What should I do 3 weeks after hip replacement?

3 to 6 Weeks After Hip Replacement Surgery
  • You may be able to do most light activities. You'll likely be able to walk without a walker or crutches.
  • You may be able to drive again.
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Can I sleep on my side 3 weeks after hip replacement?

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.
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What should I be doing 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.
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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.
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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.
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Hip Replacement Week 3 - Real Progress



How far should I be walking 2 weeks after hip replacement?

Generally, I advise patients to walk only a few hundred yards a day total until they get to around six weeks. By that point, the implants are ingrown with bone, meaning that the bone is fused to the implant.
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Should I still have pain 4 weeks after hip replacement?

Most people, though, experience surgical pain for approximately two to four weeks following hip replacement surgery. Your activity level, medical history, and any pain you're dealing with before surgery have an effect on how long it will take you to make a full recovery.
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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.
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Is walking the best exercise after hip replacement?

Proper walking is the best way to help your hip recover. At first, you will walk with a walker or crutches. Your surgeon or therapist will tell you how much weight to put on your leg. Early on, walking will help you regain movement in your hip.
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What is the fastest way to recover from a hip replacement?

7 practical tips for successful hip replacement recovery
  1. Prepare your home in advance. ...
  2. Plan for some time off work. ...
  3. Balance rest and recovery with gentle exercise. ...
  4. Think about your nutrition to help speed up recovery. ...
  5. Be mindful of your hip when in bed. ...
  6. Think about your holidays and travel plans.
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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).
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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.
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How long are you on bed rest after a hip replacement?

How do I safely rest and sleep after a hip replacement? Elevate both of your legs when sitting to minimize swelling. When resting or sleeping in bed, lie on your non-operative side for the first four to six weeks following surgery.
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What 3 things should be avoided after hip replacement surgery?

Some common things to avoid after hip replacement surgery include:
  • Don't resist getting up and moving around. ...
  • Don't bend at the waist more than 90 degrees. ...
  • Don't lift your knees up past your hips. ...
  • Don't cross your legs. ...
  • Don't twist or pivot at the hip. ...
  • Don't rotate your feet too far inward or outward.
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How long will I need pain meds after hip replacement?

How long will I be on pain medication after total hip replacement surgery? » You will likely require some form of pain medication for about 3 months after total hip replacement surgery. At first you will be on a strong oral pain medication (such as a narcotic).
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Why does my thigh hurt after hip replacement?

It is very common in patients and usually resolves with a cortisone injection. Tendonitis around the hip muscles or subtle tears. Sometimes, inflammation around these tendons irritates the local nerves around the hip and can cause radiation or pain in the groin, thigh, and buttock.
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What is the best exercise after total hip replacement?

Your bed is an excellent place to do your exercises.
  • Ankle pumps. ...
  • Thigh squeezes (quadriceps sets) ...
  • Buttock squeezes (gluteal sets) ...
  • Heel slides (hip and knee flexion) ...
  • Leg slides (abduction/adduction) ...
  • Lying kicks (short arc quadriceps) ...
  • Straight leg raises. ...
  • Sitting kicks (long arc quadriceps)
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How long does it take for the muscles to heal after a hip replacement?

“On average, hip replacement recovery can take around two to four weeks, but everyone is different,” says Thakkar. It depends on a few factors, including how active you were before your surgery, your age, nutrition, preexisting conditions, and other health and lifestyle factors.
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How long does it take to walk without a cane after hip replacement?

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.
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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.
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Can you overdo it 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.
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What should I be doing 2 weeks after hip replacement?

One or two weeks after surgery you'll probably be able to:
  • Move about your home more easily.
  • Walk short distances, to your mailbox, around the block, or perhaps even further.
  • Prepare your own meals. One to 2 weeks after surgery you may be able to stand at the kitchen counter without a walking aid. ...
  • Take showers.
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What can I do to relieve thigh pain after hip surgery?

Reduce pain and swelling
  1. Ice can be applied to your operated leg for 10-15 minutes every hour, as needed. You may find this most helpful after exercise. ...
  2. Beginning one week after surgery, you may apply heat for 10-15 minutes before you exercise. Do not apply heat directly over the incision.
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Should my leg swell up 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.
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How long after hip replacement can I tie my shoes?

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.
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