A hip replacement surgery is a surgery that an orthopedic surgeon performs to remove an arthritic hip joint. The patient’s old joint is replaced with an artificial joint, providing long-term relief. Hip replacement surgery recovery is a long process that necessitates the patient taking specific steps to ensure a complete recovery. As a result, many patients have inquiries such as “how long after hip replacement can I tie my shoes?” or “what type of shoes can you wear after hip replacement?”
Many orthopaedists advise their patients to engage with physical therapists after hip replacement surgery to facilitate a quick, pleasant, and enjoyable recovery. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about hip replacement rehabilitation.
How Long After Hip Replacement Can You Tie Your Shoes?
The length of time before you can tie your shoes following a hip replacement is determined by the hip replacement technique applied during the operation. Most patients would have hip precautions for 6-8 weeks if their hip replacement were done using the more typical posterior or anterolateral/Hardinge technique. This is since muscles and tendons are frequently cut and subsequently restored during the operation. The tissues can take 6-8 weeks to recover, which explains the need for extended hip precautions before tying shoelaces, bending down to pick up objects, driving, or even crossing the legs.
Because no tendons or muscles are damaged or disconnected with anterior approach hip replacement techniques, patients can begin performing activities much sooner, such as tying their shoelaces, just days or weeks after surgery. However, some people may take several weeks to do this because they haven’t been able to do so in a long time, and it takes time for the tissues surrounding the hip to stretch to accommodate the motions of shoelace typing.
What Type Of Shoes Can You Wear After Hip Replacement?
Proper support is required following hip surgery. That’s where a good pair of shoes come in handy. The correct footwear will keep you safe while also providing your feet with the necessary level of comfort. As a result, your first goal after a hip replacement should be finding the ideal shoes.
To walk in any environment, your shoes must be reduced in weight and provide greater comfort. That is what you should expect from the best shoes. You will get much use out of your shoe if you can choose one that is excellent. However, how do you select the ideal footwear in this crowded market? There are millions of shoes on the market, and obviously, not all of them are suitable for use following a hip replacement.
Before choosing a shoe, there are several factors to consider, including the level of support required. If you don’t know what to look for and what to avoid, this can be difficult. In most circumstances, your doctor will advise you to wear specific shoes. However, you may need to choose one based on your convenience. That is, after all, where the hard work begins. Finding the perfect shoe in this crowded footwear market is like locating a needle in a haystack.
Things might become worse if you bring an improper shoe. It can cause a variety of problems in your feet, as well as hinder their alignment. These things become even more of a problem after hip replacement surgery. In fact, you won’t be able to walk or maintain your normal pronation if you don’t obtain enough comfort. For this type of situation, a quality shoe with high shock absorption is always suggested. The following are the top five footwear options for people who have had a hip replacement:
- Mizuno Men’s Wave Rider 20 Running Shoe
- Nike Men’s Air Max Invigor Print Running Shoe
- New Balance Men’s 481 V3 Trail Running Shoe
- Sketchers Men’s Equalizer Persistent Slip-On Sneaker
- Sketchers Women’s Go Walk Joy Walking Shoe
What Are the Important Features of Shoes to Wear After Hip Replacement?
The importance of a good shoe cannot be overstated. As a result, doctors will always advise using a shoe designed expressly for hip replacement. A shoe’s qualities that make it ideal for hip replacement are mentioned below.
Comfort
This is the most crucial aspect of the post-hip-surgery shoes to look for. Search for shoes with adequate cushioning and padding. In addition, the shoe should allow you to walk freely while also keeping your feet comfortable. Shock absorption is also essential for reducing the impact on your feet and hips. Overall, choose the one that has the best combination of all of these qualities.
Arch Support
Your posture will be supported while standing and walking if you have enough arch support. This feature is crucial for people who have flat feet. Your body can appropriately distribute its weight with proper arch support. As a result, your hips will be exposed to fewer dangers and experience less pain during pronation.
Heel Height
When it comes to heel height, you must pay special attention to the area around your heel. High heels are certainly not advised after a hip replacement. Wearing them will create additional pain and suffering. In the end, it will harm your hips and make your operation worse.
As a result, high heels should be avoided at all costs. A low heel or a flat will be more appropriate. It won’t put any strain on your hip, and you’ll be able to walk around pain-free. This style of shoe might also help you enhance your balance. Thus it is advisable that you strive to obtain one of them.
Midsoles
Shock absorption should be included in the midsole of your shoes. This will help absorb the impact on your feet and allow you to walk comfortably. As a result, the likelihood of future harm is reduced. This will be due to the magic of a high-quality midsole. So look for one of them. If you choose a well-known brand of shoe, you will be provided with such soles. As a result, you will obtain a decent return on your investment.