Hello, nancyellen-ga!
There are certain precautions that must be taken after hip
replacement surgery. The following article discusses several aspects
you should keep in mind before, during and after your hospital stay.
To answer the specifics of your question, however, I have concentrated
specifically on "range of motion" after surgery.
From "Activities after a Hip Replacement." American Academy of
Orthopaedic Surgeons.
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?thread_ID=274&topcategory=Hip
(I suggest you read the full article)
Do’s and Don’ts
Your doctor and physical therapist will provide you with a list of
do’s and don’ts to remember with your new hip. These precautions are
necessary to prevent the new joint from dislocating and to ensure
proper healing. Here are some of the most common precautions.
Don’t cross your legs for at least 8 weeks.
Don’t bring your knee up higher than your hip.
Don’t lean forward while sitting or as you sit down.
Don’t try to pick up something on the floor while you are sitting.
Don’t turn your feet excessively inward or outward.
Do keep the leg facing forward at all times.
Do keep the operated leg in front as you sit or stand.
Don’t reach down to pull up blankets when lying in bed.
Don’t bend at the waist beyond 90 degrees.
Don’t stand pigeon-toed.
Do use a high kitchen or bar stool in the kitchen.
Don’t use pain as a guide for what you may or may not do.
Do use ice to reduce pain and swelling, but remember that ice will
diminish sensation. Don’t apply ice directly to the skin; use an ice
pack or wrap it in a damp towel.
Do apply heat before exercising to assist with range of motion. Use a
heating pad or hot, damp towel for 15 to 20 minutes.
Do cut back on your exercises if your muscles begin to ache, but don’t
stop doing them!
===
Also read "Total Hip Replacement Exercise Guide." American Association
of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/booklet/thr_report.cfm?thread_id=20&topcategory=hip
====
To prevent excess bending, also read:
"Preparing Your House for Your Return After Hip Replacement." Joint
Replacement
http://www.jointreplacement.com/xq/ASP.default/pg.content/content_id.95/mn.local/newFont.2/joint_id.5/joint_nm.Hip/local_id.4/nav./qx/default.htm
Also read "Questions and Answers" at
http://www.jointreplacement.com/xq/ASP.default/mn.local/pg.list/joint_id.5/list_id.17/newFont.2/joint_nm.Hip/local_id.5/qx/default.htm
===
After 6 weeks.....Continue to care for your new hip!
Read "Total Hip Replacement:
Results."http://www.jointreconstruction.com/hip/hptores.htm
===
Don't hesitate to ask for futher clarification as necessary, and I
will be happy to help. Several in our family have had hip replacement
surgery, and the results have been miraculous and quite long-lasting.
Good luck!
umiat-ga
Google Search Strategy
bending after hip replacement
after hip replacement healing AND bending |
Clarification of Answer by
umiat-ga
on
02 Jul 2003 08:10 PDT
nancyellen,
I'm sorry! That clarification kicked in before I had finished it!
Here is some additional information you might want to consider after
your hip has healed.
From "ActiveJoints.com - Hip Joint Treatment for Active Patients Post
Surgical Care."
http://www.activejoints.com/postsurg.html
Making it last:
"I'm often asked what activities I'm allowed to do. Only sky diving
and bunging jumping were completely ruled-out, but I was told to avoid
recreational, competitive sports such as basketball and to not
"overdo" activities such as cycling. Regardless of what the patient is
allowed by their doctor, there is no avoiding that hard use
accelerates wear. It is often said that the lifetime of an implant
should be measured in "miles" rather than years. So as you would with
a new set of tires, you might consider some common sense ways to avoid
excessive wear on the implant(s). The following are presented as
suggestions without being scientifically proven:
Avoid stairs
Stair climbing can exert a force of three times your body weight on
your hips. The total force measured on descending stairs is actually
slightly higher than ascending.
Avoid running and jogging
Jogging can exert a force of five to six times your body weight on
your hips, and stumbling during during jogging was measured at a force
of seven times body weight.
Try heel cushions in shoes
These can be purchased at sporting good stores or shoe stores. The
inserts will reduce the impact of each heel strike and may cushion the
blow to your knee and hip joints. Air soled shoes such as Nike "Air"
or New Balance "Shock Abzorb" could also be used.
Wear soft-soled shoes
Dress shoe brands such as Clarks, Rockport and Ecco have soft soles
and help absorb shock. I have a pair of Clarks that are really
comfortable.
Maintain upper body strength
Using your upper body strength to lift yourself from a chair, help
pull yourself up from the floor or similar motions may save some wear
on your hips.
===
Of course, I certainly would not be afraid to climb stairs with your
new hip! However, the intention of the recommendations is to avoid
overdoing any activities which may put added wear and tear on the new
joint.
Hope this helps!
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