A hip replacement is a surgical procedure where a surgeon removes a damaged hip joint and replaces it with an artificial joint that is constructed of metal and plastic. This procedure is typically performed on older people who suffer from severe arthritis in their hips, or people who have been in an accident or experienced trauma to the hip. A hip replacement is a major surgery, and there is a long recovery period. If you're having a hip replaced, take the following precautions after your surgery:
Standing and Walking
As you're healing from surgery, you will need to be caution while walking and standing. It is important to avoid crossing your legs or ankles, since doing so could increase the possibility of your new hip dislocating. Stooping down or squatting is also not recommended during recovery from a hip replacement. When walking, make sure the toes of both feet are always pointing forward.
Sitting
When sitting down after a hip replacement, make sure that your hips are always positioned above your knees. You may need to sit on one or more pillows to ensure that this happens. Always sit in chairs that have arms-- the arms of the chair will help provide support when you are getting up. Never reach forward from a sitting position to try to pick something up off a table or the floor, as this motion can cause stress on your hip joint.
Lying Down
Lying on your stomach is never recommended during recovery from hip replacement surgery. If you are a side-sleeper, make sure that your lay on the side of the hip that was not operated on and always place a pillow between your knees to ensure that your legs and hip remain stable. You may also sleep on your back after hip replacement, but just make sure to use pillows between your knees for support and stability.
Personal Hygiene
It is important to make some changes to your restroom prior to hip replacement surgery. While you are recovering, you should always use a raised toilet seat in order to make it easier to sit on the toilet. Grab bars should also be installed around the toilet, bath tub, and shower to help prevent falls. It is also a good idea to invest in a reaching aide to help you while showering-- you should never reach for soap or other items or bend down to pick something up while recovering from a hip replacement surgery.
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