Practical Questions After Hip Replacement

When can I stop using crutches?

You can gradually wean from crutches as pain, comfort, and confidence allow. Take things steadily and avoid running, jumping, or jarring the operated leg for the first six weeks, especially where an uncemented stem has been used, to allow early bony ongrowth.

When can I drive?

Once you can walk confidently without crutches, are off sedating pain medication, and feel able to perform an emergency stop safely, you can usually return to driving.

What should I do with the dressing?

Leave the dressing in place until your wound check. If it comes loose, replace it with the spare dressing provided on discharge.

If the surgical site becomes increasingly red, painful, wet, or concerning, please see your GP or contact my rooms as soon as possible.

Will I need blood thinners?

Patients are commonly prescribed some form of blood thinner after hip replacement, often for around six weeks, to help reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis.

Is numbness or weakness at the front of the hip normal?

It is common to have a slightly weak or numb feeling at the front of the hip after surgery. This usually improves with time.

Will I need physiotherapy?

Some patients require substantial physiotherapy and strengthening after hip replacement. The muscles around the hip may have become weak over time because of longstanding stiffness, pain, and altered walking patterns from arthritis.