How Long Does It Take to Recover From a Hip Replacement?

In the U.S., approximately 300,000 people undergo a total hip replacement every year, according to Harvard Health Publishing. If you’re preparing to have this common operation, you probably have some questions about the recovery process.

The good news is that you should be able to walk within just a couple of days after the surgery. That said, it usually takes around 10-12 weeks of physical therapy before you’ll be fully ready to resume your usual daily routines.

Conditions that May Require a Hip Replacement

The hip is the body’s largest joint, and it goes through natural wear-and-tear over the years. As the joint degrades, it may become necessary to replace damaged sections with artificial parts called prostheses that are typically made from metal, ceramic, or hard plastic.

Arthritis associated with aging is the most common reason why people get hip replacements. While living well with arthritis is possible in some cases, sometimes surgical intervention becomes necessary.

In addition to osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, osteonecrosis is another condition that may lead to hip joint damage. Patients who suffer from osteonecrosis don’t receive enough blood flow to the hip joint’s ball segment which leads to bone damage.

Symptoms that May Necessitate a Hip Replacement

As people age, it’s normal to experience aches and pains. If the pain becomes too intense and/or persistent regardless of pain medications, it may be necessary to get a hip replacement. You may also need a hip replacement if you’re struggling to walk even with the aid of a walker or cane, if you aren’t able to climb stairs, or if the pain makes it difficult to sleep.

The Road to Recovery

Everyone recovers in their own time, so you may heal faster or slower than other patients. According to WebMD, here’s what a typical recovery from hip replacement surgery looks like:

Days 1-2: In some cases, you may be able to start some light physical therapy the same day as the surgery. If you’re not ready the same day, you’ll start the following day. At this time, you’ll probably be on IV pain medications and following a liquid diet.

Days 3-4: After a few days, you should be able to walk carefully with the aid of a walker or crutches. You should be able to take pain pills instead of IV pain medications and eat solid foods.

Days 4-5: Depending on how you’re feeling and performing, you may be able to move from the hospital to your preferred place of recovery. While some patients may be able to go home at this time, others may need to stay at a rehab center for ongoing therapy.

Days 5+: After five days or so, you will need to keep performing physical therapy exercises and care for the point of incision. If you’re staying at a rehab center, they will handle everything. If you’re recovering at home, you may want to have a private duty nurse visit to ensure proper care.

Days 10-14: By the two-week mark, you should be able to stop taking pain medications. You may need to have your stitches removed if they’re not the type of stitches that dissolve on their own. You should be able to bathe or shower around this time (talk to your doctor first).

Weeks 3-6: After approximately three weeks, you should be able to handle light activities, although there may be a bit of residual soreness, especially during the evenings. You should be able to drive again after six weeks.

Weeks 10-12: By this time, you should feel fairly normal. While there may be a small amount of pain or swelling, you should be able to resume regular pre-surgery activities. You may still need to have follow-up visits with your doctor for around one year after the surgery.

How to Prepare

If you’re considering a hip replacement, the first step is to see an orthopedic surgeon who will examine you and inquire about your medical history and any medications you might be taking. The surgeon may recommend x-rays, blood tests, and an MRI.

If the surgeon determines that a hip replacement is the correct course of action, medical professionals will guide you on the next steps you’ll need to take.

Planning Your Recovery

At this time, it’s important that you prepare for your post-op recovery. If you plan on recovering at home, it’s essential that you make your house habitable. For example, you won’t be able to climb stairs while recovering, so you will need to make appropriate accommodations.

Working with an educated fitness professional after your hip replacement may also help accelerate your recovery after surgery. While it may seem counterintuitive to use your hip after surgery, post-joint replacement exercise can actually aid postoperative recovery by rebuilding the strength of tendons, muscles, and ligaments around your hip joint. By working with a physical therapy or fitness professional, you also help:

Reduce the risk of clotting after surgery.
Reduce swelling and fluid build-up around the surgical site.
Accelerate the time it takes for you to get back to normal activities.
Build strength and restore normal movement.

Because recovering from a hip replacement usually requires professional assistance, many patients also choose to book a stay at a dedicated treatment facility for the first 48-hours to week after their procedure. This allows them to recover surrounded by healthcare professionals who can keep them comfortable while also providing patient-specific guidance.

You Deserve to Feel Your Best

It’s no secret that surgery can be stressful, but staying at the right recovery center can go a long way in making this journey a positive experience in the long run. The key is to plan your recovery in advance so you can focus on healing when the time comes.

A hip replacement is a positive step towards a happier and healthier life. While the prospect of surgery can be daunting, try to remember that the procedure is extremely common. You deserve to feel your best, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with your doctor if you feel like a hip replacement could be the right decision.

Isabella Koretz, Founder & CEO of Pearl Recovery Retreat and Ciel Spa, has been an entrepreneur and businesswoman for over a decade. Her experience in the healthcare industry is vast and she understands both the medical professional and patient side of the industry. While her professional endeavors are extensive, she is most proud of her role as a loving wife and a mother of two beautiful children.

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