Hip Replacement Surgery

Everyone recovers differently, but it’s often possible to return to light activities or office-based work within around 6 weeks. It may take a few more weeks if your job involves heavy lifting. It’s best to avoid extreme movements or sports where there’s a risk of falling, such as skiing or riding.

Hip replacement is a major surgery and some complications, such as infection and blood clots, can be life-threatening. Experts estimate ³. Arthroplasty of the Hip. Campbell’s Operative Orthopedics, 13th edition.

Expect about one to four days of bed rest immediately after surgery, but physical rehabilitation usually starts the same day as your procedure. The process is slow and steady, barring complications, and each week should bring less pain, better balance and increased mobility.

Patients have little pain relatively speaking, after a hip replacement, but after a knee replacement things differ because the knee is a very different joint. The knee can swell and feel tight and stiff. The arthritic pain disappears straightaway but is replaced by a tight stiff pain for a period of time.

For several weeks after your hip replacement, you will need to take extra precautions to avoid dislocation. When you are sleeping, you need to be extra careful to avoid turning or twisting your leg inward in any way.