Hip replacement recovery timeline: week by week and what to avoid

A hip replacement recovery has three overlapping phases. First is the hospital phase, in which pain is controlled and you are helped to stand and walk. Second is the home phase, when the wound heals, swelling settles and you rely on walking aids and set exercises. Third is the return to normal life, when driving, work, sex and sport come back in a sensible order.

Arthritis UK says how quickly you get back to normal depends on your age, general health, the strength of your muscles and the condition of your other joints. That is why a single timeline can only be a guide, and why your physiotherapist and surgeon are the people to ask about your own pace.

After the operation you spend time in a recovery room and are given medicines for the pain. The NHS says you will continue to have painkillers in the days after as the hip will be sore, and you may have a tube to drain fluid from the hip. Arthritis UK adds that you may have a pad or pillow between your legs to keep them apart, and that drips and drains are usually removed within 24 hours.

Early walking is the aim. The NHS says nurses and physiotherapists help you start walking as soon as possible, using crutches or a walking frame at first. Arthritis UK says this is often on the same day as the operation and that an enhanced recovery programme aims to get you moving within 12 to 18 hours.

Before you leave, a physiotherapist or occupational therapist goes through daily activities and home exercises, and may arrange equipment such as a raised toilet seat or dressing aids. You can usually go home when the wound is healing well and you can get around safely.

The NHS says you will probably have some pain and swelling in your legs and feet, and that these usually get better in a few weeks. It advises walking every day as far as is comfortable and following the exercises your physiotherapist recommended, because early exercise helps long-term strength and movement.

Stitches or clips are taken out by a nurse after about 10 days. Arthritis UK says to tell the hospital straight away if there are any problems with wound healing, and that you may need to wear support stockings for about six weeks. If you were prescribed a blood-thinning tablet, it says some people take one for four to five weeks after going home, so take it exactly as directed.

Protecting the new joint is the main priority. Arthritis UK says to take particular care in the first eight to 12 weeks to avoid dislocating the hip, and that you may need to sleep on your back at first with a pillow between your legs. A walking aid may be needed for the first few weeks, though this varies.

• Do not sit with your legs crossed.

• Do not bend your hip more than 90 degrees, or bend down to touch your feet or ankles (NHS).

• Avoid low chairs and low toilet seats, and use a raised seat if advised.

• Sit reclined, but avoid sitting still for long periods, which helps swelling.

• Avoid jumping, sudden turns, or exercise where you might fall, and do not lift heavy objects until told it is safe.

The table gathers the timings given by the NHS and Arthritis UK. Where the two differ slightly, both are shown. Your own team may adjust them for your situation.

Regular exercise helps recovery, according to Arthritis UK. Walking is fine, swimming is fine once the wound has been checked and is healing well, and cycling is good though getting on and off the bike may be awkward at first. Dancing and sports that involve bending or twisting at the hip, such as golf or bowls, should be fine after about three months.

Advice on higher-impact sport varies. Arthritis UK says some surgeons suggest avoiding extreme hip movements and high-fall-risk activities such as skiing, while others advise against running on hard surfaces, jumping, or sudden-turn sports like squash or tennis. If in doubt, ask your surgeon or physiotherapist.

The NHS says to ask for an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111 if you have recently had a hip replacement and develop throbbing or cramping pain in the hip or leg, a high temperature or feeling hot, cold or shivery, oozing or pus from the wound, or redness, tenderness, swelling or pain in the hip or leg that is not getting better or is getting worse. These could be signs of infection or a blood clot.

Call 999 or go to A&E if you have pain and swelling in the hip or leg and difficulty breathing or chest pains, which could be a blood clot in the lungs. Do not drive yourself.

The NHS lists other possible problems as a slightly longer leg on the operated side, nerve or tissue damage, and dislocation, which can cause pain, swelling or clicking or popping. It says modern hip replacements are designed to last at least 15 years, and Arthritis UK says loosening is the most common reason for failure, usually causing pain and instability.

Once you are through the first three months, the focus shifts to keeping muscles strong and joints moving. Arthritis UK says your new hip should allow almost normal, pain-free activity for many years. If you have a metal-on-metal implant, the NHS says to have regular check-ups and to contact your GP or care team if you notice new hip pain, feel less mobile, or hear popping or clicking.

People who need revision surgery should know it is more complicated than the first operation and recovery may take longer, according to Arthritis UK. For most people, though, the aim is a return to everyday activity with less pain than before.