Health Tip: Protecting a New Hip

Some "don'ts" after hip replacement surgery

May 14, 2009 RSS Feed Print

(HealthDay News) -- A hip replacement needs time to heal after surgery. And while you may be anxious to get back to a normal life, it's important to take it easy for a while.

Your doctor will tell you what you should and shouldn't do after surgery. But the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these general suggestions:

For at least eight weeks after the surgery, avoid sitting with your legs crossed at the knees.
Don't lift your knee above the level of your hip.
When seated, avoid leaning forward -- such as to pick something up off the floor.
When bending down, keep your feet straight. Avoid pointing them to the inside or outside.
When in bed, avoid reaching down to grab the sheet or blanket.
Don't stand with toes pointed toward each other.
Don't bend at the waist at more than a 90-degree angle.
Just because a certain movement doesn't hurt doesn't mean it's safe. Pain isn't the only indicator of what you should or shouldn't do.