Is Walking Good Exercise Before Hip Replacement?

A comes to your rescue when other non-invasive procedures have failed. If you experience debilitating pain while performing certain physical activities or participating in sports, it's high time you consider replacing your hip joints. The question is, how do you prepare for the big day?

Like any surgical procedure, hip replacement is an invasive treatment that might limit your movements for the first few weeks. Many factors determine the success of the surgery, but the most important of all is your pre-operative physical health. Exercising, especially walking, can benefit patients planning to undergo hip replacement.

Benefits of Walking Before Hip Replacement

You may be recommended to do mild to moderate physical exercises after surgery. But what before that? You can absolutely consider walking. Here's how it can help:

1) Good for Your Cardiovascular Health:

Start walking weeks before your hip replacement surgery. Walking is believed to improve cardiovascular health, which can reduce the risk of complications during and after surgery.

2) Strengthens Muscles Around Your Hip Joint:

Muscles surrounding your hip joint, including quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteal muscles, support your hip joints. Walking strengthens your muscles, which significantly improves your post-surgical outcome. There's a good chance you'll heal faster and regain your full range of motion within weeks.

3) Supports Weight Management:

The biggest benefit of walking before surgery is weight management. Burning your extra calories can reduce the burden on your joints and also make physical therapy post-surgery easier.

Safety Tips for Walking Pre-Surgery

i) Do What Feels Comfortable:

If your body doesn't allow excessive walking or long distances, it's best to listen to your body and take a break. If it strains your hip joints, stop right away.

ii) Consult With Your Doctor:

If you have excruciating hip pain that gets worse with walking, avoid it. Talk to your doctor about whether it's safe to practice any physical exercise at all before hip replacement. Do not try anything on your own until you get a green light from the .

iii) Wear Supportive Footwear:

If walking is painful, you can consider walking aids, like a cane or a walker. Supportive footwear, like flats and shoes, is recommended. Moreover, you must stick to the flat, smooth surfaces. It's always a better idea to wear supportive footwear than risking injuring your leg.

Alternative Low-Impact Exercises

If your surgeon doesn't allow walking before hip replacement surgery, you can explore its alternatives, like:

Swimming: It gives your body the right amount of physical exercise without straining your hip joints. Cycling: If you want physical exercise that reduces weight and involves your legs without putting pressure on the hip joints, cycling is a safe bet. Yoga: Yoga helps improve joint flexibility and prevent stiffness. You can start with light yoga stretches.

Conclusion

If you are still wondering, "Is walking good exercise before hip replacement?" know that it's absolutely perfect. Low-intensity exercises won't cause any harm so long as your doctor says you are healthy enough to practice them.