Things You Should Never Do After Having Your Hip Replaced

Modern medicine sure is amazing, huh? While the thought of replacing a joint might have been unfathomable merely a few generations ago, nowadays it's more common than ever. And a hip replacement surgery is one of the more frequent procedures out there, with almost half a million of these operations performed each year in America, according to the American College of Rheumatology. A hip replacement surgery is pretty much what it sounds like: The surgeon operates to take out parts of your hip joint that have become damaged or worn down, and inserts artificial sections in their place, as WebMD states. This can lead to renewed function and a brand new lease on life.

But just because something is common doesn't mean it's simple. Hip replacements are complex procedures, and it's vital that during your post-operative period, you're giving your body the best chance of recovery. And when it comes to hip replacement surgery, you might do certain things without even thinking about them that could extend how long it takes until you're fighting fit again. That's why we decided to lay out all the things you should never do after a hip replacement.

Swimming is one of life's great pleasures, and as a low-impact workout that's kind to your joints, it might seem like it's the perfect mode of exercise to get you back to full health after hip replacement surgery (per JumpStart by WebMD). We highly advise, however, that you stay out of the pool until you're fully recovered. This is not just because you may risk compromising your new hip joint's stability and ability to heal. Swimming, and even sitting in a bath, can pose a risk to surgical wounds, as Johns Hopkins Medicine states. Although "the incisions for a hip replacement surgery nowadays are very small and are closed up with absorbable sutures," states total joint replacement expert and orthopedic surgeon Savya Thakkar, there's still a risk that excessive amounts of water could compromise them and lead to infection.

Instead, you should wait a minimum of six weeks post-surgery before you dip your toes back into the water or run a bath. Immediately after surgery, strip washing may be recommended by your doctor to reduce the risk of the wound getting wet (per The Royal Orthopedic Hospital). Using certain implements to help you get to hard-to-reach areas, like a long-handle sponge, may also be useful.

Smoking has a huge impact on health, and one of the areas that it can cause your body the most trouble is its ability to heal (per Carrothers Orthopedics). The substances that populate cigarette smoke can inhibit wound healing, with the carbon monoxide you inhale reducing the amount of oxygen your cells get, and the all-important nicotine constricting blood vessels and stopping blood from reaching the wound that needs to rebuild itself.

All of this, as you might imagine, can get in the way of your post-surgery care and ability to heal quickly and effectively. This can also raise your risk of infection after a hip replacement, as research published in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery shows. Researchers examined the rate of reoperation following joint surgery, comparing current smokers and non-smokers, and found that when people smoked, they were significantly more likely to need another surgical procedure thanks to an infection. If you do smoke, it's wise to speak to your doctor or surgeon about the risks surrounding surgery, and how they might be able to help you reduce smoking before and after surgery.

Okay, so we're gonna go out on a limb here and assume that you're most likely not going to want to attend a HIIT class the day after your hip replacement. It is important to remember, however, that you might want to keep away from more intense sporting activities for longer than you think. It's recommended you wait a minimum of six weeks following your surgery before you try anything particularly strenuous sports-wise, Johns Hopkins Medicine states. This could be even longer depending on the nature of your hip replacement and the advice of your doctor.

If you're itching to get back out there, there are some activities you might be able to partake in. Sports like golf are usually accessible fairly quickly, thanks to their less-intensive nature. Simple exercises like walking can also be a great way to get active again, and can also assist in speeding up your recovery, as OrthoInfo says. It's important, though, not to overexert yourself too quickly. Ensure that you're using a walker if you normally use one or have been given one during your recovery, and only start with short distances, potentially with someone else who can help if you get into any trouble.

For some people, the thought of getting some time off work after a medical procedure, and spending endless hours doing not very much at all, fills them with joy. For others, that much free time can strike fear into the heart. Whichever camp you fall into, it's recommended that you give yourself at least a little time following a hip replacement before you go back to work, as the Royal College of Surgeons of England discusses. If you have a job that doesn't require too much physical activity and mainly involves sitting at a desk, you should aim to give yourself roughly six weeks before you head back to work. If your job requires you to be more physically active, you may need to give yourself a little more time.

What's important, though, is to not overdo it on the time off. Taking the rest you need during those crucial first few weeks will help you return to your regular activities as soon as you're able to, which will keep your spirits up and stop you from feeling cut off from the outside world.

Rehab is an integral part of recovering from a hip replacement, states orthopedic surgeon and hip replacement specialist Andrew B. Richardson on his website. While your surgery may replace your hip, the physical therapy you do will help it heal correctly and aid in building your body back to full strength. Physical therapy is also important to keep your joints and muscles flexible, and boosts blood flow throughout your body, meaning that your wounds will close faster.

You'll likely begin physical therapy straight away after your surgery, to begin your recovery and hasten healing. Your physical therapist will demonstrate exercises that are designed to encourage circulation and a better range of movement, which you should be able to do with the compromised motion that you'll probably have after the procedure. While it's easy enough to do these under the supervision of a physical therapist, it's super important to continue them when you get home. By continuing to move, strengthen, and stretch your muscles, you'll make your recovery both easier and faster, and get back to living your life in earnest in no time.

Got a particularly low chair in your home? Maybe an antique ottoman that's way comfier than it looks? No matter how tempted you are to park your butt on it, we'd recommend avoiding sitting in any especially low seats during your recovery, as doing so may inhibit the post-operative process (per the NHS). It's also recommended that you avoid using any particularly low toilet seats, and ask your doctor about alternatives and whether a raised toilet seat is an option.

It's also worthwhile to consider how you go about sitting down post-surgery more generally. Begin by standing in front of your chosen chair (which should have armrests), and back up gently until the backs of your legs are in contact with it, says the Cleveland Clinic. Hold onto the armrests from behind and use your arms to lower yourself down into the chair, pushing yourself back into it, avoiding folding forward at the waist or hips. Make sure that you don't hunch over in your chair while you're sitting down, and always pick a chair that's sturdy and not too plush or well-cushioned.

As with any surgery, the length of recovery from a hip replacement will depend on your circumstances. But it might surprise you to learn that you'll likely be able to get on your feet sooner than you think. Physical rehabilitation, often with a crutch or walker, will begin one to two days after your procedure (per WebMD). Patients are usually discharged from the hospital after a few days and continue their recovery at home — but it's important to bear in mind that regular activities like driving or working may be off-limits for up to six weeks. During this time, you should try to enlist outside assistance if you can to help you around the house.

Once you've been able to begin your standard activities again, your recovery will continue. After around three months, you should be largely back to normal, with the pain and swelling completely gone. Bear in mind, though, that your recovery doesn't end there: A complete recovery from a hip replacement can take as long as a year, states Spire Healthcare. Importantly, too, a hip replacement requires ongoing care and periodic check-ups with your doctor to ensure that it's functioning at its best and that there aren't any further issues.