A hip replacement surgery can be life-changing, relieving pain and restoring mobility that may have been lost for years. If you’re one of the many considering or recovering from a hip replacement, you may be wondering if there are things you’ll need to avoid permanently.

While you’ll enjoy many benefits, there are some movements and activities you’ll need to be mindful of. Here, we look at what you can expect and how you can maintain your joint for the long haul.

Avoid bending or crossing your legs

One important habit to adopt after a hip replacement is being cautious about how you move your legs. Specifically, you’ll want to avoid bending your hip excessively or crossing your legs. These movements can put undue stress on your new joint and increase the risk of dislocation.

When you sit down, choose chairs that are higher and firm to keep your knees below your hips. Avoid low sofas or chairs where you might sink down, as getting up can require bending your hip too much.

Instead of bending at the waist, try to keep your back straight and bend at the knees when picking something up. Consider using a long-handled grabber tool to pick up items from the floor without bending.

It’s best to sleep on your back or on the side that wasn’t operated on. One study showed that patients that underwent hip replacement reported high levels of adherence to postoperative precautions, but lying on their back was the most difficult precaution to adhere to. Placing a pillow between your knees can prevent you from crossing your legs while you sleep. More important is to ensure you get enough good quality sleep for a good recovery.

Putting on socks and shoes may be tricky at first. Using aids like a long-handled shoe horn can help you dress without bending too much.

By being mindful of these movements, you can help protect your new hip and make these adjustments feel like second nature over time.

Avoid high impact, repetitive activities

While your new hip is designed to improve your mobility, certain high-impact activities can put excessive strain on it. To ensure your hip replacement lasts, it’s a good idea to steer clear of certain types of exercise and activities.

Activities to be cautious about include:

Running and jumping –These activities can put a lot of pressure on your hip joint. Instead, consider low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling, which are gentler on your hips.

Contact sports – Sports like rugby, football, or martial arts increase the risk of falls or collisions, which can damage your new joint.

Heavy lifting – Be careful when lifting heavy objects. Use proper lifting techniques, keeping the object close to your body and avoiding twisting your torso.

High-impact activities can wear down the artificial components of your hip more quickly, potentially leading to complications or the need for revision surgery. By choosing low-impact alternatives, you can stay active without compromising your new hip’s integrity.

Introduce new habits

Adopting some new daily habits can make a big difference in how comfortable and mobile you feel after your surgery. These changes can help you enjoy your new hip to the fullest.

Engaging in regular physical activity for example, helps strengthen the muscles around your hip, providing better support. Activities like walking, swimming, and yoga are simple yet effective ways to stay active.

Carrying extra weight puts additional stress on your hip joint. Eating a balanced diet and keeping active can help you maintain a healthy weight, benefiting not just your hip, but your overall health.

Pay attention to any pain or discomfort. It’s normal to have some soreness as you heal, but sharp or persistent pain shouldn’t be ignored. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor if something doesn’t feel right.

While there are some permanent restrictions to be mindful of, many people find that these adjustments become part of their routine without much trouble. By avoiding certain movements, choosing appropriate activities, and embracing healthy habits, you can help your new hip serve you well for many years to come.

To find out more about what to expect after a hip replacement, schedule an appointment with Mr Sulaiman Alazzawi.