How Long Does It Take to Recover From a Hip Replacement? | Travis Clegg, M.D.

Travis Clegg, M.D., board-certified orthopedic surgeon, explains the recovery period after a hip replacement.

Dr. Clegg performs outpatient surgeries, which means that patients go home the same day. How long it will take for each patient to be able to resume their daily activities such as going back to work depends on the individual patient. Some patients have returned to work a few days after their hip replacement, others have taken a few weeks. Regardless of the time, though, patients who get the surgery experience greatly improved mobility that enhances their lives.

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[lauriealred]

I had no trouble at all. I went into it with a good mindset. Healed quickly and it was the best decision I’ve ever made! I was on pain meds 3 days

[bobs]

Shirley here. It took me 4 months no soreness no pain. If I have a long walk somewhere I use my cane because my lower back gets tired but other then that I am fine. Don't rush your recovery I am 73.

[NampanMash]

I'm 48, female, had left posterior THR 15th Nov. My surgery was pushed back same day to evening due to an accident. Had it late afternoon, Discharged next day, walking well on crutches. Little to no pain. On crutches for 10 days, then walking unaided. 2 sessions with PT and self training in between at my local gym. Incision wound healed dry after 2 weeks, however, it has only just stopped feeling "numb" not painful. Advised to "stretch/massage" area often with a good oil as to get normal blood supply. Exercises I have done since week 2 are: glute squeezes, quad/hamstring sqeezes, ankle rotations laying down, toes pointing up, foot to knee slides laying down, Bridges, wall sits, walking, side laying abductors, stairs up and down, kick backs. Stretches I do are wall pushes, foot stretches against the wall. If you have has posterior op I can't emphasis how much you need to do these in order to get blood circulation going again, weak muscles equal prolonged recovery. Do a little throughout the day. Avoid being still for too long as this will also affect progress and cause back pain. Don't go overboard either. I had a length discrepancy of about 2.5cm, but the was due to pelvic tilt. I'm almost straight again with .2mm difference. I'm back at work, I commute and if it snows I carry my stick just in case. Don't be afraid to move and take painkillers as prescribed, not when you are already in pain as they won't work. I actually came off them after 3 days as I have a high pain threshold. Hope this helps anyone having surgery. Take care of your overall wellbeing, it does get better I promise.

[faithwilkins]

74 years old, back to accounting at my office in 2 weeks, stopped opioids after 5 days. Walking 1/2 mile in the woods pain free after 3 weeks.

[dszfafreyiu]

I'm on two and a half months and minor physical therapy causes extreme pain the next days. People are telling me 6 months to a year. This guy is really full of it. A very small percentage of people are back to work in 2 to 4 weeks

[caryselby]

70 years old, had anterior approach hip replacement on Dec 15. Worked really hard at physio and exercises, and played pickleball today, Feb 15, exactly 2 months after surgery. Best advice I received is to do pre-hab exercises for a couple of months before surgery, then be diligent about the post-op exercises. Seemed to have worked well for me! Good luck everyone.

[gunnerman]

I was told by several people who had one done and told me it is not bad and not to worry, for me it was pure hell once I had feeling back it was the most pain I've ever had unable to do anything for at least a week and the not being able to sleep due to me unable to sleep on my back or the side of the op. 4th week now post and the selling finally gone down but my calf muscle still feels tight and soar. I'm supposed to have both done but after this one I don't think I could go through that again. 😢😮

[jennysiepka]

At the 4 week mark I rounded the corner. At 5 weeks, you wouldnt know I had it done. Walking normal. But i swore right after surgery my surgical leg was longer than the other!!! It has normalized. Thank God lol

[joelwolf]

I'm 66 had right done 2 1/2 months ago and left 6 weeks ago. Can walk fine but still sore but presurgery pain is gone. Glad I had my family to help when I came home same day. Hoping to be fully recovered by spring, 3 months. Had anterior approach.

[BRIANFAIRBROTHER]

I had my hip replacement done during Covid at the age of 68. Due to Covid I had to do my own physio. I documented my progress on Youtube each week. I was back playing competitive golf at Week 10 shooting gross 80 scores. If anyone doubts what is possible I have just turned 70 and my handicap is 9.0. You get back what you are prepared to put in.

[nosiphosobekwa]

Mine, took strictly 8 months. It took stages to be better . I did the Bipolar Hip replacement in August 2022. It’s only now, beginning April I am free to walk and do everything I want. My hospital told me it will take 6-8 months to get a total recovery. They mentioned though that people differ.I am one of those who took longer time. On the other too much pain lessened in 2-3 months. It was just mild. It is April 2023 now, I confirm that I am totally healed.

[stevel]

I had a posterior hip replacement on May 28, 2024. I am now just taking over the counter anti inflammatory medicine, ice and lots of water. This was by far the best thing ever! My mental health was very poor pre-surgery.

[karencorbeij]

I think this doctor must be talking about an anterior operation. I had a posterior operation. I certainly didn't sleep for the first 5 days. I was in so much pain when I layed down. I a. Not a whimp I suffer pain well. Its not 9 weeks since op and can walk 46 mins without crutches. I do my exercises 3 times a day for 3 days and I walk 45 minutes each day. I'm not obese or lazy but when I do light housework I'm exhausted and I ache. My hip is still sore but obviously the pain is improving slowly. So where does this doctor get these ridiculous ideas from. I ve shown others that have had this op done this video and agree with his optimistic recovery time. It takes anywhere from 3 to six months to recover. By this I mean not feeling exhausted, or in pain when you walk or aching after doing the exercises. Sure uou are going to better and be happy with it. It's just that these recovery times are unrealistic.

[Journeyofthehouse]

i am 50 years old in good health, not obese, and work full-time as a floor nurse. I had the lateral cut done here in Pittsburgh. Nov 22, 2022. I am 8 weeks out and i am in pain daily still, there is no way i am able to return to my job at this point. This recovery has been hard and sleeping in my bed is still very hard to do. Hip precautions for 3 months i was told. I am not encouraged at all! I heard when patients get the anterior or posterior cut done they recover faster. I feel like my hip will never be the same. I MUST look for another job because physically i dont think things will be as they were. So folks this is a REAL truth point of view from a real patient, , , Yes i guess everyone is different.

[dollykimzey]

I had a posterior left hip replaced 8 weeks ago and the wound is still painful at times. Both knees, ankles and feet are still swollen, left more than right. Can't sleep due to having to remain on my back or in a chair with both feet elevated. My recovery coach says to expect 12 weeks before I can sleep on my side. I was finally able to give up the walker 2 weeks ago, but I need the cane. I watched a lot of videos like this one before surgery and I think that is way I am so disappointed and frustrated with my recovery. My surgeon says I am doing well, I don't think so. My goal was to be back on the golf course in 5 months, I can't see that happening. I am still doing PT twice a day every day, fingers crossed I am able to walk soon.

[Stan_Rich]

Need to understand all patients are different and recovery time varies. On 12/15/23 I had “Anterior” Right Hip Replacement. I am following PT instructions to the “letter” and I am doing very well. My incredible Surgeon lengthened my short right leg with the femur implant by 1/2” to make it the same length as my left leg. So no more “limp” along with “zero” horrible “hip joint pain”. Only needed Tylenol for surgical pain after surgery. PT discarded my “walker within 1st week” and gave me a “cane” Then discarded my cane at end of second week. Driving comfortable and safely now too. Modern Medicine is a Blessing indeed.

[rhondadotsey]

I am 68, had anterior method right hip replacement. Tomorrow will be 2 weeks. First 72 hours post-op was rough but honestly I was so happy to be relieved of the constant pain I didn’t even know was so bad til it was gone after surgery. Generally my experience with post-op pain compared to pre-op is like night and day. Getting better every day. Day 6 after surgery ditched both the walker and cane. Walk half hour easily 2 to 3 times daily. Do my pt exercises 3x per day. Diligent with meds, ice and elevation. Hydrocodone only at night if needed to help me sleep. I’m still slow and stiff but improve each day and I’m looking forward to getting back my life.

[BrooklynZ]

I'm 47 and have the body of an athlete however i had full hip arthroplasty (right side) and now have a 15 inch wound the side. Im 3 weeks out and its pure hell still. Not being able to sleep, food tastes wrong/no appetite at all. I see my doctor this week finally. Ive been through many surgeries but nothing has ever been as miserable as this. Dr. gave me pain meds for 4 I thought it would be easy, what a reality check.

[TheEmmochka]

I am 68. Anterior, my knee was hurting more than anything. I was having knee problems before operation. Everything else ok. One months today, progressing, but slow. Difficult to sleep, I walk, but getting tired very fast, but better than before ❤Everyday is improvement. Happy I did that surgery.

[birgittamarklund]

I had hip surgery R, anterior incision, 10 November, 03. First 2 weeks some pain, but kept moving. After 4 weeks walking without any support. No pain at all. 3 month later I feel great. First hip L replacement 2015. Longer recovery, side incision.