•
Only drive if you can control your surgery leg and you are not taking
pain medicine.
Water Walking
•
Water walking in a pool is relaxing and strengthens the muscles in
the hip and leg.
•
Do not walk in water unless you have your doctor’s permission and
your incision is well healed – often 6 weeks after surgery.
•
Enter the pool to chest high water. Hold onto the side of the pool and
walk for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat 3 to 5 days each week.
Activities After Your Joint Heals
•
Your new joint can be damaged by rough treatment. Avoid activities
that may cause extra stress or injure the joint such as contact sports.
•
Do your exercises to keep your muscles and ligaments strong to
support your joint.
•
Maintain a healthy weight for your height.
•
After your joint is healed, you may be able to resume dancing,
swimming and other activities. Check with your doctor before you
start any new activity.
Preventing Infection
•
It is important to prevent and treat infections because an infection can
move through the blood to your joint.
•
You need to take antibiotics before having any future surgery or
dental care. Call your family doctor and tell them what you are
having done and get an order for antibiotics.
•
Tell all of your doctors including your dentist that you have had joint
replacement.