Hip replacement surgery can significantly reduce pain and improve mobility. However, it’s natural to wonder about the limitations that come with a new hip joint.

While the surgery aims to restore your quality of life, certain activities and movements may need to be modified or avoided for a while.

Here we’ll explore what you cannot do after a hip replacement, helping you understand how to care for your new hip and maintain its longevity.

Avoid high-impact activities after a hip replacement

One of the primary restrictions after a hip replacement is avoiding high-impact activities. These include running or jogging, sports that require sudden jumps and landings, and high-impact aerobics.

These activities can accelerate the wear of the artificial joint and increase the risk of dislocation or other complications. Instead, consider low-impact alternatives like swimming, cycling, or walking, which are gentler on the hips.

Refrain from crossing your legs

Crossing your legs, whether sitting or lying down, is discouraged after hip replacement surgery. This position can cause the new hip joint to dislocate because it forces the leg to rotate inward.

Keep your knees apart, using a pillow between them when sleeping on your side. Also make sure you choose chairs that allow you to keep your feet flat on the ground with your knees apart. Finally, avoid positions that bring your legs too close together.

Limit bending at the hip beyond 90 degrees

Bending your hip more than 90 degrees, especially in the first few months after surgery, can place undue stress on the new joint and increase the risk of dislocation. Activities that involve deep bending should be avoided, such as:

• Bending down to tie shoes
• Picking up objects from the floor
• Low seating

When sitting, ensure that your hips are level with, or higher than, your knees.

Avoid twisting motions after a hip replacement

Twisting your hip can compromise the stability of the joint, especially in the early stages of recovery.

Instead of twisting at the waist, move your feet to change direction and take small steps when turning around. Also, avoid activities that require rapid or repeated twisting motions.

Be cautious with heavy lifting

Lifting heavy objects can place excessive load on your hip joint. While light to moderate lifting may be acceptable after full recovery, heavy lifting should be approached with caution. When you are lifting, keep the object close to your body and avoid bending at the hip.

A hip replacement can dramatically improve your quality of life, but it’s important to recognise and respect the limitations that come with it.

Always follow your surgeon’s advice and attend all recommended follow-up appointments. They can provide personalised guidance based on your individual needs. If you have any questions about hip replacement recovery, book an appointment with Mr Sulaiman Alazzawi.