{"id":2408,"date":"2023-03-23T16:14:51","date_gmt":"2023-03-23T16:14:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/?p=2408"},"modified":"2023-03-29T14:54:31","modified_gmt":"2023-03-29T14:54:31","slug":"home-care-after-hip-replacement-surgery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/home-care-after-hip-replacement-surgery\/","title":{"rendered":"Home Care After Hip Replacement Surgery\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"
Strong, healthy hips are often taken for granted, but without them, basic activities like standing and sitting don\u2019t come nearly as easily. A bad hip can seriously impact your life. It can even make resting painful. <\/p>
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS)<\/a> mentions osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteonecrosis among the most common reasons for hip surgery. It is estimated that over 450,000 total hip replacements are performed in the U.S. each year. <\/p> Traditional hip replacement surgery involves making a large incision and replacing the hip. As newer surgical methods are less invasive, they save time and money, in addition to shortening recovery time. <\/p> If you or someone you love is considering hip replacement surgery, keep reading to learn how you can turn your home into the optimal recovery space \u2014 including how LogicMark<\/a>\u2019s devices can play a role in the recuperation. <\/p> The hips are the largest joints in the human body and require major surgery to replace them. <\/p> The process of recovery begins immediately after surgery and if the correct steps are not taken, you may delay your healing \u2014 or worse, end up back in the hospital. If, for example, you don\u2019t do physiotherapy after your hip surgery, your muscles will grow weaker and scar tissue that limits movement will develop. <\/p> There is also a 0.2-10% chance of hip dislocation<\/a> after a total hip replacement, and this risk increases for joint revision surgery (if you already have an artificial hip that needs replacement). <\/p> It\u2019s really important to keep your new joint moving after hip replacement surgery, and it\u2019s normal for patients to be discharged from the hospital on the same day. <\/p> The average recovery time<\/a> is between two and four weeks, but factors like age, level of physical activity prior to the surgery, existing health conditions, and other lifestyle factors all play a role. <\/p> Increasing physical activity before the surgery can help you recover faster. On the other hand, there are factors that will delay the healing process. <\/p> These factors can delay your recovery from hip replacement surgery: <\/p> Hip surgery can reduce chronic pain associated with conditions like arthritis and osteoarthritis. It can also improve your range of motion. <\/p> The days and weeks following your surgery, however, will ultimately determine how well you heal. <\/p> Here are some things you can do to ensure a smooth recovery process for you or your loved one: <\/p> To make your recovery as easy as possible, your home may require some changes. You\u2019ll need to plan these out beforehand. <\/p> Even people who visit a rehab facility as part of their recovery will need to make changes to their home environment to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries. <\/p> Most fall injuries<\/a> happen in the bathroom, and it\u2019s not hard to guess why. <\/p> A confined space with slippery tiles poses a fall risk even for healthy people with strong muscles\u2014 and the risk is far greater for someone recovering from hip replacement surgery. <\/p> The following items can make it safer to use the bathroom during recovery: <\/p> If possible, bathroom facilities should also be available on the same floor as the bedroom, since climbing stairs is not recommended during hip replacement recovery. <\/p> To avoid accidents, all rooms in the home should be clutter-free. Remove throw rugs, boxes, and potted plants from the floor \u2014 along with anything else that can potentially cause you to trip. <\/p> Unfortunately, the list of hazards may also include kids and pets. As much as we love them, a child or a dog can interfere with the recovery process. <\/p> Try to minimize trips to the shops during the recovery period. Between your physical therapy sessions and doing prescribed exercises at home, you or your loved one will still need to rest. <\/p> Stocking up on supplies \u2014 such as canned and frozen foods, ready-to-eat meals, toilet paper, and soap \u2014 will free up time and ensure an easier recovery. <\/p> Fall prevention is extremely important for aging adults, and even more vital when older adults are recovering from surgery. <\/p> Physical therapy sessions coupled with prescribed exercises at home can help build muscle strength during recovery, which will help you or your loved one keep your balance and avoid falling. <\/p> Your doctor or physical therapist will be able to advise you on what to purchase to help you recover post-surgery. <\/p> You won\u2019t necessarily need all the items listed below, but these are some common things that will help keep you safe and comfortable while you recuperate. <\/p> A medical alert device<\/a> might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of your post-op recovery. But it can be an invaluable piece of technology in the event of an emergency. <\/p> Even when you\u2019ve fall-proofed the home, accidents can still happen. A medical alert device can help. <\/p> These gadgets can be worn around the neck, wrist, or waist, and serve as a direct line between a person in distress and emergency responders or caregivers. <\/p> There are even some medical alert devices that can sense temperature changes in the environment or detect when someone has fallen<\/a> and automatically send an alert. <\/p> For aging adults who aren\u2019t under constant supervision, these devices are priceless. They grant caregivers peace of mind and freedom, while aging adults get to enjoy some privacy while they heal. <\/p> LogicMark<\/a> offers a variety of medical alert devices. Check out our product offerings, and find the device that will help you or your loved one get back on your feet \u2014 with the peace of mind that help is just a button push away. <\/p> If it\u2019s too costly or impractical to make the necessary changes to your bathroom \u2014 such as installing an elevated toilet seat or safety bars \u2014 a portable commode chair may be the solution. <\/p> These chairs can be moved around the home, providing safety and convenience when using the bathroom. <\/p> Walkers, canes, wheelchairs, or crutches are great additions to your recovery plan. Speak to your physical therapist to find what works best for you. <\/p>Why is Recovery from Hip Replacement Surgery Important? <\/h2>
How Long Does it Take to Recover After a Hip Replacement? <\/h2>
Factors that increase hip replacement recovery time <\/h3>
How Do I Prepare to Recover from Hip Replacement Surgery? <\/h2>
Make changes to your home <\/h3>
Ensure your bathroom is safe <\/h4>
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Get rid of other hazards <\/h4>
Stock up on supplies <\/h3>
Focus on fall prevention <\/h3>
Invest in equipment to simplify your life <\/h3>
Medical alert devices <\/h4>
Commode chairs <\/h4>
Mobility aids <\/h4>