Housekeeping and everyday life after the operation
General tips:
Bend down with your operated leg as little as possible.
When you bend over, stretch the operated leg straight backwards by holding on to a firm object.
Avoid carrying heavy objects and do not carry the weight on the walking aids but rather in a rucksack.
Take pressure off the joint by using walking sticks.
Avoid frequently walking up stairs or standing for long periods at first.
Make sure you wear comfortable shoes with a firm grip and soft, non-slip soles.
Steps – walking up and down stairs correctly:
When going up steps, always place the healthy foot down first, followed by the operated leg and the walking aid.
When going down, always place the operated leg and the walking aid down first, followed by the healthy leg.
Driving is only allowed on agreement with your doctor.
Sitting positions – avoid the following positions:
Do not bend your hip joint more than 90 degrees.
Do not cross your legs.
Avoid excessive rotational movement of the operated leg.
- Hip-joint patient
- When is the right time for an operation?
- Quality of life following an operation
- Complications
- Hospital admission, preparation for the operation and surgery procedure
- The first days after the operation
- Hospital discharge and after-care
- Movement and sport after the operation
Before you are admitted to hospital, you can prepare for your return as well as possible:
Floors: Remove loose carpets (danger of slipping). Add non-slip underlays.
Stairs: Banisters should be fastened securely and made accessible.
Furniture: Make sure there is sufficient space between pieces of furniture. Move important things to drawers and cupboard compartments between waist and eye level. Prepare a comfortable chair that is not too deep with arm rests and a high back.
Light: Make sure there is good lighting. Keep switches easy to access. Prepare night lights.
Kitchen: Prepare/buy frozen meals. Stock up on heavy, non-perishable groceries (e.g. drinks). Install somewhere to sit.
Toilet: Install a extension to aid sitting down and standing up, possibly also a hand grip.
Bathroom: Place a non-slip bath mat in the bath tub. Possibly prepare a chair for the shower.