How to Prepare for Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip replacement surgery can relieve the pain and stiffness caused by hip arthritis, and it can help to restore function to your hip joint – so you can walk much better. After recovering from the operation, it’s only a matter of time before you’ll be able to get back to doing the things you love to do.

Having hip replacement surgery can change your life in many ways, but it is still major surgery. As with any such surgery, it requires preparation in order to enjoy optimum results and an easy adjustment once you’re back home.

Let’s talk about some of the things you can do to prepare for hip surgery, and where you can go to find relief from your hip pain.

Ask Questions Before the Surgery

The first thing to do is to talk with your surgeon about anything that you need to know about hip replacement surgery. This is the time to find out what will happen before, during, and after the operation, and what you should expect from it. Specifics such as the type of prosthetic materials used and the length of the recovery time will be important to know.

Prepare Your Body for Optimum Results

Prehabilitation gets your body in the best shape possible before the surgery, and it helps you to avoid complications later. Prehabilitation involves specific exercises and stretching that help to strengthen the muscles, so your new hip has extra support as you recover. You can also help your body get into shape by eating nutritious meals and maintaining a normal weight, which may involve losing some weight. This is an excellent opportunity to get motivated!

Prepare Your Home for Recovery

Getting your home ready for when you get back from the hospital is a critical step that should not be ignored. Recovery from hip replacement surgery takes a number of weeks, during which time your mobility will be limited.

Make sure your home is as comfortable as possible for someone recovering from surgery with limited mobility. If you can, stay on the ground floor of your home to minimize the risk of falling from going up and down the stairs.

You can use reachers to help you grab things, but it will be even easier to keep things within easy reach. Put all the remote controls next to the chairs or places where you will sit or lie down, and keep plenty of non-refrigerated snacks (such as granola bars) on the counter, not on high shelves.

Remove any throw rugs that have the potential to fold or roll up and thereby become a walking hazard, because walkers can catch onto things on the floor. Likewise, canes and crutches need sturdy and steady flooring.

Assistive devices such as rails, handlebars, raised toilet seats, shower chairs, and grab bars can all help with comfort and safety. If you can, have a friend or family member stay with you during the first few days after surgery. Your meals can be pre-prepared, and plan these preparations to last for at least two weeks after the surgery.

Orthopedic Surgeon in O’Fallon and St. Peters, MO

If you are suffering from chronic hip pain due to arthritis, it may be time for hip replacement surgery. Our orthopedic surgeons at Advanced Bone & Joint will evaluate your condition and explain your options to minimize or eliminate your hip pain.

To request a consultation with one of our outstanding orthopedic surgeons, call us today at (636) 229-4222 or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to helping you get back to a pain-free lifestyle!