While the surgeons at Midwest Center for Joint Replacement have made significant strides in improving surgical techniques and recovery protocols, joint replacement is still a major surgery. Before signing on for a joint replacement surgery, most people really want to know, “What will recovery really look like?” Here are a few things to know about your recovery if you’re considering a hip or knee replacement.
Recovery: The Day of Surgery
Because of our team’s multi-modal pain controls and advanced surgical techniques, over 80% of our patients can return home the same day of surgery. Most people are back in the comfort of their own homes within six hours of surgery. Movement begins immediately after surgery; our teams will help you walk properly with a walker before you return home. This helps reduce stiffness, improve circulation, and speed up your recovery.
Recovery: The First Few Days
You can expect to have swelling and soreness during the first week or so. At home, you will manage your pain with a combination of medications we prescribe, ice, elevation, and movement. You will need in-home assistance for at least the first few days post-op, and preparing your home before surgery will reduce a lot of stress and potential hazards.
We like to say, “Motion is lotion!” Physical therapy actually begins before your surgery. It is a critical component to a fast recovery, so it is important to keep up a consistent at-home therapy routine to keep your joints moving. Our teams will provide at-home exercises to follow, and can refer you to formal physical therapy if need be.
Walking and Mobility
For both hip and knee replacement patients, most people will use a walker for about 2 weeks, then transition to a cane for 1-2 weeks. Most people can walk up stairs within a week of their operation.
Most people are better from a pain and weight-bearing standpoint within 3-4 weeks, and within a couple of weeks of that, most patients are walking more comfortably with minimal or no assistance. Knee replacement patients may notice stiffness lasting a bit longer, while hip replacement patients often regain more natural walking patterns relatively quickly.
Do not lose heart: It can take 3-4 months to really sleep comfortably through the night and to improve your strength and overall function.
Driving
Driving is one of the biggest milestones patients look forward to. Safety and quick reaction time behind the wheel is the priority. In general:
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For left-sided surgery, patients may return to driving in about 2–3 weeks if they are no longer taking narcotic pain medication and feel confident controlling the car.
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For right-sided surgery, it will take a few weeks longer til people will feel confident to drive safely.
Returning to Work
Your return-to-work timeline depends largely on the type of job you have. For sedentary or desk jobs, you may only be off work for about 3-6 weeks. If you have a physically demanding job, you may require up to 3 months off work. However, every job and every recovery is different, so know that we will work with you to determine your ideal situation.
It’s best to think of recovery as a series of phases:
1. Working towards getting off of your assisted device
2. Comfortably walking around the block
3. Increasing your endurance and strength over the next year
The keys to a successful outcome are preparing your home and responsibilities well, being consistent with therapy, and setting realistic expectations. When you know what’s ahead and prepare accordingly, hip and knee replacement can be life-changing. If you’re considering a joint replacement, request an appointment with us today!
