1. Don't Tolerate the Pain
Your pain is excruciating, so bad you can barely walk. You've tried physical therapy and medication, but you just don't feel any relief. If this is you or someone you know, it might be time for hip replacement surgery. This surgery is most common in patients with osteoarthritis in the hip joint, osteocrenosis, rheumatoid arthritis, bone tumors or a hip injury. Most patients who have hip replacement surgery are between the ages of 60 and 80, but doctors insist that age is not a determining factor for this surgery. The level of pain experienced by the patient is what ultimately decides if hip replacement surgery is necessary.
2. Exchange the Old for the New
During a total hip replacement, the surgeon replaces your existing hip joint with a man-made joint. The procedure takes several hours and you will be under anesthesia. Doctors continue to improve this procedure by creating smaller incisions to help patients heal even faster with less pain. After hip replacement surgery, most patients feel a dramatic difference in their level of pain. However, you should not expect your mobility to be as good as it was before your hip problem began.
3. Potential Post-Op Problems
As with any surgery, there are complications with hip replacement surgery. The most common potential complication is hip dislocation. The man-made hip joint is actually smaller than your original joint, so it's common for the joint to come out of its socket. Also, blood clots and infections are potential complications with all surgeries, including hip replacement surgery.
4. Prevent Falls and Fractures
An important part of recovery is making your home safe for you to live. Install handrails in the shower and around steps. Arrange items in your kitchen so you don't have to bend down or reach up more than is comfortable. You should also use a cane or a walker to help you get around. Some people choose to recover in a professional care facility to minimize even more the risk of a fall. Most hip replacement surgery patients are able to resume light, normal activities within three to six weeks after surgery.
5. Get Moving Again
Exercise dramatically speeds up your healing time after hip replacement surgery. With exercise, you have increased range of motion and the muscles around your new hip joint grow stronger. Walking and swimming are great exercise options for you. However, you must avoid jogging and high impact sports like tennis and basketball for the rest of your life because they could damage or loosen your new hip joint.
