To get rid of extreme hip pain, people may undergo hip replacement surgery. As a result, it improves the damage caused by injury or arthritis and releases your pain.
However, after going through the process, there are many risks that you should avoid by preventing some activities and following proper care. This blog covers after-care tips you can follow after a hip replacement surgery.
Causes of Hip Pain
The human hip is the most free-moving and flexible ball-socket joint in the body. It can move freely to the back, front, and sides and perform twisting motions. However, the movement can cause pain because of various reasons like:
In the above cases, hip replacement is the best treatment for you. An expert evaluates your joint condition and then designs a treatment plan. Your surgeon may also carry out an x-ray and ask you about your medical history for proper knowledge.
The risk relating to surgery
There are a couple of risks and complications that you get exposed to after you have successfully gone through hip replacement surgery. Some risk is a side-effect of anaesthesia which is given to you in the middle of the surgery, including cardiac malfunction or respiratory problem, while others include:
Weakness
Fracture
Dislocation
Blood clots
Infection
A requirement of additional surgery
Nerve or blood vessel injury
Stiffness or inability to move joint
If you experience any of these side effects, inform your doctor immediately.
Exercises after Hip replacement surgery
As soon as you complete your surgery, the physicians will start your physical therapy in the hospital. They will also recommend you continue these exercises for several months as it helps to return to normal activities. Clinical evidence shows that physical exercise speeds up the recovery process. These basic exercises are also essential to prevent blood clots or other complications.
Some of these exercises are:
Ankle rotation: When lying straight on your back, try to move your ankle forward and then in the direction of your other foot. First, do this with one ankle and then the second. You can do this exercise at least 3 to 5 times a day.
Ankle pumps: In this exercise, you have to slowly move your ankle up and down while lying on your back. Carry the movement several times with one foot and then the other. You can repeat this exercise as frequently as every 5 to 10 minutes.
Knee bends: First, you need to lie on your back, then bend your knee with your heel on the bed. Next, move your foot close to your buttocks, keeping the knee centred.
After holding the position for 5 to 10 seconds, release and straighten it. First, try with one knee and then the other. Repeat it ten times, 3 to 4 times a day.
According to a study of 2019, every person who progressively increased their exercise level during their recovery period was more satisfied with their results than the one who did not advance their exercise level. However, there are particular exercises that you must avoid to prevent the chances of a blood clot or any other risk.
There are specific exercises to avoid after you have gone through hip replacement surgery. These include:
Straight leg raises: SLR may seem pretty easy to you, but it puts too much pressure on the new hips. Plus, the muscle involved in this exercise mainly includes those who have recently got stitches. So, it is important to talk to your doctor about the same.
Exercises can break your posterior hip: If you have recently undergone posterior hip replacement for the first six weeks, it is not wise to carry movement that can break your hip. These movements include hip flexion, hip adduction, and hip internal rotation. Also, it’s always safe to use a hip adduction pillow when you are resting to give the new hip protection.
Total hip replacement can be severe if you do not know what to avoid after the surgery. In addition, it will always give you a feeling that you might break or dislocate your hip. However, by following the above exercise and avoiding the activities mentioned, you can speed up your recovery and protect it from any risk.
Consult our experts about various ways to care for your hip replacement surgery.
For a quick response to all your queries, do call us.
