Recommendations and Recovery Time for Total Hip Replacement
Although we often take for granted the ability to bend and move in different directions, without healthy ball and socket hip joints, our bodies would lack the ability to move in many of the ways that are required throughout the course of our daily lives. For those suffering from severe hip pain, the improved quality of life that a hip arthroplasty can provide may be well worth the required recovery time for total hip replacement.
And we can’t talk about a healthy hip joint without talking about the importance of that protective cartilage coating. Cartilage serves as the cushion between bones. It allows a joint to function with a smooth, gliding motion and without the pain of bone-on-bone interaction. We are only given one coating of natural cartilage in our lifetime, so as it begins to deteriorate in the hip joint, our body experiences pain, inflammation and stiffness.
In cases of severe hip arthritis or injury, joint arthroplasty is often the best solution. With thousands of successful surgeries performed each year and a reasonable recovery time for total hip replacement, orthopedic surgeons can recommend this procedure with confidence. Many patients are surprised to learn of the positive long term outlook for the performance of an artificial hip joint.
How to Ensure a Productive Recovery Time for Total Hip Replacement
Weight Management: Before and after surgery, it is important for patients to maintain a healthy body weight. Losing excess weight will help to reduce unnecessary stress on your new joint as your body heals. Talk to your doctor about your weight loss goals.
Stretch & Strengthen: Get a list of stretching and strengthening exercises that you can do regularly to help improve stability in your new joint. And remember to warm up and cool down prior to engaging in any activity.
Be Careful: Following your surgery, your physician will provide you with instructions during your recovery time for total hip replacement.
Do not be alarmed if you experience some swelling or numbness in your hip during recovery. You may find support from using a cane for about two weeks post surgery as you regain strength and practice getting around with your new joint! You will have a post-op visit scheduled for about four weeks after surgery and may be in blood thinners for up to 6 weeks. For more information on the recovery process for total hip replacement, call Rothman Orthopaedic Institute today.
1 of 1
