Hip replacement surgery is a life-changing procedure that can alleviate chronic pain and improve mobility. If you’ve undergone this procedure, you’ve likely experienced immense relief and have a newfound appreciation for movement.
However, to ensure the long-term success of your hip replacement, it’s important to make some lifestyle changes.
Let’s discuss hip replacement surgery and some of the most important changes you can make to ensure the long-term success of your hip replacement surgery.
Hip Replacement Surgery
Hip replacement surgery is a common procedure used to alleviate pain and improve mobility in individuals suffering from severe hip joint damage, often due to conditions like osteoarthritis or trauma.
During the hip replacement surgery, the surgeon makes an incision over the hip to expose the hip joint. Next, the surgeon removes the damaged or diseased joint and replaces it with a metal, plastic, or ceramic joint.
The surgery procedure can be minimally invasive, meaning less disturbance to healthy tissues and faster recovery.
Lifestyle Changes to Make After Hip Replacement Surgery
Here are some essential lifestyle modifications that can lead to long-term hip replacement success after surgery.
Regular Exercise
One of the most crucial lifestyle changes for ensuring the success of a hip replacement is regular exercise. This doesn’t mean you need to become a marathon runner overnight. Instead, focus on low-impact exercises, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, which can help strengthen the muscles around your new hip joint, improve flexibility, and enhance overall mobility.
Be sure to check with your hip replacement surgeon before starting a new exercise program.
Avoid High Impact Activities
High-impact activities such as football, basketball, and running can place unnecessary stress on the hip joint after surgery. These activities can cause damage to the hip joint, leading to further complications.
Instead, try low-impact activities such as water aerobics or cycling to maintain fitness while reducing stress on the body.
Healthy Eating
A balanced diet plays a vital role in speeding up recovery and maintaining the health of your new hip joint. Consuming foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, such as dairy products, leafy greens, and fish, can help strengthen your bones. Protein-rich foods like lean meats, beans, and eggs aid in tissue repair and muscle recovery.
Remember to stay hydrated as well. Water helps transport nutrients to the healing tissues and removes waste products from your body.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is known to increase the risk of postoperative complications and slow down the process of recovery. Smoking impairs the body’s ability to heal and increases the risk of infection and blood clots.
Quitting smoking can help improve the flow of oxygen to the surgical site while reducing the risk of complications.
Weight Management
Maintaining a healthy weight is critical for the longevity of your hip replacement. Excess weight puts additional pressure on the hip joint, which can lead to premature wear and tear of the prosthesis.
A combination of a balanced diet and regular exercise can help you manage your weight effectively.
Proper Footwear and Fall Prevention
Wearing proper footwear can help maintain balance and prevent falls, which are especially dangerous after a hip replacement. Remove tripping hazards in your home, and consider using assistive devices like a cane or walker in the initial weeks post-surgery.
Stay Alert for Changes
Getting a hip replacement doesn’t necessarily mean you are pain-free. It’s critical to know your symptoms and follow up with your hip replacement surgeon if you notice a recurring issue.
If you experience any symptoms, such as inflammation, swelling, or stiffness around your hip joint, immediately alert your surgeon. Regular checkups and monitoring ensure a healthy, successful hip replacement.
Stay Engaged in Life
Finally, it’s important to stay engaged in life after hip replacement surgery. Social activities, hobbies, and interests can help improve your overall quality of life and provide a sense of purpose.
If you’re having trouble adjusting to post-surgery life, consider joining a support group or talking to a mental health professional.
Hip Replacement Surgery Near Me in Pembroke Pines and Lauderdale Lakes, FL
Hip replacement surgery is a life-changing procedure that can improve your overall quality of life. However, to ensure the long-term success of your hip replacement, it’s important to make some lifestyle changes. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, taking safety precautions, treating pain and inflammation, and staying engaged in life can all help ensure the long-term success of your hip replacement surgery.
At Total Orthopaedic Care, we have a team of orthopedic surgeons who are experts in performing joint replacement surgeries on the shoulder, knee, hip, and other joints of the body. They also recommend physical therapy and post-op lifestyle changes to help patients recover faster and enjoy the long-term benefits of surgery.
To set up a private consultation with our providers, call us today at (954) 735-3535 or use our online appointment request form.