Recovering from hip replacement surgery involves careful adjustment to protect the new joint, and lower body dressing is one of the most challenging daily tasks. Regaining the independence to put on your own socks is a significant milestone in recovery. By understanding the necessary safety precautions and utilizing adaptive tools, you can safely navigate this part of post-operative healing.
Essential Post-Operative Hip Precautions
The primary concern after a hip replacement is preventing the new joint from dislocating, which requires specific movement restrictions known as hip precautions. The traditional motion of bending over to put on a sock directly violates these safety rules. The hip is most vulnerable during the initial weeks following the procedure while surrounding tissues heal.
A central rule is the avoidance of hip flexion past 90 degrees, meaning the angle between your torso and thigh should not become smaller than a right angle. Bending forward at the waist to reach your feet creates this dangerous flexion, stressing the joint and increasing the risk of dislocation. You must also avoid twisting or pivoting on the operated leg, crossing your legs or ankles, and turning your feet too far inward or outward.
These precautions are typically enforced for the first six to twelve weeks, depending on your surgeon’s protocol. Ignoring these restrictions can result in a painful dislocation requiring emergency medical intervention to reposition the hip. Therefore, using adaptive equipment is the prescribed method for managing lower body dressing safely.
Adaptive Tools for Lower Body Dressing
Specialized equipment is used to extend your reach and allow you to perform tasks like putting on socks while seated and maintaining the required hip angle. These tools are designed to keep your hands and torso above the danger zone of excessive hip flexion. The most important tool for this task is the sock aid, which comes in both rigid or flexible shell designs.
A sock aid is essentially a curved trough or shell onto which you fit the sock, with long straps or cords attached to the top. The shell holds the sock open, allowing you to lower it to the floor and place your foot inside without bending. Flexible sock aids often use terry cloth or nylon material, while rigid models are typically made of plastic that maintains its shape.
A reacher or grabber tool is another useful item, featuring a long shaft with a claw or jaw mechanism at the end controlled by a handle. This device can be used to pick up the sock aid from the floor, retrieve dropped clothing, or adjust the sock once it is partially on your foot. Finally, a long-handled shoehorn is essential for sliding your foot into shoes with backs, preventing you from having to bend down to push the heel in.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Sock Aid
The process for putting on a sock safely begins by sitting on a firm, stable surface, such as a chair with armrests, with everything you need within easy reach. First, load the sock onto the aid, pulling it over the shell so the toe of the sock is aligned with the end. The cuff should be wide and smooth for your foot to enter easily, although some bunching at the heel section is acceptable.
Once the sock is loaded, hold the straps with both hands and gently lower the sock aid to the floor, positioning it directly in front of your foot. Keep the operated leg slightly forward to maintain hip precautions as you perform this movement. Then, slide your toes into the opening of the sock until your foot is firmly inside the device.
To apply the sock, pull the long straps up in a steady, smooth motion, causing the sock to slide off the aid and onto your foot and lower leg. If the sock bunches up or does not go on fully, use your reacher to adjust the material without bending forward. Once the sock is on, drop the straps and use your reacher to hook the aid and pull it up from the floor to avoid breaking the 90-degree rule.