Hip fractures commonly occur as the result of a direct blow to the hip, a fall, especially in the elderly, repetitive stress on the hip or as the result of medical conditions such as osteoporosis and some cancers. A hip fracture is a break in the very top of your thigh bone. Surgery is primarily used to treat hip fractures. For a full recovery, it is important that you follow your post-operative instructions and complete strengthening exercises.
Self Care
Following hip fracture surgery, many patients are placed on blood thinner medications for six weeks in order to reduce the chances of developing a blood clot as you recover. These medications may come in the form of injections or pills. Take your medications as prescribed by your surgeon. You may also be provided with compression stockings to help reduce the risk of blood clots. Avoid driving until your surgeon gives you permission to -- never drive if you are taking narcotic pain medicines. Get up and move around your house. Movement will help to reduce your pain.
Wound Care
Taking care of your incision is important in preventing infections. Your surgeon will likely request that you make a follow-up appointment two weeks after surgery to have your staples or sutures removed. Until your follow up appointment, avoid soaking in water -- taking a bath, using a hot tub or swimming. After one week, you will be able to shower. Check your incision daily for signs of infection which include redness, drainage or tenderness. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Avoid applying creams of lotions to your incision.
Hip Flexion
Following surgery, it is important to begin hip-strengthening exercises at the approval of your surgeon. A hip flexion exercise can help strengthen and increase the range of motion in your hip. Stand with your hands on a chair or counter top for balance. Your back should be straight and your feet should be shoulder-width apart. Slowly lift your knee up as high as your comfortably can. To do this, squeeze your thigh muscles. You will feel a stretch in the front of your hip. Hold this position for a count of 10 seconds. Relax and repeat 10 times, twice daily.
Hip Abduction
A hip abduction exercise will help to restore motion and strength in your hip. Stand with your health hip beside a table or chair. Grasp on to the chair for support. Stand straight up with your feet shoulder-width apart. Slowly raise your affected leg out to the side. Keep your knee straight and allow your foot to face forward. Tighten your thigh muscles as you raise your leg. Raise your leg as high as you possibly can. Hold this position for a count of two second. Relax and repeat. Complete two sets of 10 repetitions daily.
