Hip Precautions after Hip Replacement Surgery
Advanced Joint Care
& Replacement Center
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
1501 Trousdale Drive
4th Floor East
Burlingame, CA 94010
Google Map to Medical Center
Precautions after a hip replacement help you heal properly and prevent your new joint from dislocating. These precautions may vary, depending on how your surgeon approached the operation. Your doctor and physical therapist will give you a list of precautions specific to your type of hip replacement. Hip precautions are most important to follow during the first two months after surgery, while the hip is healing.
- Don't cross your legs at the knees until approved by your surgeon.
- Don't bring your knee up higher than your hip.
- Don't lean forward while sitting or as you sit down.
- Don't try to pick up something on the floor while you are sitting.
- Don't turn your feet excessively inward.
- Don't bend at the waist beyond 90°.
- Don't use pain as a guide for what you may or may not do.
- Do keep the leg facing forward.
- Do keep the affected leg in front as you sit or stand.
- Do use a high kitchen or barstool in the kitchen.
- Do use ice to reduce pain and swelling, but remember that ice will diminish sensation. Don't apply ice directly to the skin; use an ice pack or wrap it in a damp towel.
- Do cut back on your exercises if your muscles begin to ache, but don't stop doing them!