How long does it take to walk normally after a hip replacement?

The timeline for walking after a hip replacement surgery can vary depending on several factors, including the individual’s overall health, the extent of the surgery, adherence to rehabilitation protocols, and any complications that may arise.

 

Mr David Stitson is a skilled orthopaedic surgeon based at the Nuffield Hospital in Plymouth, who will replace your damaged hip joint with a new prosthetic one. Being able to maximise functional recovery after your total hip replacement depends in no small part on your engagement with subsequent physiotherapy sessions and exercises. Attending to this will put you on the fast track to eradicating discomfort and returning to your previous level of mobility.

 

Expected time frames for normal walking after hip replacement surgery are as follows:

 

• Immediate Post-Surgery Period (Hospital Stay):
  Patients typically begin walking with the assistance of a Zimmer frame or crutches within 24 hours after surgery. Physiotherapists guide patients through initial mobility exercises and assist with walking as tolerated. You will be taught how to negotiate stairs and be given advice on what exercises to do.

 

• First Few Weeks:
  During the first few weeks following a hip replacement, patients gradually increase their weight-bearing and walking activities with the help of physiotherapy exercises. Patients continue to use walking aids such as crutches or walking sticks for support.

 

• 3 to 6 Weeks:
  By this time frame, many patients begin to transition from using crutches to walking independently or with a single walking stick held in the opposite hand. Individual recovery rates do vary and some patients may require more time to regain normal walking patterns after their hip replacement surgery. In Mr Stitson’s experience, however, most patients begin to come off crutches indoors at around 4 to 5 weeks.

 

• 6 Weeks to 3 Months:
  Most patients can expect to be off crutches and notice a significant improvement in mobility and walking ability within this period. They should continue with physiotherapy exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and balance and may still use a single walking stick for confidence when out of the house.

 

• 3 Months and Beyond:
  By three months post-hip replacement surgery, most patients will walk normally without walking aids and begin to resume normal daily activities. However, full recovery and optimal function may take a little longer and improvements may continue for up to a year following hip replacement surgery.

 

 

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What happens if you don’t walk enough after hip surgery?

There is a window of opportunity immediately after surgery in which you can restore the range of motion and function in your new hip joint. If you struggle to move or engage with physiotherapy scar tissue may develop that can restrict hip movement and the muscles around the hip may weaken.

 

It is vital that you exercise your new hip to regain range of movement and strengthen the surrounding muscles.

Conversely, pushing too hard or engaging in high-impact activities too soon can affect the healing process, prolong discomfort and increase the risk of complications.

It is clear that individual recovery experiences do vary so patients should communicate openly with Mr Stitson and physiotherapist about their progress and any concerns they may have.

You will be kept under review and it is extremely important to follow Mr Stitson’s and your physiotherapist’s recommendations regarding activity level, rehabilitation exercises, and precautions during the important phase of recovery.

 

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