Recovering after a major surgery such as a hip replacement involves more than just healing physically. There are several key factors to consider—from how to prepare beforehand, to what kind of support you might need during the recovery period. All of this requires coordination and careful planning between your medical team, your family, and yourself. Dr Gaurav Gupta, a Joint Replacement Surgeon from Jhansi and an authority in robotic joint replacements, shares answers to frequently asked questions along with advice on what to expect after a hip replacement.

When can I go home after a hip replacement?

“Most people are able to get up and start walking within a few days of surgery and can usually return home soon after,” says Dr Gaurav Gupta. Complete bed rest is generally not recommended. In fact, early movement of the new joint often leads to better outcomes and a quicker recovery. However, in certain situations—such as when a patient has underlying heart or lung issues that require close observation, or if the surgery was more complicated or there’s a lack of help at home—patients may need to remain in bed for a longer period.

Will I need to use a walker at first?

Whether or not you’ll need a walker depends on the assessment of your overall mobility and balance by your healthcare team. This team, made up of your surgeon, primary doctor, and physiotherapist, will determine what’s best for your safety. If you’re at risk of falling or don’t feel stable walking unaided, a walker or cane might be suggested, though they’re not routinely required for everyone.

When will my hip incision heal?

Dr Gaurav Gupta explains that current surgical techniques result in smaller incisions for hip replacements. These cuts are kept clean and covered with dressings, and typically heal within six weeks. To lower the risk of infections, patients are advised to delay bathing until the wound has fully closed, which usually happens within the first two weeks after surgery.

How soon does rehabilitation start after the hip surgery?

“Rehabilitation starts even before the operation, with a set of exercises known as pre-surgery physiotherapy,” shares Dr Gupta. Right after the procedure, patients begin working with a physiotherapist to practice crucial movements. These exercises continue once they are discharged and return home. Initially, the goal is to regain basic mobility such as standing from a seated position or getting in and out of bed. Gradually, patients progress to more demanding activities like navigating stairs or getting into a car. Developing muscle strength is essential to these tasks, which is why resistance training targeting the muscles in the hips and legs forms a core part of the rehabilitation program.

Hip and Knee Replacement at Jhansi Orthopaedic Hospital

At Jhansi Orthopaedic Hospital, the Hip and Knee Replacement program is managed by a skilled team of joint replacement experts. The program is designed to offer comprehensive support—from preparing for surgery and understanding the procedure, to providing post-operative care and physiotherapy. The focus is on helping patients regain their independence and return to their preferred lifestyle as efficiently and safely as possible.

What is considered a “normal” amount of pain after a hip replacement surgery?

Experiencing pain and swelling in the initial days following surgery is entirely normal. To manage this, Dr Gupta advises taking short breaks between physiotherapy sessions, applying ice to the affected leg and incision, and using anti-inflammatory medications as prescribed by your doctor. Another helpful method is keeping the leg elevated above heart level while resting, which can reduce swelling. He emphasizes monitoring pain carefully—if your discomfort remains at 6 or above on a scale of 1 to 10, you should contact your physician, as this could signal a complication such as infection. Over time, with regular physical therapy, pain levels should gradually drop to around 1 or 2 by the end of 12 weeks.

How long does it take to recover after a hip replacement?

“Most people can expect recovery to take anywhere from two to four weeks,” says Dr Gupta. However, this timeline can vary depending on several factors, including your age, how physically active you were before the operation, any underlying health conditions, and your overall nutrition and lifestyle. Dr Gupta also encourages a proactive approach. “Engaging in prehabilitation—a structured program to strengthen the body before surgery—can significantly speed up the healing process and lead to better outcomes.”

How soon can I return to regular activities after a hip replacement?

The main objective of physical therapy is to help patients resume their daily routines, whether it’s returning to work, playing with children, or enjoying recreational activities. The timeline for getting back to these tasks depends on how physically demanding they are. If the surgery was done on the right hip, it could take about a month before driving is considered safe again. If the left hip was replaced, driving might resume as early as one to two weeks after surgery. It’s a good idea to begin in a parking lot and gradually move to local roads before hitting highways. Also, if you’re taking medications that impair your reaction time, such as opioids, it’s important to delay driving until you’re no longer using them.

For those with desk jobs, returning to work can typically happen after two weeks. However, if your job involves physical strain or heavy lifting, a recovery period of about six weeks is recommended. Getting back into sports also requires caution. It’s best to wait six weeks before returning to athletic activities, and swimming should only be resumed once the incision is completely healed. As for sexual activity, there’s no fixed timeline—you can engage in it as soon as you feel comfortable and physically ready.

What could slow down my recovery?

Like any surgical procedure, hip replacement carries some risk. Dr Gupta explains that possible complications include infections, fractures around the implant, and dislocations. If you notice any symptoms like fever, abnormal discharge from the incision, restricted movement in your hip, or pain that isn’t improving with medication, contact your healthcare provider immediately. A steady, cautious approach to rehabilitation and avoiding sudden or jerky movements can help reduce the risk of dislocation and prevent setbacks in recovery.

How long will my hip replacement implant last?

Today’s hip implants are crafted from advanced materials like ceramic, metal, and plastic, offering better durability and fewer complications than older models made solely of metal. Dr Gupta says these modern implants are built to last for two to three decades, and the likelihood of them failing or needing to be replaced is relatively low, especially when combined with proper care and lifestyle modifications.

How long after replacing one hip should I wait to replace the other?

“In patients with significant arthritis in both hips, undergoing a double hip replacement—replacing both joints during the same procedure—may be a good option,” says Dr Gupta. This can actually lead to a quicker recovery overall, though it requires extra effort since both legs need to be strengthened at once. Initially, it may be more difficult to get around the house, so additional help at home is often necessary. For those choosing to have each hip replaced separately, doctors usually recommend waiting at least six weeks between procedures. This gap reduces the risk of complications like blood clots and allows for more stable recovery after each operation.

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