How to Ensure a Successful Total Hip Replacement Recovery

Regular exercise, keeping a healthy diet, and taking necessary steps to avoid blood clots and other complications are all crucial for a successful recovery after a total hip replacement surgery. 


The surgery is, of course, the most crucial step in the patient’s treatment plan and the most dangerous part, but there are also risks during the recovery period. That’s why you should also do what you can to recover well.  Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists shares some tips on how you can speed up your recovery safely:


What to Do to Have a Successful Recovery


Start a Healthy Exercise Routine


You should ask your doctor what kind of exercises will be most helpful to you and do them regularly. You should include strengthening exercises and stretching exercises. Strengthening your leg muscles and stretching them will help prevent blood clots, which can be a very dangerous complication.


Make sure that you do not overdo it. If you do your exercises when you are still in recovery, you will risk hurting yourself, so talk to your doctor about when you should do them. However, you should also continue doing your exercises even after the doctor says that you are free to move.


Pay Attention to Your Weight and Your Diet


You should try to maintain a healthy weight in order to avoid issues you may have if you are overweight or obese. You should also keep an eye on your diet. A good diet should be high in protein and calcium and low in sugar.


Prepare the House for Your Arrival


You should get the house ready for your return by clearing off shelves and counters, putting away furniture, and getting a wheelchair, walker, or a cane, if you will need one. You want to make the space as safe as you can to avoid accidents.


You should also plan on going to physical therapy or occupational therapy and asking your doctor whether or not you need to purchase special items beforehand.


Take Extra Precautions at All Times


If you are at risk for blood clots, you will need to take extra precautions after your surgery.

• Don’t cross your legs.

• Don’t sit too long, especially if you’re in one position.

• Don’t lift anything heavy.

• Don’t put anything heavy on your lap.

• Don’t sleep on your back.

• Don’t drink alcohol.

• Don’t take a hot bath.

• Don’t take a shower.

These precautions will help you avoid dangerous blood clots while you recover and they will also reduce the recovery time.


Take Your Medicine and Follow Doctor’s Orders


You should only take your medicine if it is prescribed by your doctor, but you should always do what you can to follow your doctor’s orders and do what you can to recover well.


If you have any questions about your hip replacement surgery or about your recovery, you should ask your doctor for help. You should also ask him if you have any questions about any symptoms that you have. This is the best way to ensure that you have a successful recovery.


Conclusion


While hip replacement surgery is a very common procedure that allows people to regain their mobility and strength, it is still major surgery. It requires a lot of recuperation. You should be aware of the risks and how to avoid them. A successful recovery will allow you to live a life without pain and without limitations.


You should always talk to your surgeon about how long your recovery will take and how long you will be in pain. You should also make sure that you follow all of the preparations and precautions that you need to take during the recovery period and after it. This will help make your recovery as successful as it can be.
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Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists’ team of board-certified orthopedic surgeons have been performing knee and hip replacement surgeries for more than 50 years now. If you are in need of a seasoned orthopedic surgeon in Atlanta to handle your case, schedule your appointment with us today!