Reaching the six-week mark after hip replacement surgery represents a significant milestone. This period signifies a transition to a more active rehabilitation stage. Recovery is an ongoing process, with continued improvements expected.
Your Physical Progress
At six weeks post-surgery, individuals experience notable improvements in mobility and daily activities. Many patients can walk for short distances with minimal or no assistance, such as a cane. Climbing stairs becomes more manageable, often by leading with the unoperated leg when ascending and the operated leg when descending. Getting in and out of chairs and engaging in light daily activities becomes easier.
Adherence to physical therapy exercises strengthens muscles around the hip and improves flexibility. Exercises may include mini-squats, side step-ups, hip abduction, and hip extension. Many patients can return to light work or part-time work if their job is not physically demanding. Driving can be resumed around four to six weeks post-surgery, provided the individual is no longer taking strong pain medication and can perform an emergency stop safely.
Navigating Common Symptoms
Even at six weeks post-hip replacement, some residual symptoms are normal. Pain or discomfort, while significantly reduced, may still be present, especially after increased activity or at night. This discomfort should decrease steadily. Swelling and bruising are common, with mild to moderate swelling in the leg and foot able to persist for several months.
Managing these symptoms involves simple self-care strategies. Applying ice packs to the affected area helps reduce inflammation and discomfort. Elevating the leg above heart level promotes fluid drainage and reduces swelling. Compression stockings may also be recommended to control leg swelling.
Fatigue is common during recovery, as the body expends significant energy on healing. This fatigue lessens over the first six weeks, but some individuals may experience it for several months. Changes in sensation, such as numbness or a burning feeling around the incision site, can also occur and improve gradually.
Continuing Your Recovery Journey
The six-week mark signifies a transition into a longer phase of rehabilitation. Adherence to physical therapy and home exercise programs supports sustained improvement in strength, flexibility, and overall function. These exercises help build muscle tone and improve balance, supporting the new joint. Gradually increasing activity levels while listening to the body’s signals helps avoid overexertion and potential setbacks.
Regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon and physical therapist monitor healing, assess progress, and adjust the rehabilitation plan. A follow-up schedule includes visits at six weeks, three to six months, and then annually to evaluate the joint’s condition. Maintaining a balanced diet and adequate hydration supports the body’s healing processes and overall well-being.
Signs Requiring Medical Attention
While many symptoms are a normal part of recovery, certain signs indicate a need for immediate medical attention. Signs of infection include a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, shaking chills, increased redness or warmth around the incision site, persistent or worsening pain, and any new or significant drainage, especially if it is cloudy, yellow, or has a foul smell.
Symptoms of a blood clot include increasing pain in the calf, tenderness or redness above or below the knee, and increasing swelling in the calf, ankle, and foot. Sudden, severe hip pain, difficulty moving the leg, inability to bear weight, or an obvious deformity of the hip may signal a hip dislocation. Any persistent or worsening pain that does not respond to prescribed medication should also be reported to the healthcare provider.