours. The injured area should be elevated well above the heart. Remember “Toes above your Nose”. Also, rest and elevation greatly reduce pain and speed the healing process by minimizing early swelling.

What happens if you elevate your legs for too long?

Don't elevate your legs on a table or desk without a cushion to prevent the edges and corners from digging into your skin. This can cause leg pain, bruising, spider veins, and nerve damage to the area. It's also counterproductive, as it hurts circulation to the area due to excessive pressure.

Should I still have pain 6 weeks after hip replacement?

But full recovery may take 6 to 12 months. Pain usually goes away during this time, but some people may continue to feel some pain beyond the first year.