Recovering from hip replacement surgery is a process that takes time and patience. One of the key parts of early recovery is learning to walk again and rebuild strength and mobility in the affected leg. For most patients, this means using assistive devices like crutches or a walker for a period of time after their operation.
Typical Crutch Use After Hip Replacement
The exact timeline for using crutches after a hip replacement can vary depending on each individual patient’s circumstances. However, in most standard cases, here are the general guidelines for crutch use:
- 1-2 weeks: Patients will rely heavily on crutches for support and balance in the first 1-2 weeks after surgery. At this stage, weight bearing is very limited as the hip joint heals.
- 2-4 weeks: Many patients transition from full time use of crutches to occasional use of just one crutch in the 2-4 week window. More weight bearing is allowed, but crutches still provide security.
- 4-6 weeks: Between 4-6 weeks, crutches are used only as needed for balance and security. Patients should be able to walk short distances without support.
- 6-8 weeks: By 6 weeks post op, most patients are able to walk safely without any crutch support and only use the crutches sparingly if needed.
Of course, some patients recover faster or slower than this timeline. Factors like your pre-surgery mobility, age, height, weight, other medical conditions, and complications can all impact the speed of recovery. Your surgeon will assess your individual progress and adjust recommendations accordingly.
Benefits of Using Crutches After Hip Replacement
While many patients are eager to regain mobility as fast as possible, using crutches is an important part of the recovery process for these reasons:
- Takes pressure off new hip joint: Using crutches allows you to put less weight through your operated leg while the muscles, tendons, and tissues around the hip heal. This helps prevent inflammation and additional damage.
- Improves balance and stability: The first few weeks after a hip replacement, your operated leg is weak and stiff from being immobilized. Crutches help keep you steady and prevent falls while strength returns.
- Lets you move safely: With crutches, you can start moving around again in the early recovery period while protecting your new hip joint.
- Corrects gait abnormalities: Relearning to walk after hip surgery takes time. Using crutches helps reinforce normal walking mechanics.
It may feel frustrating to depend on crutches after surgery, but they actually play an important role in getting back to full mobility quickly and safely. Follow your surgeon’s crutch timeline and wean off them gradually to allow your hip to properly heal.
Weaning Off Crutches
Deciding when you’re ready to stop using crutches usually happens through discussion with your orthopedic surgeon. Here are some signs that indicate you may be ready:
- You can walk around household distances without crutches and without limping
- You can go up and down stairs without support
- You can stand on your affected leg alone without pain
- Your muscle strength and range of motion have improved in physical therapy
- You feel stable, balanced, and confident walking without crutches
To help make the transition smoother, try these tips:
- Wean off crutches slowly, use just one crutch or use them only outdoors before stopping completely
- Start by ditching crutches for very short indoor distances
- Have someone walk with you for added stability in the beginning
- Continue hip exercises to maintain strength and range of motion
- Listen to your body and don’t overdo it too soon
Returning for a follow up appointment around 6 weeks after your hip replacement is a great time for your surgeon to evaluate your progress and determine if you’re ready to stop crutches. Don’t rush the transition before your hip is fully prepared.
Complications That Can Lengthen Time on Crutches
In some cases, complications during or after surgery can set back your recovery and require using crutches for longer than normal. Some potential complications include:
- Dislocations: If the ball of the femur slips from the hip socket, it can dislocate the new joint. This may require limiting mobility and weight bearing.
- Loosening: Over time, the implant components can loosen if bone grows poorly into the device. This causes pain and instability.
- Infection: Bacteria entering the wound can lead to infected hip joint fluid, requiring IV antibiotics and delayed mobility.
- Fractures: Unusual fractures in the femur or hip bone during or after surgery affect weight bearing.
- Nerve damage: Injury to nerves around the hip impacts muscle strength and control needed for walking.
Talk to your doctor if you experience excessive pain, swelling, numbness, weakness or any other worrisome symptoms after your hip replacement. Physical therapy can also help improve mobility complications.
Tips for Using Crutches Safely After Hip Replacement
To get the most out of your crutches during hip replacement recovery:
- Adjust crutch height so the top is 1-2 inches below your armpit
- Hold crutches up when swinging your operated leg through to walk
- Put injured leg down then crutches down when taking a step
- Keep operated leg slightly in front as you walk for stability
- Maintain good posture when using crutches
- Ask for help carrying items as your hands will be occupied
- Take stairs slowly, crutches first, then operated leg and good leg
- Wear shoes with non-slip soles to avoid falls
- Use crutch tips outdoors for traction on wet or uneven ground
With practice, using crutches should become second nature. Don’t rush the process before you can truly bear weight and walk safely. Proper use prevents falls and re-injury during your recovery.
Lifestyle Adjustments for Living with Crutches
Here are some tips for making day-to-day life easier while using crutches after hip surgery:
- Clean up tripping hazards like rugs, cords, and clutter on floors
- Install grab bars, shower chairs, raised toilet seats, and other assistive devices
- Use a backpack or bag that leaves your hands free when carrying items
- Prepare and freeze meals ahead of time for easy reheating
- Ask family and friends for help with tasks like housework, laundry, and errands
- Rearrange furniture to make pathways wider for maneuvering with crutches
- Keep frequently used items within easy reach without bending or stretching
- Sit down to get dressed, bathe, do chores to avoid balance issues
With some adjustments, you can maintain independence and keep up with normal daily activities while using crutches. Take it slow and listen to what your body is ready for.
Exercises to Regain Strength When Using Crutches
While using crutches after hip surgery, performing regular exercises helps rebuild strength and mobility so you can progress. Try incorporating these:
Ankle Pumps
Pump ankles up and down, rotating feet, 10-15 reps per side, 2-3 times per day.
Quad Sets
Tighten quad muscles on operated leg by pushing back knee, hold 5 seconds, repeat 10-15 times, 2-3 times per day.
Glute Squeezes
Squeeze glute muscles together and hold for 5 seconds, relax, repeat 10-15 times, 2-3 times per day.
Heel Slides
Slide heel of operated leg back towards buttocks by bending knee, repeat 10 times, 2-3 times daily.
Seated Hip Abduction
Sit and hold onto a sturdy object. Keep legs together and raise operated leg out to the side. Repeat 10-15 times, 2-3 times per day.
Continue performing the full range of motion, strengthening, and flexibility exercises recommended by your physical therapist while using crutches after hip surgery to facilitate recovery.
Long Term Use of Crutches or Canes
For most patients, crutches are only used for the first 1-2 months after hip replacement surgery. However, in some instances, longer term crutch use or transition to a cane may be necessary. Reasons include:
- Poor post-op muscle strength or range of motion
- Ongoing pain or stiffness in hip joint
- Need for second replacement surgery on other hip
- Incomplete healing or other complications
- Additional injuries, disabilities, or chronic conditions
- Advanced age causing prolonged weakness and balance issues
Your doctor may recommend continued use of an assistive device if they feel you are at risk for falls, have trouble walking distances, or need extra support for an underlying condition. Talk to them about a long-term plan tailored to your unique needs.
When to Call Your Surgeon About Crutch Use
It’s important to keep your orthopedic surgeon updated on your recovery process so they can ensure you are progressing safely. Call their office if:
- You still cannot bear any weight after 2 weeks without significant pain
- You cannot wean down to one crutch or no crutches by 6 weeks post-op
- You experience sudden onset of severe hip pain or instability
- You have signs of wound infection like fever, redness, swelling, or drainage
- You feel popping, clicking, or other worrisome sensations in the new hip joint
- You have numbness, tingling, or loss of muscle control in the leg lasting over 48 hours
Don’t push yourself with crutch use until your surgeon gives the go-ahead. Communicate your progress and any setbacks so they can guide your recovery timeline and make adjustments as needed.
Conclusion
Recovering from hip replacement surgery is a gradual process. Expect to rely heavily on crutches for 1-2 weeks and use them sparingly for 4-6 weeks post-op. Wean off crutches slowly once you regain muscle strength, balance, and confidence walking short distances unaided. This typically occurs around 6-8 weeks after a hip replacement. Some patients require crutches for a longer period due to complications or underlying medical issues. Stay in close contact with your orthopedic surgeon and follow their crutch timeline recommendations to ensure you recover safely and get back to full mobility as quickly as possible after your hip replacement.