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If your hip is in constant pain from chronic arthritis or an injury, you may need a hip replacement.

Hip replacement is a standard procedure. It can improve your quality of life by making walking easier. And if you know how to prepare for a total hip replacement, you have the best chance for a successful recovery.

Here, we look at how to prepare for a hip replacement surgery.

What Is a Hip Replacement?

Hip replacement (or hip arthroplasty) is a surgical procedure where doctors remove diseased or fractured parts of the hip joint. They replace them with artificial parts that work just like a natural hip joint. Hip replacement can relieve pain and allow you to move better.

You might need a hip replacement if your hip joint gets damaged from arthritis or another problem. Your doctor can talk to you about whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure. Some reasons to have hip replacement surgery include:

• A hip fracture from a fall or other injury.
• A tumor in the hip joint.
• Avascular necrosis, when bone tissue dies because of decreased blood supply.
• Osteoarthritis.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.

Hip replacement is a common surgery. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, doctors perform more than 450,000 hip replacements in the U.S. each year. Most hip replacements are in older adults.

How to Prepare for a Hip Replacement

Once your doctor schedules your hip replacement surgery, there are some things you can do to get ready. Planning ahead for both surgery and recovery will give you the best odds of success. Here are the steps you should take.

Gather information

Before your surgery, you should:

• Ask a friend or relative to be your driver — You’ll need a ride home after surgery. In addition, you won’t be able to drive until you get your doctor’s approval. That may depend on how quickly you recover strength in your leg and what medication you may be taking.
• Gather your current medications — Your doctor will want to know about any prescription medications, vitamins, or herbal remedies you take regularly. You may need to stop taking some medicines, such as blood thinners, a week or so before the surgery. Your doctor will give you specific instructions.
• Have your insurance information handy — Office staff will need to check your coverage.
• Tell your doctor about any previous surgeries — Include any adverse reactions to anesthesia or allergies to any medications.

Get as healthy as possible

You want to be in the best shape possible before your surgery. Your doctor may recommend that you:

• Cut down on alcohol — You shouldn’t drink alcohol for at least 48 hours before surgery.
• Exercise — Strengthening the muscles around your hip will aid your recovery. Your doctor may also recommend upper-body workouts. If your shoulders and arms are strong, using a walker or crutches will be easier after surgery.
• Maintain a healthy weight — Extra pounds put more stress on the new joint. Being a healthy weight will also speed up your recovery.
• Quit or cut back on smoking — Using tobacco products complicates any surgery. Smoking can affect your circulation, delay healing, and increase the risk of infection.

Plan for your recovery

Planning ahead for the few weeks after surgery will make your life much easier. You should:

• Arrange help — You will need assistance with everyday activities for a while. The best plan is to line up friends or relatives who can stay with you for a few days. Your doctor may suggest a rehab facility if you don’t have a responsible adult to help.
• Consider temporary modifications to your bathroom — A higher toilet seat or shower chair can aid your recovery. You won’t have to bend so far in the bathroom.
• Do a trial run with a walker or crutches — You may need to move some furniture out of the way. You won’t have to navigate stairs if you can arrange a temporary first-floor bedroom. Move any rugs, cords, or anything else that could be a tripping hazard.
• Plan for meals — You may want to batch-cook and freeze meals before surgery, or plan for a delivery service to bring nutritious meals. You don’t want to struggle with cooking — and heavy pots and pans — post-surgery.
• Store items you use regularly at arm level — That might include your TV remote, plates and cups, or books. You don’t want to have to reach up or down after surgery.

Dos and Don’ts of Hip Replacement Surgery Recovery

Hip replacement is major surgery, and recovery will take several weeks. Per your doctor’s instructions, it’s important to stay active without overdoing it. In the early stages of recovery, you will likely need crutches, a walker, or a cane.

Your doctor will list what you should and shouldn’t do based on your surgery and lifestyle. For instance:

Do:

• Apply a heating pad or a warm, damp towel for 15 to 20 minutes before any exercise. This will help improve your range of motion.
• Eat a normal, healthy diet.
• Look for any signs of complications, such as fever or chills.
• Keep the wound area dry and clean.
• Keep your affected leg in front of you, whether sitting or standing.
• Use ice packs, keep your leg elevated, and wear compression socks to reduce swelling.
• Stick to low-impact workouts and the exercises your doctor or physical therapist prescribes. If you feel pain or have difficulty, call your doctor.
• Take all medications your doctor prescribes.

Don’t:

• Bend forward more than 90 degrees from the waist.
• Cross your legs at the knee.
• Lean over to pick up anything from the floor.
• Lift anything heavier than a few pounds.
• Raise your knees higher than your hips.
• Reach to your toes to pull the covers up in bed.

Your hip should heal within 6 to 8 weeks. You should discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor during follow-up appointments.