A hip replacement may be performed if a hip becomes diseased with arthritis or has been injured or broken. When medication and use of a cane or walker don't relieve the pain, hip replacement surgery may be the best option, report doctors at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. The surgery involves replacing the damaged portions of the hip. Following the procedure, a regimen of exercises is prescribed to strengthen the hip and leg muscles.
Walking
Walking for short periods around the house should be resumed within the first week after surgery, gradually increasing the length of time and distance. Patients will use a walker to bear the brunt of their weight for the first three weeks and should find ways to do laps around the house. With the help of a cane, patients should begin walking outside for as long as they can to strengthen the hip joint. Assistive devices, such as the cane or walker, should be discarded when the patient feels ready, increasing the walking to 30 minutes per day.
Reclining
In addition to walking, some of the first exercises required shortly after the surgery are performed while lying down. The ankle pump is performed by flexing the foot up and down while leaving the heel flat on the floor or bed. Patients should do this movement several times during the day. Rotating the ankle inward toward the other side of the body will help to work other muscles connected to the hip. While holding the hip still, slide the foot back toward the hip, leaving it flat on the floor or bed as far back as possible. Hold for a count of 10 and slowly slide the foot back down. Other reclining exercises that can be performed lying down include isometrics such as the thigh and butt contractions. Tighten the muscles in the butt and hold for a count of 10, release and repeat three or four times. Repeat the same contractions on the thigh muscles.
Standing
Patients must be able to stand independently without becoming dizzy to begin doing exercises standing up. Patients should always hold onto a firm chair back or other solid surface to maintain balance and control. The first standing exercise to build hip strength is the knee raise performed by lifting the knee up to a 90-degree angle and holding for a count of 10. Slowly put the foot back down and repeat 10 times. This exercise should be done three or four times a day. Standing hip extensions and abductions follow. Holding the leg straight, patients should move the entire leg out to the side and hold for a count of five and lower the leg back down. After doing this 10 times, move the leg backward, being careful to hold the back straight. This exercise also should be performed 10 times periodically throughout the day.
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