Tips for After Hip Replacement Surgery

A hip replacement surgery can turn your life around by alleviating constant pain that your loved one experiences.  It can also help an elderly person to move about better and be more independent when it comes to daily chores and activities. However, hip replacement surgery should only be considered as a last resort. It should come after trying all available non-surgical treatments and exercises. Post-surgery, however, it’s important that your loved one takes extra care to prevent any future injuries and maintain the health of the new hip joint.

With this major surgery comes some post- hip replacement surgery questions you and your loved one may be asking, such as:

• What are the steps to take to ensure that the prosthetic implant doesn’t wear away too soon?
• How can additional injuries be prevented?
• What medical conditions should one be on the lookout for?
• What kinds of activities can be performed without putting extra stress on the new hip?
• Is it okay to exercise without causing damage to the hip? Or should your loved one avoid physical exertion as much as possible?

Read on as we answer all these questions. Remember to always check first with your loved one’s doctor if you suspect an elderly person has an infection and before starting any exercise routines.

Know the stress limits

A new artificial joint is not as strong and long-lasting as a healthy human joint. There is a limit to the amount of stress it can endure without breaking. In fact, there are different kinds of forces that can are applied to a joint. One example is the shear force which is exerted as a result of the joint’s side to side sliding movement. Another example is the compressive force which results from the pressing down of weight on the joint. If these forces go beyond a certain limit, then they can start wearing away at a new joint.

Regardless of the type of material used in the implant, there will always be wear and tear. The amount of implant depreciation depends on two factors: the number of steps taken within a day and the intensity and amount of weight/load put on the joint.

So if your loved one is overweight, for example, the longevity of the artificial joint may be compromised over the long run. It’s therefore important that you discuss the elderly person’s situation with your physical therapist or doctor. These professionals can advise about the recommended number of steps to take during the day as well as the load the joint can handle.

Preventing additional injuries

Set up a medical alert system

One of the most important steps to take for your loved one post-surgery is to help prevent additional injuries. One of the most reliable ways to do this is to get a medical alert system. In order to find one of the best medical alert systems, it’s wise to do your research and read some medical alert system reviews.

With these systems, such as ADT Health, all that your loved one has to do is press a button to alert an emergency responder to get instant help. When a parent is recovering from a serious operation like hip replacement surgery, they are already in a fragile state. A fall could, unfortunately, lead to permanent damage. For anyone in a delicate health situation, a medical alert system like LifeStation, for example, offers peace of mind for a low monthly fee.

Prepare the home

To prevent injuries and help with recovery, it’s important to take measures to ensure a post-surgery elderly person is safe after in their own home. Make sure there are clear pathways throughout their home by rearranging furniture. That way, a senior can maneuver their wheelchair, walker, or cane without bumping into anything.

Furthermore, remove any floor rugs that could lead to slipping, and reroute any phone or electrical cords that cross walkways. You may also want to place any frequently used items within easy reach of the senior’s usual seat so they can access them easily.

Watch for signs of infection

After the surgery, it’s important to keep an eye out for any possible warning signs of infection. Infections can be at the site of the incisions themselves or can involve muscle or tissue. Older adults are especially susceptible to infections after surgery – even more so if they have a pre-existing medical condition like diabetes. So it’s important for caretakers and family members are aware of the signs of infection.  Keep an eye out for:

• A high fever that persists (usually over 100 degrees)
• Constantly increasing swelling, tenderness, or redness of the wound or the area around it
• Discharge of fluids from the wound
• Persistent pain during physical movement and rest
• Shivering or chills

Beware of blood clots

After surgery, your loved one’s health is vulnerable, and it’s feasible they may develop a blood clot. Blood clots can be twice as dangerous as an infection. Diagnosing the presence of a blood clot often requires medical expertise, but these warnings signs should tip you off:

• Constant pain in the lower torso which doesn’t seem to be related to the incision
• Acute swelling of the foot, ankle, thigh, calf or any other area in the lower torso
• Redness or tenderness directly above or below the knee

In addition to the signs mentioned above, in some severe cases, a blood clot can transfer to the lungs and lead to grave repercussions. Some of the signs that this has happened can include:

• Unexpected onset of chest pain
• Localized pain in the chest accompanied by coughing
• Shortness of breath

If an elderly person post-surgery indicates any of these symptoms, it’s important to use their medical alert system to get help or contact their doctor immediately.

Safe Activities

After a major operation like hip replacement surgery, it’s important to be aware of the body’s limitations. There are activities that your loved one can participate in without risk of additional injury or strain on the new joint.

Exercise is crucial

After surgery, it’s important to exercise, but with care. It’s recommended they work with a physical therapist or rehab trainer. These professionals have the expertise to guide your loved one through the initial stages of recuperation. The exercises they prescribe also help strengthen the muscles around the hip replacement and can support healthy healing. Once he or she has recovered adequately, a post-op senior can even safely participate in low-impact exercises such as swimming, golf, and cycling.

Conclusion

Hip replacement surgery can give your loved one a chance at a better quality of life. The surgery can eliminate chronic hip joint pain and increase a person’s mobility. It’s important to keep an eye out for infection and blood clots, to keep walking areas clear, and to do the appropriate exercises under the care of a professional. We also offered tips to prevent severe injury in the future. A life alert bracelet should be the first investment post-surgery to ensure your loved one is protected and to avoid further injuries.