If you’re experiencing persistent pain, aching, or stiffness in your hip, it might be a sign that you need total hip replacement. While this is a serious procedure with a lengthy recovery time, the fact is that hip replacement surgery can have a profound effect on your quality of life, making it easier to exercise, spend time with children and grandchildren, and participate in the activities you love. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make recovering from a hip replacement faster and less painful, so you can get back to living life again. Keep reading for our expert tips on hip replacement recovery.
1. Consider Your Diet
If you’re planning a hip replacement, your doctor may advise you to lose weight before undergoing surgery. Not only can excess pounds put stress on your hip prosthesis, but being overweight could slow down the recovery process. For best results, eat healthy in the weeks and months leading up to your surgery and maintain a nutritious diet after while you’re recovering.
2. Get Moving
After hip replacement surgery, it’s important to get moving as soon as your doctor says it’s safe. In addition to walking with the aid of a supportive device, such as a cane or walker, the doctor may recommend that you perform various leg exercises and squeeze the thigh and calf muscles regularly. Along with expediting your recovery, moving around helps reduce your risk of suffering blood clots after surgery. The goal is to strengthen your muscles while preventing your new hip from getting stiff.
3. Remove Dangers
It’s not uncommon for hip replacement patients to suffer slip and fall accidents in the wake of their surgery. With that in mind, individuals should take steps to prepare their homes ahead of time. Before undergoing a hip replacement, you should walk through your house and remove any tripping hazards, such as floor mats, rugs, power cords, and clutter. Most people shuffle when they walk after a hip replacement, so you want to eliminate items that could cause a problem or make you trip. Additionally, hip surgery patients should take time to prepare their bathrooms. Consider putting in a higher toilet seat, adding a bench to your shower, and installing a hand-held shower spray to make bathing less problematic.
4. Get Support
Even people who are in great shape might need extra help during hip replacement recovery. In some cases, patients opt to have a friend or relative stay with them after surgery. However, if you or a loved one needs more support, getting professional aid might be the way to go. A number of options exist to help individuals who need help recovering from hip replacement. Along with staying in short-term nursing facilities, individuals can opt to have a nurse, physical therapist, or care professional come to their home to help with rehab and other tasks. Note that you may need help driving for several days after surgery, as you will likely be on pain medicine for a period of time.
5. Be Practical
It’s natural to want to be back on your feet immediately after undergoing a hip replacement. However, the fact is that hip replacement surgery is a major procedure, and recovery takes time. To minimize stress, try to be realistic about the process and give yourself time before resuming more strenuous activities.
6. Trust Caring Choice With Your Loved Ones’ Health and Happiness
Securing quality senior care that’s also affordable can be a challenge. Fortunately, Caring Choice in Arizona is there to assist you in finding top-notch facilities that fit the specific needs and concerns of your loved ones. Our goal is to help you enjoy peace of mind while ensuring your family members receive the best possible care. Call today or contact our team online for details.