- F.A.Q: The Hip
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- 1. Will I be able to work after Hip resurfacing?
- 2. Can both hips be operated on at the same time?
- 3. How long will hip resurfacing last?
- 4. Why do I have trouble sleeping at night?
- 5. For how long should I continue taking my medications after surgery?
- 6. Should I use a heating pad or ice packs?
- 7. What kind of shoes should I wear?
- 8. When should I go up and down stairs?
- 9. When should I drive?
- 10. How much exercise should I do and how can I tell if I have done too much?
- 11. How long will my leg continue to swell and hurt?
- 1. Will I be able to work after Hip resurfacing? - Top
- Hip resurfacing enable you to return to your normal daily actities. This includes climbing ladders and squating. - Updated: November 15, 2001
- 2. Can both hips be operated on at the same time? - Top
- We do not operate on both hips at the same time. We prefer to operate on one hip and then the other in six months. The complication rate has been shown to be much lower operating on hip hip at a time. - Updated: November 15, 2001
- 3. How long will hip resurfacing last? - Top
- The resurfacing procedure will last approximately 10 years.
- Updated: September 17, 2001
- 4. Why do I have trouble sleeping at night? - Top
- Sleeping trouble is the most common question. You need patience. Surgical heeling takes approximately 6-8 weeks. Therefore you may be slightly uncomfortable for this time. Taking prescribed medication and ice can help. Also getting out of bed and moving the joint sometimes helps. - Updated: April 23, 2001
- 5. For how long should I continue taking my medications after surgery? - Top
- If iron is prescribed, it should be continued for 1 month after discharge from the hospital. Blood thinning medications (Aspirin) should be taken for 1 month. All pain medications may be taken as directed for pain. If you have any questions about your medications, please ask. - Updated: April 23, 2001
- 6. Should I use a heating pad or ice packs? - Top
- Both ice and heat can be used to help relieve pain, but both can be harmful if left on too long. Never sleep with a heating pad on your hip. It can damage the skin and even cause a severe burn. Ice can be used several times a day. 20 minutes on 20 off, is the usual regime. - Updated: April 23, 2001
- 7. What kind of shoes should I wear? - Top
- High heels should be avoided for the first 3 months. Otherwise there are no rules regarding shoes. - Updated: April 23, 2001
- 8. When should I go up and down stairs? - Top
- During the first days after surgery, you should learn to walk stairs with a physiotherapist at the hospital. The pace at which you regain agility on stairs depends on individual traits. - Updated: April 23, 2001
- 9. When should I drive? - Top
- Driving is an individual matter. Some people regain their co-ordination and reflexes quickly, and others take longer. Following hip surgery, you should avoid driving for at least 3 months, possibly 6 months, depending on your progress. Driving should not be considered if you are still taking pain medication. - Updated: April 23, 2001
- 10. How much exercise should I do and how can I tell if I have done too much? - Top
- Mild and moderate exercise is beneficial, but over-exercise is painful and possibly harmful. Be guided by the physiotherapist. Generally the more active you are, the better, but within limits. - Updated: April 23, 2001
- 11. How long will my leg continue to swell and hurt? - Top
- The pain usually decreases rapidly during the first few weeks, but the pain continues to improve for 12 months or even longer. The swelling is due to alterations in fluid return up the limb, and will gradually diminish, but may take 12 months or longer. Mobilisation helps. Exercise, stockings and elevation also helps. - Updated: April 23, 2001
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