Hip Replacement Surgery Pain & Recovery

Hip replacement surgery is a major surgical procedure that removes damaged and diseased bone and cartilage in the hip and replaces it with manmade materials. Hip replacement is performed to relieve the pain of arthritic hips, but the surgery will cause some pain during the recovery process. Medication is given after the surgery to control pain. Recovery may be difficult for a hip replacement, but the benefits of the surgery make it worthwhile for many patients.

Hospitalization

• The average stay in the hospital after a hip replacement is three or four days. This will vary from patient to patient depending on the individual progress of the patient. During the time in the hospital, pain will be managed with medication.
  Physical therapy will begin the day after your surgery. The therapist will teach you exercises that will help strengthen the hip and gain a full range of motion.

Pain Medication

• Pain medications are typically given in the hospital and are administered by the patient on an as-needed basis. After the patient returns home, pain medication and muscle relaxers are typically given for the patient to use at home to ease the discomfort from the surgery. Doctors sometimes prescribe sleep medications for patients who are finding it difficult to sleep because of pain.

Physical Therapy

• Physical therapy is the most important aspect of recovery from hip surgery. Patients are encouraged to resume their normal activities within three or four weeks after the surgery. During those three or four weeks, physical therapy will help to strengthen the muscles and restore a full range of motion. A trained physical therapist is needed a few times a week after a hip replacement surgery to work with the patient as they regain strength in the hip.

Recovery at Home

• Before surgery, it is recommended that the patient prepare for their recovery by taking care of shopping duties and preparing meals in advance. Having someone at home is essential to recovery as well. The patient will not be able to resume normal activities for three or four weeks, and a full recovery is not usually expected for six weeks after the surgery. Plan to have someone on hand to assist you when you return home from the hospital after hip replacement surgery.
  Avoid dangerous situations at home such as stair climbing in the first few weeks of your hip replacement recovery. Falling on the stairs can result in damage that requires additional surgery. A walker or cane can help in the first few weeks at home as well.

Long-term Care

• Contact sports and activities that can damage the hip replacement are not recommended after surgery. Swimming is recommended for gaining muscle strength without damaging the hip. Follow-up visits are scheduled at various intervals for the first year after a hip replacement surgery. Annual visits after the first year are scheduled to assess the condition of the hip implant and determine how well it is functioning.