When you have hip replacement surgery, your doctor will likely give you detailed instructions about what to do immediately afterward and while you recuperate at home. In general, there aren’t many lifetime precautions you’ll need to follow if you’ve had hip replacement surgery.

Some people may need to follow precautions depending on their individual health and the conditions they have.

Read on to learn more about the precautions you may need to follow after your hip replacement surgery.

Most people can eventually resume all activities they did before their hip replacement, and some may even be able to do more things since their hip joint is more functional.

While long-term precautions will be based on your health, other conditions you may have, and your activity level in general prior to hip declines, some doctors may recommend you avoid:

  • High impact sports: Many doctors say it’s fine to participate in low impact activities like golf, swimming, or walking within 3 months following hip replacement, but many recommend avoiding high impact activities like skiing or contact sports.
  • Avoid activities that might lead to falls: It’s important to avoid falls if possible. Falls can lead to fractures of the bone around the implants, and these fractures may require quite complicated surgeries.

Most of the lifetime instructions following hip replacement include things like:

  • reaching and maintaining a healthy weight for your age
  • staying physically active (a 2021 study of 2002 people with hip replacement found that individuals who were more physically active had higher scores of hip function than those who were less active)
  • steps to prevent osteoporosis
  • having regular check-ups for your hips
  • taking part in long-term sports that require running, jogging, pounding, or stairs as these may wear out the implant faster

Following hip replacement surgery, you may be given instructions for the first 6 to 12 weeks. These instructions may vary from person to person, but may include things like:

  • Limiting your movements:
    • Do not bend your hip(s) past 90 degrees.
    • Do not twist your upper body at your hips.
    • Do not rotate your new hip.
  • Adjusting your daily activities:
    • Use aids, such as tools to help you reach your shoes, put on your socks, and get dressed.
    • Avoid low chairs and low toilet seats.
    • Don’t drive.
    • Don’t take a tub bath.
  • Making your home safe (preferably prior to your surgery) and using safety aids such as:
    • Install and use grab bars in your bathroom and other areas you frequent in your home.
    • Create a safe space in your home where you are likely to spend most of your time. This space should contain items you use frequently, like glasses, books, your phone, a charger, etc.
    • Remove tripping hazards like rugs, small stools, low tables, etc.
    • Have mobility aids like a walker or a cane ready if you need them.

Recent research suggests that some of the post-operative instructions may not be as beneficial as once thought. These newer studies seem to suggest that conservative or strict limits following hip replacement surgery may not prevent hip dislocations and may slow recovery in individuals who have few or no complications following hip surgery.

For most people who have a hip replacement, there are no lifetime restrictions after the first few weeks or months. It’s important to protect your new hip joint(s), maintain a healthy weight, stay active, and avoid falls.

The restrictions and instructions you receive for your care following hip surgery will depend on several factors, including the type of surgery you had, your age, medical conditions, and general health. Speak with your doctor if you have any concerns or questions about an activity you are considering.