While the pandemic’s end has meant a return to more activity for many individuals, it has also meant a return to more physical discomfort for others. Because certain surgeries, particularly non-essential ones, may be delayed due to pandemic-related postponements, patients who rely on surgery to relieve pain may be forced to live with it for a long time.
Even if your life has returned to normal, you may find yourself waiting for a hip replacement or other operation. So, how to minimize pain while waiting for hip replacement?
What exercises can I do while waiting for a hip replacement
The hip surgery will address the joint issue, but you will need to continue exercising regularly to stretch and strengthen your muscles to support your new joint adequately. Consider the following exercises on how to minimize pain while waiting for hip replacement:
- Thigh squeezes (quadriceps sets). Push the back of your knee into the bed to tighten the muscles on the top of your thigh. Wait for 5 seconds and relax.
- Leg slides (adduction/abduction). Move your surgical leg to the side, keeping your kneecap pointing up towards the ceiling. Return your leg to the starting position. Place a plastic bag beneath your heel to make it easier to slide.
- Bed mobility exercise. Lie perfectly flat on your back. Bring both elbows up. Come to a sitting posture by straightening your arms behind you. Lower yourself back down to your elbows, then to lying flat.
- Ankle pumps. Pump your feet up and down by bringing them toward you and then pushing them away from you.
- Buttocks squeeze (gluteal sets). Squeeze your buttocks muscles together to tighten them. Wait for 5 seconds and relax.
- Sitting kicks (long arc quads). Sit on a solid chair. Straighten your right knee. Relax as you slowly drop your leg
What should you not do before hip replacement
If there are things you should do before hip replacement, there are also things you should not do. Here are some things you should not do before hip replacement:
- Don’t raise your knee over your hip.
- Try not to pick up anything on the floor while seated.
- When resting in bed, do not reach down to pull up covers.
- Avoid crossing your legs at the knees for at least 6 to 8 weeks.
- Do not lean forward while you sit down or sitting.
- Don’t turn your feet too much outward or inward when bending down.
- Do not bend at the waist more than 90 degrees.
Seven days before surgery: Stop taking all NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as naproxen (Aleve), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and aspirin. They interfere with blood clotting, which can increase blood loss during surgery.
What kind of pain indicates a need for hip replacement
If hip discomfort interferes with your daily activities, making it difficult to go for a short walk or interact with loved ones, surgery may be the best solution. Patients who choose hip replacement surgery do so for the following reasons:
- Stiffness
Inability to stand for one minute, even leaning against a door frame, might indicate hip problems. Advanced osteoarthritis makes it difficult to elevate your leg or put on shoes. If severe stiffness persists or your physicians recommend surgery, one of our surgeons can assist.
- Hip joint arthritis or damage
Damaged or deformed hip joints may need a hip replacement. Ankylosing spondylitis and excruciating may be painful. Hip replacement surgery can repair damaged joints and enhance your life quality.
- Continuous pain in the groin or hip
If your pain makes it difficult to walk stairs or get up from a chair, you may be aggravating your hip joints and causing pain. Seeking up or sleeping shouldn’t be challenging, but getting treatment might enhance your overall health.
- Pain that is unresponsive to other treatments
If physical therapy or medication doesn’t help your problems, surgery may be the solution. While medication may effectively ease symptoms, most other treatments are only temporary. Also, since injections only last a few months, these treatments, like prescription pain medication, have adverse side effects.
Choosing hip replacement surgery may assure years of pain-free living.
- Hips experiencing swelling or inflammation
Symptoms of hip cartilage breakdown are more prominent. In inflammatory arthritis, the immune system attacks healthy tissues more often. If you have inflammatory arthritis, one of our surgeons may suggest hip replacement surgery.
What helps hip pain before surgery
It’s essential to remember that everyone has differences, and there are several ways to manage your pain. Consider these things that can help you with your hip pain before surgery:
- Managing pain at home
- Keep moving
- Eating well
- Time to relax
- Talk to others
- Apply heat and cold
Also, some supplements may help you with your hip pain before surgery. Here are the two nutritional supplements.
- Glucosamine
- Chondroitin Sulfate
Pain may be difficult to manage, and one solution may not be enough to minimize pain while waiting for hip replacement. A variety of different techniques, on the other hand, may make your pain more manageable and may help you better manage the days before your hip replacement.
Comment below to share your thoughts on this blog post. Don’t miss our blog on 10 supplements you can trust with back pain. If you want to know more about knee replacement, check recovery time and exercises post-surgery.