Why have I still got swelling?
It is normal for healing tissues to be swollen. The swelling may last for many months. When you take a step the calf muscle works to help pump blood back to the heart. If you are not putting full weight on your leg the pump does not work as well and you may get swelling around the ankle especially at the end of the day. You may also find that bruising starts to come out in the first few weeks following surgery. This is normal.
Do your circulation exercises as advised. When resting keep the leg elevated, ideally above the level of your heart while maintaining your hip precautions.
WHY IS MY SCAR WARM?
When tissues are healing they produce heat. This can be felt on the surface for many months.
How long will I have pain for?
It is likely that you may continue to experience some discomfort for several weeks. If the pain is out of proportion please consult your surgeon.
Is it normal to have disturbed nights?
As with sitting, when you are in bed your hip may stiffen up and the discomfort may awaken you. Your sleep pattern may also be disturbed if you are not used to sleeping on your back. It is not advisable to sleep or lie on either side for the first 6 weeks following your surgery.
Is it normal to have numbness around my scar?
Small nerves are disrupted during the surgery, which can cause numbness around the incision. This should resolve but may leave a small area of permanent numbness.
Why does my joint click?
Your new hip works in a different way. The clicking should improve as recovery continues. Some patients may always be aware of some minor clicking as the cartilage has been replaced with metal and plastic bearings.
When can I drive?
You should usually wait 6 weeks before driving. Before you consider driving you must feel confident that you have sufficient movement and strength so that you could perform an emergency stop.
Exercises
It is essential that you commence the following as soon as you can after your operation and whenever you are resting to help prevent blood clots.
Ankle exercises
This should be done every hour for approximately 5 minutes or longer if possible. This helps maintain the circulation in your calf muscles.
Deep breathing exercises
This helps to keep your chest as clear as possible. Take 3 or 4 deep breaths. every hour.
Buttocksqueezes
Squeeze your buttocks firmly together, hold for 3 seconds then relax. Repeat 10 times, at least 3 times a day.
Tightening thethighmuscles
Sit or lie with your leg straight out in front of you. Point your toes towards you and tighten the muscle on the front of your thigh by pushing your knee down. Hold the muscle tense for 5 seconds and then relax. Repeat 10 times at least 3 times a day.
Stairs
Once you are walking well you will be taught how to manage stairs or a step (according to your needs)
Take one step at a time.
Going upstairs: Use the banister on one side and the crutch/stick on the other side. Leading with your non-operated leg, first place your foot on the step; then with your operated leg, place your foot on the same step, and lastly your crutch/stick.
Going downstairs: Use the banister on one side and the crutch/stick on the other side. Place your crutch/stick first on to the step, then your operated leg onto the step and then the non-operated leg onto the same step.