Tips for Making Your Home Life Easier After Hip Surgery

Are you scheduled for hip surgery? It can be a good choice for people living with chronic hip pain from inflammation, arthritis, or injury.

Hip surgery includes procedures like hip resurfacing and total hip replacement, both of which have the goal of reducing pain and improving mobility. Chris Boone, MD specializes in orthopedic surgery for hip pain, and our team is here to help you understand what to expect.

When you choose hip surgery, it’s normal to have questions. Learning what happens during surgery can help you feel confident before heading into the operating room, but preparing yourself for recovery is just as essential.

Hip surgery is a major procedure, and full recovery can take several months. Take time in the weeks before your hip surgery to prepare yourself and your home. Making adjustments now will make your life easier once you return from the hospital.

Set up a comfortable chair

Moving around will be challenging immediately after hip surgery. Make sure you have a comfortable place to recuperate and keep everything you might need close by.

Find a firm, supportive chair with sturdy armrests. Put items you’ll want to have nearby, such as your computer, TV remotes, and magazines. Setting up an area in your home where you can spend the majority of your day allows you to focus on rest and recovery.

Move your bed to the first floor

Dr. Boone often recommends limiting stairs to once a day or less in the first weeks following hip surgery. If you normally sleep on the second floor or in the basement of your home, consider setting up a bed on the main floor to avoid going up and down the stairs.

Your bed should be low enough that your feet touch the ground when you sit on the edge of it. Adjusting the height of your bed can make it easier to get in and out when you’re recovering from hip surgery.

Install grab bars

Grab bars in the bathroom make tasks like using the toilet and taking a shower easier and safer after hip surgery. Railings in long hallways and on staircases can provide support and security as you get up and move around during recovery.

Along with adding safety features like grab bars and railings, check your home for potential hazards. Loose rugs, clutter, and even pets can pose a tripping hazard when you’re navigating your home after a hip surgery.

Stock up on supplies

Before surgery, talk to Dr. Boone about which type of walking aides might be best for you. Will you use a wheelchair at first? When will you transition to crutches or a walker? Find out where you can get these items, and have them at home for the day you get back from the hospital.

Keeping a few items on hand while you’re recovering from hip surgery can be helpful. Cold therapy is an effective way to relieve pain and inflammation after hip surgery, so get a reusable ice pack to keep in your freezer. Accessibility items, such as a long shoehorn or a reaching tool, can make everyday tasks a little bit easier.

Ask loved ones for help

Having help after hip surgery makes recovery easier. Friends and family members can help by preparing meals, bringing you things, or providing support as you move through the house.

If you live with someone else, talk with them about how you’ll need support during hip surgery recovery. If you live alone, consider asking a loved one if they can stay with you for a few weeks. If Dr. Boone prescribes narcotic pain medication during recovery, you may need someone to drive you around because you won’t be able to drive while you’re taking the painkillers.

Hip surgery has the power to reduce your pain to help you enjoy an active lifestyle. Find out what hip surgery could do for you by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Boone. Call the office nearest you, or request an appointment online.