How to Take Care of a Postoperative Hip Fracture

A hip fracture is a serious injury that generally requires surgery to correct. Postoperative rehabilitation is essential in healing and regaining ease of movement. Good care after surgery is also crucial for avoiding serious complications that can develop after hip surgery if proper treatment is neglected.

Things You'll Need

• Crutches or a walker
• Physical therapy
• Notebook
• Ice
• Heating pad
• Electrical-stimulation therapy (optional)

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Instructions

• 1

  Rest after surgery. Avoid putting any pressure on the hip and surrounding areas. Stop any activity you are performing if you feel pain.

• 2

  Use a tool to help you when you begin to walk again. Your physician may advise crutches or a walker. Take your doctor's advice on how much to walk in the beginning.

• 3

  Attend physical-therapy sessions as scheduled. If you are an inpatient this will be easy, but if you are an outpatient you will need to arrange transportation and keep to a schedule set by the facility or individual therapist. It's essential that you stick to physical therapy and do any prescribed at-home exercises conscientiously in order for your hip to heal properly.

• 4

  Keep a notebook to record your progress as you heal. Note any pains and setbacks as well as positive achievements as you will want to share the journal with your doctor and physical therapists. Write down any questions you need to ask as well, so that you don't forget them during your appointments.

• 5

  Set your home up to facilitate your healing once you are discharged from the hospital or rehabilitation facility. Elicit help from family members or friends, and remove any obstacles that could pose a risk to falling. Also, make sure the pathways in the home are kept wide enough for you to move easily from room to room.

• 6

  Take advantage of pool therapy as you recover. Water is an excellent place to exercise without fear of putting too much weight on the surgical area. A warm pool can also help relax your muscles, boost your circulation and alleviate soreness.

• 7

  Apply heat and ice alternately to your sore areas a few times each day. The heat will increase blood flow and ease discomfort. Ice will decrease blood flow and help reduce inflammation and its associated pain. Do not apply ice directly to your skin, as it could cause tissue damage; place a towel or other cloth between the ice and your body.

• 8

  Consider electrical-stimulation therapy to decrease any swelling that occurs during rehabilitation. Ask your physician to prescribe a machine that will send electrical currents to areas where there is pain. These currents produce impulses that replace the natural impulses caused by pain.