Orthopedic care specialists in Suffolk County, NY, treat hip replacement patients every day. They know how important post-operation recovery is for overall wellness and satisfaction with the surgery. If you’re planning on getting hip replacement surgery, make sure you know what precautions to take before and after your surgery to make your recovery as fast and painless as possible.

Pay Attention to Diet and Weight

Body weight plays a huge role in hip problems. If you’re overweight, your doctor will recommend that you start a healthy exercise routine before the surgery and make adjustments to your diet. Getting your weight down to a healthier number takes pressure off the hip. It means that you’ll recover easier and prevent future problems. Getting into the habit of eating well and exercising is what orthopedic doctors want their patients to know to live pain-free lives that won’t require another hip replacement.

Gradually Increase Walking and Stairclimbing

What surprises most hip replacement patients is that they’re able to walk the same day or within 24 hours after the surgery. However, that doesn’t mean you’re ready to get back to your same old routine. When you leave the hospital, after your surgery, you’ll be advised to take it easy and gradually incorporate walking and stairclimbing back into your daily routine. Your body must move to recover, but that doesn’t mean you have to put it through a vigorous routine right away.

Make Plans for Help around the House

It’s not often that you get to sit around and be pampered. So, make the most of your first few days home from surgery. Accept help from family and friends who want to cook meals, run errands, or clean your house. You’ll be happy with the company, and you’ll recover faster.

Get Mobile

It’s important to get mobile as soon as possible. Again, this doesn’t mean running a marathon. Post-op hip replacement patients need to move to prevent blood clots from developing and promote healthy blood flow. You don’t want to end up back at the emergency room or orthopedic clinic because of an embolism. 

Know When to Call the Doctor

While a certain amount of pain and discomfort is be expected following this type of surgery, it’s important to know when you need to call the doctor. Make that call if you experience any of these symptoms:

• Unable to walk or difficulty walking
• Intense pain at the incision site or in the groin or hip area
• Popping sound when moving
• The replaced hip joint is unable to move
• The affected leg is suddenly shorter than the other
• You can’t move the replaced hip joint
• You develop a fever or other signs of infection

If you need an orthopedic center in Suffolk County, NY contact Peconic Bay Medical Center for a consultation.