If considering hip replacement surgery to relieve hip pain or improve one’s movement and mobility, be prepared for any hip replacement side effects if occurring. It is important to be aware of myths and facts about it.
Hip replacement is indeed a major surgery, and it is important for the patient to know all there is to know about it.
Myth: Hip replacement surgery appears to be the preferred treatment option for hip osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is indeed the most common reason hip replacement surgery is done. There are many other treatment options that can be no doubt tried first.
Surgery is acknowledged as a last resort, reserved for people living with hip osteoarthritis who can rather no longer be controlled by or have not responded to other, non-surgical pain relief treatments.
Hip replacement surgery is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, hip injuries, and general long-term hip pain affecting mobility and is not improving with other treatments.
Fact: When recommended, hip replacement surgery is quite successful.
Hip replacement surgery can be a highly effective treatment with good long-term results.
Myth: Hip replacement surgery does always involve replacing the whole hip.
While hip replacement surgery always involves removing damaged bone as well as cartilage from the hip joint and also replacing it with metal or plastic parts, there are rather 2 types of hip replacements: total and partial.
Fact: The wait time for a total hip replacement in a public hospital is supposed to be more than 150 days.
Research does show that the demand for hip replacements is indeed likely to increase significantly by 2030, which could of course mean longer wait times, too.
Myth: You cannot change the out-of-pocket costs of hip replacement surgery.
Fact: Hip replacement recovery time varies from person to person.
With physiotherapy and by sticking to any other sort of rehabilitation that happens to be recommended to strengthen and also improve the flexibility of the new joint, most people can indeed get back to their normal activities after about 3 months following surgery. From there inwards, it can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months to feel the full benefit of a hip replacement.
Myth: Hip replacements are rather designed to last forever.
Hip replacements can indeed last a really long time, but not forever. For 9 out of 10 people, a hip replacement will last say at least 15 years. While, of course, close to 6 out of 10 people will get 25 years of wear out of their replacement. There are indeed steps to be taken that may increase the lifespan of a new hip.
Fact: The patient has to take precautions after a hip replacement.
5 things that cannot be done after a hip replacement
1. Do not ignore the ‘hip precautions’ provided for.
After surgery, the muscles that surround the hip will be weaker. The hip joint will be reduced. On account of this, the patient is advised to avoid certain movements that can increase the risk of damaging the hip joint. These hip precautions will much depend on the approach of one’s surgeon. Following his advice is important.
2. Do not overlook swelling.
Little swelling is expected, but if experiencing much swelling, affecting the whole leg, it can indicate the person needs to rest on one’s new hip joint more. If worried about swelling after leaving the hospital, contact the doctor.
3. Avoid sitting in low-lying chairs.
Also, those having arms need to be used for extra support when getting up. This is essential for the first three months after surgery to avoid dislocating one’s hip.
4. Do not neglect rehabilitation exercises.
A physiotherapist can provide a set of exercises to do after the surgery. These will indeed promote the recovery of the hip joint’s strength and movement.
5. Do not gain too much weight.
This affects recovery and also helps increase the lifespan of the new hip, too.
Conclusion
Hip replacement side effects cannot be ignored.
