Hip Replacement Recovery: Q&A with a Hip Specialist

Recovery after a major surgery like a hip replacement involves several important aspects. Preparing for what’s ahead, understanding the potential challenges, and knowing if you’ll need assistance are all key parts of the process. Getting through it successfully requires close coordination between your medical team, your family, and you. Dr Gaurav Gupta, a Joint Replacement Surgeon from Jhansi with expertise in robotic joint replacement, responds to commonly asked questions and offers expert tips on the recovery journey after a hip replacement.

When can I go home after a hip replacement?

“Most patients are able to begin walking within a few days after the operation and can go home shortly afterward,” says Dr Gaurav Gupta. Extended bed rest isn’t generally recommended. In fact, using the new joint early encourages quicker healing. However, if someone has a pre-existing condition—like a heart or lung issue that requires monitoring—or if the surgery was particularly complex or the patient lacks adequate support at home, they might need to stay in bed for a longer period.

Will I need to use a walker at first?

Your medical team—which includes your orthopaedic surgeon, physiotherapist, and general physician—will assess your mobility to decide if you require an assistive device. A walker or cane might be recommended if you’re at risk of falling or feel unsteady, but for many patients, these aids are not necessary and they can manage well without them.

When will my hip incision heal?

“Hip replacement surgery today involves smaller incisions,” explains Dr Gaurav Gupta. The surgical cut is covered with a sterile dressing and typically heals in about six weeks. To reduce the chance of infection, it’s best to avoid bathing until the wound is completely closed, which usually takes around two weeks after surgery.

How soon does rehabilitation start after the hip surgery?

“Rehabilitation actually begins before the surgery through pre-surgery physical therapy,” says Dr Gaurav Gupta. After the operation, patients continue working with a physiotherapist immediately to reinforce mobility exercises before being discharged. Once home, rehab continues through prescribed exercises. Initial rehab focuses on relearning basic movements, like getting up from a bed or chair, and then moves on to more complex tasks such as climbing stairs or entering and exiting a car. Strong muscles are crucial in completing these tasks, so rehab often includes resistance training for the hip and leg muscles to rebuild strength and function.

Hip and Knee Replacement at Jhansi Orthopaedic Hospital

At Jhansi Orthopaedic Hospital, the Hip and Knee Replacement program is led by a dedicated team of orthopaedic specialists trained in joint replacement procedures. Patients are supported every step of the way—from educational resources before surgery to post-operative rehabilitation and therapy. The aim is to return each patient to their desired lifestyle and level of activity with personalized care and support throughout recovery.

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

It’s common to experience swelling and some level of pain in the area of the joint after surgery. To ease the discomfort, Dr Gupta recommends taking adequate rest between therapy sessions, applying ice to the leg and incision site, and using anti-inflammatory medications as prescribed. He also advises lying down with the leg elevated above the heart to help reduce swelling. Monitoring your pain is important—if the level remains at 6 or more on a 10-point scale, it’s crucial to inform your doctor, as this may indicate an infection or another complication. Pain should gradually subside over time, with most patients experiencing pain levels around 1 or 2 by the twelfth week of recovery.

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

According to Dr Gaurav Gupta, the average recovery time for hip replacement is between two to four weeks, although this varies from person to person. The speed of recovery depends on factors like the individual’s activity level before surgery, age, existing health conditions, diet, and lifestyle habits. “Improving physical fitness before surgery can speed up recovery,” he notes. “We often guide patients through a process called prehabilitation or ‘prehab’ to prepare the body for surgery and enhance the chances of a smoother recovery.”

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

The purpose of physical therapy is to enable a return to your normal life—be it resuming work, playing with your children, or taking part in sports or hobbies. How soon you can get back to each activity depends on how much physical effort it requires. For example, if the right hip is replaced, it could take up to four weeks before you can drive safely. If the left hip is operated on, you might be able to drive again within a week or two. Begin with short trips in empty parking lots, then progress to quiet streets before returning to regular traffic. Also, if you’re on medications like opioids that affect alertness, it’s safer to postpone driving.

Those with sedentary office jobs may be able to return to work after about two weeks. If your work involves heavy physical labor or significant strain on your hips, it’s usually advisable to wait at least six weeks. As for sports, returning to the field or court should be delayed for about six weeks. Swimming or water-based activities should be avoided until the surgical site is fully healed, typically around six weeks post-surgery. When it comes to sexual activity, there’s no strict timeline—you can resume when you feel physically ready and comfortable.

What could slow down my recovery?

“As with any major operation, complications can arise during or after hip replacement,” says Dr Gaurav Gupta. Potential setbacks include infections at the wound site, dislocation of the joint, or fractures in the bone surrounding the implant. If you experience symptoms like fever, discharge from the incision, trouble moving the hip, or severe pain that doesn’t improve with prescribed medicine, you should seek medical attention. Being cautious and progressing through rehabilitation steadily without sudden, jerky movements can help avoid dislocation or falls that may interfere with recovery.

How long will my hip replacement implant last?

Modern hip implants are built with a combination of materials such as metal, ceramic, and high-grade plastic, which makes them more durable than the older all-metal versions. These newer implants are designed to function well for 20 to 30 years. The chances of failure are relatively low, and most people won’t need to undergo another replacement surgery.

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

“If someone has severe arthritis in both hips, they may be eligible for a double hip replacement—where both hips are replaced at the same time,” says Dr Gupta. This can actually be beneficial and may result in a faster recovery for some patients. However, it also means more intensive rehabilitation since both legs will need to be strengthened together. Initially, getting around the house might be tougher, and additional help at home could be necessary. For those who opt to undergo surgeries separately, a gap of at least six weeks between the procedures is generally advised. This interval helps reduce the risk of complications like blood clots and allows for better recovery between the two surgeries.

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