First Week and Wound Care After Hip Replacement
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The first week after hip replacement usually focuses on safe transfers, short walks with the advised aid, pain and clot-prevention medicines, basic exercises, hydration, bowel care and protection of the incision. Pain, bruising, fatigue and swelling are expected to some degree, but the direction of recovery matters. Symptoms should gradually become more manageable rather than rapidly worsening.
Wound instructions vary with closure method and dressing. A waterproof dressing may permit an earlier shower, while another dressing must remain dry. Follow the operation-specific discharge plan for when to change or remove it. Do not apply powders, oils, antiseptics or home preparations to the incision unless the surgical team has specifically advised them.
The First 24 to 48 Hours
Many patients stand and begin walking on the day of surgery or the next day with supervision. The team confirms blood pressure, pain control, bladder function, safe transfers and the ability to use a walker or crutches. Discharge timing depends on medical stability and home support, not a promise that every patient will follow the same schedule. Keep the medication list and emergency contact details accessible.
Days 3 to 7
Short, frequent walks are generally more useful than one exhausting session. Continue the prescribed exercises and use the walking aid until gait is safe. Alternate activity with rest, and elevate the leg as advised for swelling. A temporary increase in soreness after doing more can occur, but repeated decline, inability to transfer or pain that is not controlled by the plan should prompt contact with the treating team.
Dressing and Showering
Do not assume that every dressing is waterproof. Check the written discharge instruction. Many surgeons avoid soaking the incision and delay baths or swimming until it has completely healed. If a dressing loosens, becomes saturated or the wound starts draining, contact the team for instructions rather than repeatedly opening it. Hand hygiene is important before touching the area around the dressing.
What Can Be Expected Around the Wound?
Mild bruising, local warmth and some swelling can occur after surgery. The incision edges should remain together and drainage should not progressively increase. Take a daily look under good light if the dressing protocol allows. Comparing with a photograph can help show change, but an image cannot replace examination when fever, increasing redness, foul drainage or worsening deep pain is present.
Medicines, Food and Bowel Care
Take pain relief and clot-prevention medicines exactly as prescribed. Keep a written schedule to avoid duplicate doses, especially when more than one family member is helping. Constipation, nausea or reduced appetite can follow surgery and medicines. Fluids, fibre and the prescribed bowel plan can help. Contact the team for persistent vomiting, inability to take medicines, severe abdominal symptoms or signs of dehydration.
Sleep, Swelling and Daily Routine
Sleep can be disrupted by pain, unfamiliar positions and daytime napping. Use the permitted sleeping position and pillows advised for the surgical approach. Swelling often changes through the day and may extend down the leg. Gentle ankle movement and walking support circulation. Do not place a very hot pack on numb skin or massage a newly swollen calf.
Call the Surgical Team Promptly
Contact the team for persistent or increasing wound drainage, spreading redness, fever, chills, an opening incision, a sudden major increase in pain, repeated falls, new foot weakness or a leg that becomes much more swollen. Prolonged drainage can increase infection concern. Early review helps distinguish an expected postoperative change from a problem needing treatment.
Emergency Symptoms
Call emergency services for sudden breathlessness, chest pain, coughing blood, fainting or collapse. Urgent assessment is also required for a visibly shortened or rotated leg with severe pain, especially after a fall, because dislocation or fracture is possible. Do not attempt to manipulate the hip at home.
Questions Patients Commonly Ask
When can I shower after hip replacement?
It depends on the dressing and surgeon’s protocol. Some waterproof dressings allow an early shower; other wounds must stay dry. Follow the written discharge instruction.
How much should I walk in the first week?
Use short, frequent walks with the advised aid and stop before fatigue makes gait unsafe. Distance should progress from function and next-day response rather than a fixed target.
Is warmth around the incision normal?
Some warmth can occur, but increasing redness, drainage, fever, chills or worsening pain needs prompt review.
When is the first follow-up visit?
Timing varies by closure, wound and recovery pathway. Many practices arrange an early wound or progress check; use the appointment schedule given at discharge.
Related Hip-Replacement Recovery Guides
Continue with Hip Replacement Recovery Timeline, Walking After Hip Replacement, Sleeping Position After Hip Replacement, and Infection After Hip Replacement for the connected diagnosis, treatment and recovery pathways.
Explore the complete Hip Guides hub for all related patient guides.
Clinical References and Further Reading
AAHKS: Infection and Your Hip Replacement
AAHKS: Going Home After Surgery
AAOS OrthoInfo: Total Hip Replacement Exercise Guide
About the Medical Author
Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya is an Orthopedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon in Mumbai. His hip practice includes perioperative planning, primary and revision replacement, and structured assessment of wound, pain and mobility concerns after surgery.
Qualifications: MBBS, D’Ortho, DNB (Orthopedics), MNAMS (Orthopedics), FIJR (Robotic & Navigation).
Last medically reviewed: 17 July 2026. Medical reviewer: Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya.
Book a Hip-Replacement Follow-Up in Mumbai
Book an orthopedic consultation with Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya in Ghatkopar, Mumbai. Bring current and previous imaging, prescriptions and operation records when available.
Call or WhatsApp: +91 84249 03913 / +91 96113 30063.
Medical Disclaimer
This guide is for general patient education and does not replace a personal consultation, examination, diagnosis or treatment plan. Seek urgent medical care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, fever with wound problems, sudden inability to bear weight, chest pain, breathlessness, fainting or new neurological symptoms.