How to Tie Shoes After Hip Replacement

Life after hip replacement surgery will present its challenges. Talk to your doctor about what activities you can and cannot do, and get advice on how to make everyday activities comfortable and safe. Tying your shoes is one activity that will require thought and preparation to accomplish after hip replacement surgery. You may want to make sure you have some shoes that you can just slip into, but for tying shoes follow these basic steps.

Things You'll Need

• Extended shoe horn
• Chair with arms
• Shoes with laces

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Instructions

Tying Your Shoes

• 1

  Take your extended shoe horn and slip the shoes on in a standing position. With the help of the extended shoe horn, you should only have to bend over slightly. Avoid bending all the way over at the waist.

• 2

  Stand in front of a chair that has a straight back and arms. Do not use a chair that has a lot of cushion, as it will be hard to get up. The seat should be high and firm. Use your arms to lower yourself into the chair. Keep your operated leg extended in front of you as you sit down. Do not back up all the way into the seat.

• 3

  Bring both legs into the seated position, with your feet flat on the floor in front of you. Lift your leg and rest your foot on your knee in the figure-four position. Keep both knees facing forward. Keep both knees in front of the corresponding hip. Do not allow your knee to cross the midline of your body. Never sit with your legs crossed at the knee.

• 4

  Tie your shoe, only bending as much as necessary at the waist. Lower your leg to the ground and lift the other leg to do the same on the other side.

• 5

  Use your arms to lift yourself out of the chair.