After surgery to repair a hip fracture, it'll take some time to make your hip strong again ... and several weeks or months before you can drive, work, or get back to your daily routine. When you take care of yourself and follow your doctor's instructions, you may heal faster.
Here are things you can do at home to help yourself get better.
When you leave the hospital, you will probably be using a walker or crutches.
Your doctor will tell you how much weight you can put on your leg.
You'll need someone to help you at home for the next few weeks or until you have more energy and can move around better.
You'll work with a physical, or physio-, therapist to help you learn exercises to get back your strength and your ability to move.
Now, having hip surgery can increase your risk for a blood clot.
So if your doctor gave you medicine to prevent a blood clot, it's important to take it.
And just as important ... is to keep moving. Try to limit your time in bed, and take short walks when you can.
If you have pain, use an ice pack for about 10 to 20 minutes a few times each day.
Be sure to put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
Follow your doctor's instructions for taking any medicine.
And ask your doctor about when to take the bandage off and when it's okay to shower. You may need to take sponge baths until your stitches or staples have been removed.
Last but not least, take care to prevent falls by making sure your pathways are clear and you have plenty of light where you walk.
Here are some things to watch for. Call your doctor if you have any bleeding ...
or signs of infection, such as: ... increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness ... red streaks leading from the incision ... pus draining from the incision ... or a fever.
And also watch for signs of a blood clot. These include: ... calf or leg pain ... redness ... swelling in the leg or groin ...
shortness of breath ... or chest pain. These are serious symptoms...
so if you have any of them, get emergency help right away.
Now, this may seem like a lot to do ... but all of these things are important ...
because they can help you heal and stay out of the hospital.
