In hospital: days 1 to 3
- You will usually stand and walk with a frame or crutches on the day of surgery or the next day.
- Physiotherapists teach you exercises, how to get in and out of bed and how to use stairs.
- Pain relief, blood-thinning medicines and leg exercises help prevent clots.
- Most people go home within 1 to 3 days once they can walk safely and manage stairs.
Weeks 1 to 2: early recovery at home
The focus is on walking little and often, doing exercises several times a day and resting with the leg supported to reduce swelling. Pain, swelling and bruising are normal. Take pain relief regularly so you can move and sleep.
Follow your surgeon’s advice on movement precautions, wound care and when stitches or clips will be removed, usually at around 10 to 14 days.
Weeks 3 to 6: building independence
- Walking further and progressing from 2 crutches to 1 or a stick, as advised.
- Exercises become more demanding: standing exercises, step-ups and balance.
- Many people manage most daily tasks, such as washing and light cooking.
- A follow-up appointment often takes place around 6 weeks.
From 6 weeks to 12 months
By 6 to 12 weeks most people walk without aids and return to driving and many activities. Strength, stamina and confidence continue to improve for up to a year. A limp often disappears as the hip muscles get stronger.
Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, cycling and golf are encouraged. High-impact sports like running and jumping are discussed with the surgeon.
Key exercises
- Ankle pumps: move the feet up and down to help circulation.
- Buttock squeezes and thigh tightening: activate the muscles around the hip.
- Heel slides: lying down, slide the heel towards the buttock and back.
- Standing hip exercises: lifting the leg out to the side and behind, holding a support.
- Sit-to-stand and step-ups: build strength for daily life.
- Walking: gradually increase distance each day.
See hip mobility exercises for later stages, once your physiotherapist approves.
Sleeping, driving and returning to work
- Sleeping: on your back at first, or on your side with a pillow between the knees if allowed.
- Driving: usually after about 6 weeks, when you can perform an emergency stop safely; check with your surgeon and insurer.
- Work: desk work at around 4 to 8 weeks, physical jobs at about 12 weeks.
- Flying: discuss timing because of the risk of blood clots.
- Sex: often after about 6 weeks, in comfortable positions.
Movement precautions
Depending on the surgical approach, your team may advise avoiding certain movements for the first weeks, such as bending the hip beyond 90 degrees, crossing the legs or twisting the leg inwards, to reduce the risk of dislocation. Some surgeons no longer give strict precautions.
Raised toilet seats, a high chair, long-handled reachers and sock aids make daily life easier in the early weeks.
Managing pain and swelling
- Take your prescribed pain relief regularly in the first weeks, especially before exercises and at night.
- Use ice packs wrapped in a towel for 15 to 20 minutes to reduce swelling, if your team agrees.
- Raise the leg when resting.
- Wear compression stockings if they were given to you.
- Expect bruising down the thigh and some swelling for several weeks.
Getting back to sport
Swimming is often possible once the wound has healed, usually around 6 weeks, and cycling on an exercise bike earlier. Golf, doubles tennis, walking and hiking usually resume at 3 to 6 months. Ask your surgeon before starting running, jumping or contact sports, which put more stress on the new joint.
When to contact your medical team
- Fever, increasing redness, heat, swelling or discharge from the wound.
- Pain that suddenly gets much worse, or the leg looks shorter or turned.
- Calf pain or swelling, which can be a blood clot.
- Sudden breathlessness or chest pain: call emergency services.
- A fall that causes new pain.
Key points to remember
- Most people walk within a day and go home in 1 to 3 days.
- Daily exercises are the key to a good recovery.
- Driving and desk work are usually possible at about 6 weeks.
- Full recovery takes 6 to 12 months; report signs of infection or clots.
Questions about hip replacement recovery
These answers are general information and do not replace an examination or individual medical advice.
How long does it take to walk normally after a hip replacement?
Many people walk without aids by 6 to 12 weeks, and a limp continues to improve over months.
How do you know if you need a hip replacement?
When hip pain from arthritis limits daily life and sleep despite exercise, weight management and pain relief, it is discussed with a surgeon.
When can I sleep on my side after a hip replacement?
Often after a few weeks with a pillow between the knees, depending on your surgeon’s advice.
How long do hip replacements last?
Most modern hip replacements last 20 years or more.
Is it normal to have pain months after hip replacement?
Some aching for several months is common, but increasing pain should be checked.
What should I avoid after a hip replacement?
Follow your team’s precautions, avoid high-impact sports early on and take care to prevent falls.
Sources
This guide is for general information and does not replace medical advice. How a problem is diagnosed and treated depends on your examination and medical history. If you think you have an emergency, contact your local emergency services.