Aftercare for Hip Surgery

Written By: Sharon Cretsinger

People are living longer than ever and remaining active throughout their lives.  As a result, painful effects of traumatic injuries and diseases like arthritis are becoming more and more prevalent in the general population.  The hip is a large joint that can typically be impacted by these factors.  While there are many good treatments for hip pain that do not involve surgery, sometimes they are just not enough to control pain and maintain a good quality of life.  In these cases Hip Replacement Surgery DC may be recommended.  If you have had hip surgery, it is important to know how to take care of yourself during the recovery period.

Recovery from Hip Surgery DC

There are a variety of options for patients getting a hip replacement.  Surgery may be completed with either a traditional incision or a less invasive small-incision option.  Either a general anesthetic or a spinal block may be used during the procedure.  Your recovery will depend on what kind of procedure you have had and your general health before undergoing the surgery.  

Here are a few things you might expect in recovery from a Hip Surgery Washington DC.

• Your hospital stay will most likely last about a week.  Since the new hip joint can slip out of place in the initial stages of recovery, you will spend most of your time in bed with a wedge shaped pillow between your legs to keep it in place.  Expect to have a urinary catheter to make going to the bathroom easier.
• Everyone who has a hip replacement gets physical therapy.  This usually starts the day after surgery and continues for a few weeks or months.  The physical therapist will give you some exercises to complete daily and help you understand when you can return to your regular activities.
• Avoid pivoting, twisting and crossing your legs during your early recovery period.  These movements can make the new hip joint slip out of place.  Your physical therapist will teach you how to adapt to you regular routine without movement that could cause damage to the new joint.

Learn more about Hip Replacement Surgery Washington DC at:  http://www.medstarwashington.org/.