3 Tips To Prepare For Your Hip Replacement: Total Joint Surgery

It’s Time For A New Hip

There’s nothing hip about hip pain. Some men and women endure months of pain that prevents walking, bending, and even sitting comfortably. If all treatment fails, a doctor will suggest a total hip replacement. A total joint surgery sounds scary. However, more than 300,000 successful procedures happen yearly. The goal for any patient should be to understand the steps and to prepare for the process.

Understanding hip conditions and surgery

The hip consists of 2 main bones that come together like a ball and socket. The joint allows persons to move the upper leg and support body weight. Common issues like osteoarthritis or injury can degrade the bones. Surgical procedures like total hip arthroplasty seek to replace the damaged joint with prosthetics. Minimally invasive procedures like these have shorter surgery and recovery times. However, a successful operation is all in the setup. Implementing these 3 tips will help the process go more smoothly.

1. Manage medication immediately

Some medications may harm hip replacement. In most cases, the doctor will instruct the patient to stop taking certain medications and supplements. Make sure to advise the doctor of all medicine, no matter how trivial. That includes blood thinners, NSAIDs, supplements, and even aspirin. In some cases, the doctor may provide a new medication or supplement. Take no chances. Make sure to start and stop any medication as advised.

2. Prepare the house in advance

In the weeks post-surgery, moving around will be severely limited. Some homes are not set up for hip replacement recovery. On a regular day, the patient may need to climb stairs, reach up high, or squat low for objects. Remove any trip hazards and place items at waist height for easy access. Adjust seating, bed height, and consider installing handrails around the home. Finally, if applicable, try to minimize trips up the stairs for the first 2 weeks. This may include sleeping on the ground floor. A little advanced prep can go a long way.

3. A healthy body, a robust recovery

With any surgical procedure, a healthy body speeds up the process and recovery. For example, persons who are overweight may have a longer recovery time. After surgery, the body will redirect healthy blood to the surgical site. Reduced weight makes blood flow smoother. Strengthening the body can help in the initial stages of recovery. A more muscular body helps compensate for the new hip replacement in the short term. Proper weight and exercise aren’t the only health factors. Consider quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption, as these activities reduce recovery and bone mass.

Preparation makes surgery run smoother

Any surgical procedure, including joint surgery, can have complications. Recovery is also a delicate process and needs the proper actions of the patient. By preparing in advance, both surgery and recovery can be a more natural pill to swallow. Speak with a surgeon right away for more insight on what can be done for a stable, new hip.