Let’s see in the article what coxarthrosis is and the importance of exercises after hip replacement surgery. Osteoarthritis of the hip, or coxarthrosis, is a very common condition caused by the degeneration of cartilage. The only way to definitively cure it is through hip replacement surgery.
Surgery is recommended especially when all initial conservative therapies, including physical therapy, no longer provide benefits.
In this article we’ll delve into what coxarthrosis is in detail, the importance of exercises and which ones are correct after hip replacement surgery.
Osteoarthritis of the hip and its symptoms
The hip is the anatomical part that connects the pelvis with the upper part of the leg.
It is among the most important in our body: it allows us to stand up, walk, run, pedal, drive, bend…
It is one of the areas most prone to osteoarthritis, probably also because of the variety and range of movements it must allow and the significant loads it bears.
Primary osteoarthritis is discussed when no specific cause is recognized, or secondary osteoarthritis when the cause of osteoarthritis is known, resulting from various pathologies.
The symptoms of hip arthritis
The onset of the condition is characterized by mild, more or less vague symptoms: discomfort, intermittent pain, and stiffness.
The pain may be localized in the groin, hip or buttock, sometimes even in the knee, often occurring after a long period of rest or, conversely, following significant exertion.
Unfortunately it is a degenerative condition; its progression can be slowed down and in some cases halted, but it does not regress.
Instead, over time the symptoms progress and can have a significant impact on quality of life, making daily tasks such as tying shoes, getting dressed, bathing or even walking impossible.
The only solution at this point is surgical treatment with hip replacement surgery.
The importance of exercises for hip arthritis
Before the actual surgical intervention it is essential to maintain a balanced diet and weight and engage in regular physical activity to alleviate and counteract the symptoms.
There are some exercises to practice at home to strengthen the muscles that stabilize the joint and reduce pain.
It is advisable to consult a physiotherapist to learn and perform the exercises correctly and then continue independently once learned.
The advice is to start gradually and without straining, especially if you do not regularly exercise; remember to breathe correctly and respect the breaks between each set.
For difficulty, the number of sets and duration listen to your body and gradually increase, always aiming to be consistent and engage in physical activity regularly.
In addition to exercises you can take anti-inflammatories, pain relievers or corticosteroids during the acute phase and undergo physiotherapy sessions to keep symptoms under control.
Stretching exercises allow you to improve the flexibility of the muscles around the hip joint, reduce trauma and prevent injuries.
Muscle strengthening exercises, on the other hand, should be performed to stabilize the joint and promote mobility, thereby limiting pain and achieving a more correct posture.
The fundamental exercises for a correct and speedy recovery
Once the hip replacement surgery is successfully completed, there are some exercises you will need to do for a speedy recovery, with sets of 10 repetitions, three times a day.
Let’s see them together.
Ankle Flexion-Extensions
Slowly move your ankle, foot, and toes up and down.
These can be repeated several times throughout the day and serve to reactivate the calf’s venous pump.
Knee Flexion
Without lifting your pelvis, bend and extend your knee (keep your knees slightly apart) by sliding your heel on the bed.
Once you reach maximum flexion, bring the knee outward and hold for 5 seconds.
Gluteal Muscle Strengthening
Keep your arms by your sides, bend your knees slightly apart and lift your buttocks off the mattress performing a “bridge.”
Then, contract your buttocks and hold the contraction for 5-10 seconds, then relax.
Quadriceps Muscle Strengthening
Sit on the bed with your legs apart and knees slightly bent.
Actively extend and flex the knee, alternating legs.
A successful surgery and adequate rehabilitation allow for a complete recovery.
Upon discharge, for performing normal activities of daily living, I recommend you to:
- always follow a balanced diet to maintain weight;
- avoid carrying excessive loads;
- attend regular check-up visits with the specialist;
- lead an active lifestyle, including rehabilitative exercises, walking, swimming, and cycling.
If you want more information about exercises after a hip replacement contact Dr. Vanni Strigelli through the contact page on this website.
