Orthopaedics
What You Shouldn't Do After Hip Replacement
The movements and habits to avoid after hip replacement to protect your new joint.
Prof. Dr. Engin Çakar · Physical Medicine & RehabilitationHip replacement is highly successful, but the new joint needs protection while it heals — especially in the first weeks. Avoiding a few key movements greatly reduces the risk of dislocation and complications.
Movements to Avoid
In the early weeks, do not bend the hip more than 90 degrees, do not cross your legs, and do not turn the operated leg inward or outward excessively. Avoid low chairs, soft sofas and deep squatting, which force the hip into unsafe positions. Do not twist through the hip while your foot is planted.
Habits to Avoid
Do not skip your physiotherapy or rush your recovery by overdoing activity, but equally do not sit still for long periods, which raises the risk of blood clots. Avoid high-impact activities such as running and jumping. Do not ignore signs of trouble, and do not stop using prescribed walking aids before your team advises.
Watch for Warning Signs
Contact your care team if you have increasing pain, swelling, redness or warmth, fever, or a sudden inability to bear weight, as these can signal infection or a problem with the joint.
Following your surgeon's precautions, using aids as advised and keeping up your exercises helps your new hip heal well and last for many years.