Hip Replacement Recovery Time: Week by Week

What happens in the first few days?

Many people now go home the same day as surgery, and others stay one or two nights. Either way, a physical therapist gets you up and walking with a walker or crutches before you leave. You will practice getting in and out of bed, using the bathroom and, if needed, managing a few stairs.

Expect soreness, swelling and fatigue. Pain medicine, ice and short, frequent walks around the house help. MedlinePlus advises having someone with you at home for the first 1 to 2 weeks to help with meals, bathing and moving around.

Preventing blood clots is a big part of these first weeks. MedlinePlus notes you may be asked to wear compression stockings for about 6 weeks and to take a blood thinner for 2 to 4 weeks. Ankle pumps, regular short walks and staying well hydrated also help. Take every medicine exactly as prescribed, and do not stop a blood thinner early without talking to your surgeon.

What does recovery look like in weeks 1 to 6?

This is the busiest stage of recovery. Here is a typical pattern:

• Weeks 1 to 2: walking short distances with a walker, home exercises several times a day, and stitches or staples removed around two weeks.
• Weeks 2 to 4: most people move from a walker to a cane, then to no support, according to MedlinePlus.
• Weeks 3 to 6: OrthoInfo notes most people resume normal light daily activities, such as household tasks and short outings.
• Work: OrthoInfo notes return to work can take from several weeks to several months, depending on how physical your job is.
• Driving: usually once you are off opioid pain medicine and your strength and reflexes are back, with your surgeon's approval.

What about weeks 6 to 12 and beyond?

Cleveland Clinic notes it may be 6 to 12 weeks before you can use the hip without restrictions. During this time, the exercises focus on building strength in the gluteal and thigh muscles, improving balance and walking longer distances without a limp.

Mild to moderate swelling can last 3 to 6 months, and some discomfort with activity and at night is common for several weeks. Strength and stamina usually keep improving for months after surgery. OrthoInfo recommends continuing the exercises from your therapist for at least two months.

This is often when people feel ready to do more than their body is ready for. A good rule is to add one new thing at a time, such as a longer walk, a stationary bike session or a trip to the store, and see how the hip feels the next day. Stiffness and fatigue at the end of the day are normal. Sharp new pain or a new limp is a reason to ease off and check in with your therapist.

When can I golf, travel and get back to activities?

OrthoInfo lists walking, swimming, golf, cycling, hiking, dancing and doubles tennis or pickleball as realistic activities after hip replacement. High-impact sports such as running, singles tennis and basketball put more stress on the implant and are discussed case by case.

Your surgeon will clear each activity based on your progress. Swimming can usually begin once the wound has fully healed. Golf typically starts with putting and chipping before a full swing. Long trips by car or plane in the first weeks raise the risk of blood clots, so ask your surgeon before you book, and plan to get up and walk often.

How do age and surgical approach change recovery?

Age matters less than overall health and strength before surgery. A fit person in their 50s with good support at home often moves quickly. Someone in their 70s or 80s may need more help at home, more time with a walker or a short stay in a rehabilitation facility, and can still do very well.

Surgical approach shapes the early weeks. Anterior and posterior approaches each come with their own precautions, such as limits on how far you bend or turn the hip. OrthoInfo notes that no matter which approach is used, most people can safely do these movements again after about 6 to 8 weeks. Other factors that affect recovery include diabetes, smoking, weight and how consistently you do your exercises.

What warning signs mean I should call?

Call 911 for chest pain or sudden shortness of breath, which can mean a blood clot has traveled to the lungs. Call your surgeon's office promptly for any of the following:

• Pain, tenderness or redness in the calf that is not from the incision.
• New or increasing swelling in the thigh, calf, ankle or foot that does not improve when you raise your leg.
• Redness, increasing pain, or drainage from the wound, especially with a bad odor.
• Fever above 100 to 101 degrees Fahrenheit, as your discharge instructions specify.
• Sudden new hip pain, a popping feeling, or a leg that looks shorter or turned, which may mean dislocation.

How can I set myself up for a smooth recovery?

Preparation pays off. Before surgery, arrange help at home, set up a recovery space on one floor, remove loose rugs and cords, and get a firm chair with arms and a raised toilet seat. Practicing with a walker and starting a few exercises beforehand can make the first days easier.

A fall in the first weeks can damage a new hip, so make the house safe before you come home. Keep often-used items within easy reach so you are not bending low or climbing on a stool, use night lights on the path to the bathroom, and keep pets from underfoot while you are on a walker.

If you are weighing hip replacement and want a clear picture of what recovery would look like for you, our team can walk you through it at a visit. The Saturday Hip Pain Clinic also welcomes second opinions, so bring your X-rays and questions.

Questions patients ask