There are thousands of surgeries every year to replace various body parts and hip replacement is extremely common. Hip replacement for Fox Valley residents can be a very invasive and painful surgery. There are different types of surgeries available — the difference is where the surgeon enters the body. For example, the surgeon can enter from the front of the leg, the patient’s back, or even on the side of the body — and some options are more much invasive and painful than another. For patients who must receive these surgeries, it can be a long road to recovery. Here are a few things a patient can expect after this invasive procedure.
You Need to Get Moving Right Away
Many patients believe they will be bedridden for weeks following the surgery, but that is not true. Following this type of procedure, it is critical that the patient gets up and begins moving as soon as possible. The movement will be small and very minimal but exercises such as short, slow walks can make all the difference between a full recovery and a poor one. In addition, you’ll be working with a physical therapist shortly after the procedure to help you gain as much motion back as possible. Some of the exercises recommended by the physical therapist can be extremely painful but are critical to receiving your full range of motion.
You May Have to Keep Your Feet Elevated for Several Days
Following this type of surgery, blood clots are always a concern. To prevent blood clots, it is important that you keep your legs elevated. When laying down, this will be a priority. You may also have to take certain medications and even wear compression socks or garments to help prevent blood clots from occurring.
You Will Be Limited in Some Activities
While it is important that you get up and move around, there are still several activities that you will not be able to complete on your own for several weeks following the surgery. Driving is one common activity that many people cannot do, and it may take individuals several weeks before the doctor will allow them to return to work. Many individuals think that if they sit at a desk all day, they can return to work shortly after the surgery, but this is not true. There are many factors that come into play to determine what you can and cannot do, and you will need to talk to your doctor to discuss those time frames and limitations.
Hip replacement can certainly be a challenging experience for patients, but by following the doctor’s instructions and being proactive about the rehabilitation, it will be a much more enjoyable experience and a faster recovery.
If you would like to request a consultation with one of the orthopedic specialists at the Orthopedic & Sports Institute (OSI), please call (920) 560-1000 or request an appointment online. Additionally, OSI now offers a Walk-In Clinic at its Appleton location for non-life threatening situations that require immediate attention.
The Orthopedic & Sports Institute has convenient locations to serve you. In addition to the flagship facility in Appleton, you will find outreach clinics in New London, Ripon, Shawano, Waupaca, and the newest location serving the Green Bay area, inside the NOVO Health Clinic in De Pere.
OSI is a proud member of NOVO Health.