Hip replacement surgery is a major treatment used to improve mobility and relieve pain for those people who have hip joint problems.
However, hip replacement patients mostly express their concern about lacing their shoes. This depends on many factors but approximately it takes upto 6-8 weeks.
In this guide “how long after hip replacement can i tie my shoes?”, we will look at how long after hip replacement surgery you can tie your shoe.
Disclaimer: This blog post is just for knowledge. We are not giving any type of medical advice. Consult with your doctor or physical therapist to plan your recovery time, exercises and shoe advice.
Factors Affecting Hip Replacement Recovery Timeline
Recovery from hip replacement surgery depends on the patient’s overall health, his age, the type of surgery and surgical technique.
Furthermore, if you get an infection or your implant moves, it could take longer to heal and get back to normal activities.
There are two main types of hip replacement surgeries.
- Posterior or Anterolateral/Hardinge
- Anterior
Both surgeries involve cutting certain muscles. These surgeries take 6-8 weeks to heal and be able to tie your shoe.
“According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)1, following a doctor-prescribed rehabilitation program is crucial for optimal recovery after hip replacement surgery. This program typically includes physical therapy to regain flexibility and strength, which can significantly improve your ability to perform daily activities like tying your shoes.”
Doctor’s Recommendation
When Can You Tie Your Shoes?
The timeline for tying shoes hip replacement surgery depends on the type of surgery, your healing pace, and rehabilitation standards. After 4-6 weeks, most individuals can tie their shoes without assistance which is not good. It is critical to follow your surgeon’s instructions and pay attention to your body.
Also read more can shoes cause hip pain or are flat shoes good for sciatica.
Immediate Post-Surgery Period
After surgery, the first phase is the immediate post-surgery period. Patients are typically kept in the hospital for a few days after surgery to check their health and manage pain. However, doctors advise mild motions and exercises to reduce stiffness and enhance blood circulation. It may be difficult to bend over to tie your shoes during this period. It’s a good idea to ask for assistance or wear slip-on shoes that do not require tying.
The Transition Phase
You may feel more flexible after a few weeks of surgery. It usually takes 6-8 weeks. Still, tying your shoes may be tough. But you can do it gently. Some tools like long-handled shoe horns simplify things for you.
Full Recovery and Beyond
Typically, patients have significant improvements in mobility after 10-12 weeks of surgery. After this period, tying shoes should also become easier. But remember to take it slowly and avoid overdoing it.
Tips for Safely Tying Your Shoes
You need to take some extra care in tying shoes after passing your surgery healing period to avoid any damage to your hip joint. Tie your shoes carefully and follow up on some of these simple tips.
- Sit with feet flat and knees bent at a comfortable angle on a sturdy chair or bench.
- Use modified tools such as a long-handled shoe horn or stretchy shoelaces that make the procedure easier and less painful on your hip.
- Avoid hip pain by avoiding bending forward at the waist or crossing your legs when tying your shoes.
- Wear slip-on shoes or shoes with Velcro closures during the early stages of recovery to prevent having to knot laces.
- If you have any discomfort or difficulty tying your shoes then take a break and try again later or get assistance from a caregiver or loved one.
Also learn can shoes cause knee pain.
Bottom Lines
Hip replacement surgery can restore the function of the hip joint, but it needs proper continued therapy. It depends on what your surgeon recommends you. You may be able to tie your shoes again, but you need to do rehabilitation routines to heal fully. Follow the above tips and pay attention to your body to safely tie your shoes after hip replacement surgery.