Hip replacement surgery is also known as hip arthroplasty. It is a surgical intervention for addressing hip joint deterioration.
During a hip replacement procedure, the surgeon will remove the affected portions of the hip joint. He would then substitute them with artificial components designed to replicate the natural hip joint’s functionality.
Wearing out of, or damage to the hip joint may cause reduced mobility and persistent pain even during periods of rest. So, your doctor may recommend hip replacement surgery in Singapore if your hip joint have worn out or is damaged.
How long does it take to walk normally after a Hip Replacement?
It’s natural to wonder how long it will take to return to normal walking after a hip replacement surgery. If that is bothering you, here’s what your orthopaedic surgeon will want you to understand;
The recovery period isn’t the same for all patients. It does range between 3 and 6 weeks but you may be able to begin walking with assistance on the same day. Or the day after your surgery.
This early mobility can help with improved blood circulation. It can also help reduce the risk of complications like blood clots. Here’s a summary of the factors that can affect how long it will take you to walk normally after a hip replacement;
- Activity level prior to surgery: Your preoperative activity level plays a crucial role in your recovery post-surgery. If you were physically active before the surgery, you may have better muscle strength. You may also enjoy better endurance, and good overall physical fitness. All these can aid in your rehabilitation and contribute to a faster return to normal walking.
- Nutrition: It is best that you consume a balanced diet if you want better healing post surgery. Your diet should be rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. This diet is recommended as it can help support tissue repair, promote bone health, and aid in overall recovery. Proper nutrition can also help maintain a healthy weight. A healthy weight can help reduce stress on the new hip joint and enhance your mobility.
- Age: Age can impact the recovery process after hip replacement surgery. Older individuals may experience a slightly longer recovery time. This is due to factors like decreased bone density, and reduced muscle strength. Potential age-related health conditions may also play a role. But age alone should not be a deterrent. With proper medical guidance and a tailored rehabilitation program, individuals of all ages can achieve successful outcomes and regain their ability to walk normally.
- Lifestyle: Did you know that your lifestyle choices can also impact recovery? In the days leading to your surgery, your doctor may want you to be careful with or limit habits like smoking, alcohol consumption, and sedentary habits. All these elements can affect your recovery. Smoking, for example, can impede healing. It does also increase your risks of complications after surgery. So, adopt a healthy lifestyle. Other than that, be sure to follow any lifestyle modifications recommended by your healthcare team to enhance the recovery process.
- Pre-existing conditions and overall health: Pre-existing health conditions can also influence your recovery process. Conditions like arthritis or cardiovascular disease may make your recovery complicated. In fact, chronic conditions may require additional medical management. They may also need careful monitoring during rehabilitation to avoid complication. Also, your overall health and the presence of comorbidities can impact healing, energy levels, and your overall recovery time. So, before approving you for a hip replacement, your healthcare provider will want to know your medical history. This is important because, they have to consider such factors and create a personalized plan to optimize your recovery.
As you proceed with the recovery, you can increase your activity level gradually. You can begin to engage in routine daily activities within the first 3 to 6 weeks.
To expedite your recovery and regain normal walking ability, incorporate healthy exercise into your rehabilitation program. It does actually really help to engage in light activities, as recommended by your orthopaedic surgeon.
A physical therapist who is also usually part of the team that helps with the procedure may also recommend targeted light activities. You will want to engage in these activities exactly as directed to promote not just your muscle strength, but also flexibility, and joint mobility.
Also, as you prepare for your surgery, strive for a certain level of activity. This can also contribute to a quicker bounce back.
Do note that every individual’s recovery journey is unique. So, following your healthcare specialist’s advice is the best bet.
Also Read: The Uses of Artificial Intelligence In Healthcare
What 3 Things should be avoided after Hip Replacement Surgery?
After a hip replacement surgery, you will be given certain precautions. It is advisable that you follow them to the letter for proper healing.
Adhering to your practitioner’s post surgery guidelines can also help you reduce the risks of complications. That said, here are the three things you must avoid after your hip replacement surgery;
- Crossing your legs at the knees: Note that the hip replacement implant needs time to integrate and heal properly. And, this position can put a strain on the new hip joint. With the strain, there is an increased the risk of dislocation. And what’s more, crossing your legs can create torque. This may make the hip joint to move out of its intended position, leading to instability and pain. So, do not cross legs at the knees for at least 6 to 8 weeks following your hip replacement surgery.
- Bringing your knee up higher than your hip: This movement is known as hip flexion beyond 90 degrees. It can also put stress on the new hip joint and potentially lead to dislocation. Keeping the hip in a neutral or slightly extended position helps maintain stability and protects the healing joint. Your healthcare provider will provide specific guidelines regarding the safe range of motion for your hip during recovery.
- Leaning forward while sitting or attempting to pick up something from the floor: Leaning forward while sitting or bending excessively to pick up objects from the floor can strain the hip joint and compromise the healing process. These movements can create excessive stress on the surgical site. As already mentioned, this stress increases the risk of dislocation or other complications. So, maintain a proper sitting posture. Always keep your back straight, and use assistive devices if necessary to avoid unnecessary strain on the hip joint.
Closing Thoughts
While the average time to walk normally after a hip replacement is approximately 3 to 6 weeks, individual factors and circumstances can influence the recovery period. Stay committed to your rehabilitation program, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions, and embrace a gradual increase in activity.
With time and dedication, you’ll soon be back to enjoying the activities you love with improved mobility and comfort. To learn more about the procedure or schedule a consultation with expert orthopaedic surgeons in Singapore.
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