Hip replacement is the second most common joint replacement procedure following a knee replacement, and is usually recommended for patients with diseased hip joints that have been damaged beyond repair. This can happen due to an injury or an underlying degenerative joint disease that can gradually damage the hip joints, giving rise to severe pain. If left untreated, it can aggravate preventing you from taking part in normal day-to-day activities, as this is quite likely to limit the range of motion and mobility. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments available for such patients and if the non-invasive treatments fail to give the desired results, doctors usually recommend a hip replacement.

Hip replacement surgery in Pune is offered at all the leading hospitals. The procedure involves the replacement of the damaged or diseased hip joint with a prosthetic component that is artificially created to imitate the shape and structure of the original joint. The procedure is carried out under the influence of anaesthesia and is followed by a long period of rehabilitative care.

Experts from the top orthopaedic hospitals in Mumbai suggest that the care that follows after the surgeries is as important as the surgery itself and one has to follow all the guidelines in order to ensure that the outcome is worth it.

Before we start, let's try to understand what happens right after the surgery.

Once the procedure is completed you will be shifted to the recovery room where you will be monitored closely. Fluids and medication will be given intravenously. You will also be given a pair of compression stockings. Wearing these will help you alleviate the risks of blood clots. Once the anaesthesia completely wears off, the physiotherapy team will help you with moving around and curate a proper exercise plan that you have to follow at home as well. Experts from the top Orthopaedic Hospital in Pune suggest that it is better to start physiotherapy right after the surgery because the sooner you start, the better are the results.

The first few days following the surgery

Right after the surgery, your major focus should be on physical therapy. This not only helps to improve the flow of blood towards the surgical site but also helps to improve the range of motion, making it possible for you to get back to normal life within a shorter span of time. Apart from physical exercise, there are several other things that you need to take care of. The most important thing that you need to remember is to avoid indulging in activities that put an unnecessary strain on your hips. This not only means that you need to avoid lifting heavy objects but also you need to be more careful while performing normal day-to-day tasks. It is advised to consult an occupational therapist who will help you understand how you can modify your way of doing simple tasks like showering, getting out of bed, using the toilet, etc to make sure there is no pressure on the hip joint.

You may also need a few equipment or tools to help you in the post-surgical period. These include grab bars for your washroom, raised toilet seat, shower seat and distance grabber. Initially, you may also need a cane or a walker to move around on your knowledge. Within a few days following the surgery, you can go back to your regular diet while avoiding foods that could contribute to weight gain.

Three months that follow right after the surgery

Your primary aim during the period is to regain your strength as much as you can and move around independently without the use of any device or equipment. The stronger you get the easier it is to move around on your own. You will also not need any help in doing normal day-to-day chores and the pain will also have subsided. It takes round about 4 to 6 weeks to get back your strength however this does not mean that you can discontinue the physical therapy. You need to make sure that you do not miss your regular appointments and even exercise at home to make sure that the recovery happens smoothly.

The most important thing that you can do for yourself at this time is walk. Your activity level will be decided by your physiotherapist depending on various different factors which include your age and the type of surgery as well. Exercise majorly focuses on weight bearing, maintaining the right posture and improving body mechanics. This is especially useful for elderly people who have undergone a hip replacement, as they are at a higher risk of falling down. Regular follow-ups are very important to track the prognosis and ensure that everything is going well.

To know more about hip replacement and how you can speed up the process of recovery, consult the experts from the best orthopaedic hospital in Pune today.