Hip replacement is a beneficial treatment that removes damaged parts of the hip and replaces them with a prosthetic component. While the ultimate goal of hip replacement is to restore mobility to the hip and reduce pain, it is common to experience some pain that occurs following surgery as your body recovers.
However, there are many actions you and your doctor can take to help hip replacement pain relief and maximize your recovery.
How to Relieve Pain After Hip Replacement
Medication
One of the first approaches to hip replacement pain relief is through medication. Your surgeon will often prescribe pain medication when you first go home; however, the main goal is usually to discontinue the use of narcotics as soon as possible because, even though they are powerful pain relievers, they can become addictive.
There are other pain medications available that do not have addictive properties, and there are also other actions you can take to help with pain relief.
Ice
Applying ice or a cold pack to the hip can help to reduce swelling and discomfort. When using an ice pack, use it for only 20 minutes at a time, and wrap it in a towel to prevent direct contact with the skin.
Stay Mobile
While resting is important following surgery, it is also essential to avoid spending too much time sitting or lying down in one position. By going for a leisurely walk, you help to relieve groin pain, reduce discomfort, shorten your recovery time, and prevent certain complications.
Physical Therapy
Right after surgery, you will begin working with a physical therapist on reinforcement exercises that help you get used to regular movements and daily activities. As you continue to recover, you will start working on more difficult tasks, such as climbing stairs.
Ultimately, the goal of physical therapy is to practice exercises that help return you to your normal life. Since different tasks, such as driving, working, and sports, require different levels of physical activity, the amount of physical therapy needed can also differ.
Benefits Of Pain Control Following Hip Replacement
In addition to making you more comfortable in the time after your surgery, there are many other benefits to effective pain control. For example, the less pain you are in, the more likely you are to perform rehabilitation exercises, leading to a more productive recovery. This also helps to reduce scar tissue development and increases the range of motion.
The greater likelihood of moving, which occurs with easier movement, also decreases the risk of deep vein thrombosis, which is a type of blood clot. This risk can be significantly reduced by managing your pain and staying mobile.
Above all else, managing pain increases your satisfaction with the hip replacement because it makes you more comfortable and leads to a more successful recovery.
Recovering From Hip Replacement Surgery
The amount of time it takes to recover from hip replacement surgery can vary for each patient. However, for those wondering how to relieve groin pain after hip replacement surgery, doing the above can help to minimize pain and lead to a potentially faster recovery.
If you are interested in how hip replacement can help with your arthritis pain, reach out to San Diego Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center for more information. We are always happy to schedule appointments for you. Please contact us if you have any questions.
