Hip surgery is an intervention that might sound both – serious and frustrating – but as a matter of fact, it is a standard and very common, often performed medical procedure. The main purpose of hip surgery is usually to provide the customer with some more freedom when moving around, but basically to reduce the pain that occurred due to any chronic diseases or old traumas that hadn’t been overcome by classical therapies or the conventional medicine.

The recovery process

Hence, it’s important to know that after hip surgery, the recovery process is always a must. Usually, it requires some specific exercises to be performed, as well as proper usage of medical aid. There are two options you can choose from – whether to buy a pair of crutches or go through the rehabilitation phase with a cane.

Our today’s material, though, is focused on walking with a cane after a hip surgery. And before giving you some tips on how to experience it, it’s significant for you to understand a couple of basic facts.

Why it’s widely recommended to use a cane after hip surgery?

Indeed, there’s nothing wrong with using crutches while recovering after hip surgery – especially if you are prescribed to do so by your therapist. However, in most cases, your doctor is going to recommend you to choose the cane rather than the crutches. Wondering why? Well, check out all the benefits of using a cane after hip surgery:

1. You will avoid any additional traumas or pain

Some patients prefer to limp while recovering from hip surgery. Though, avoiding any walking aids after such an intervention is definitely not the best idea. Moreover, according to the medical statistics 76% of the additional traumas occurred during the rehabilitation after hip surgery occurred while using crutches. The cane will give you more stability.

2. It’s faster to get used to the cane rather than to any other walking aid

You might not believe it, but it’s even easier to get used to the cane rather than to the wheelchair, which in many people’s minds appear as a walking aid that costs zero efforts. Things got even harder with the crutches. They do require more practice to achieve perfect balance. Speaking of which…

3. The cane is the walking aid that offers you a great balance

The entire body weight is supported at full value when you use the cane. The cane is even recommended to people with overweight, as well as with some other sources of pain (like in the back or in case of any old or current trauma).

Preliminary tips to have in mind when walking with a cane after hip surgery

Now, let us provide you with a couple of crucial tips to have in mind before starting your rehabilitation after a hip surgery. Of course, all of them are all linked to the idea of using a cane:

1. Select the right cane for you

First of all, note that not all canes are the same and different models come with different extras you might need. On the other side, it’s important to measure up the ideal cane height in advance. Note that the cane that’s too high might cause risks of accidents, while the low one will reduce the sense of balance.

2. On mandatory, select the right type of a cane

When it comes to hip surgery, there are two rules you should remember when going shopping for a cane. First of all, avoid collapsible canes and select a solid one. And second of all, on mandatory get a cane with grip.

It brings more comfort and it’s suitable for long-term use. Even though you plan to recover faster and to use it for a shorter time, the more you use your leg (which means using the cane), the quicker you will suspend it from your life.

How to walk with a cane after hip surgery

Now, let’s get straight to the point. Within the next lines, you will find out how to make proper steps and moves with your cane. Never push yourself too hard and always begin the recovery with slow and stable steps.

• To start walking with a cane, simply put the cane beside you holding it with the hand that’s on your healthy side. Now, take a step ahead with your healthy leg and then, transfer along with the cane in a parallel with your recovering leg.
• Before the start of your walk, always check out if the height of the cane is ok. If you have an adjustable cane, it’s great as you might change the height according to your experience, today’s mood for speed or slow movements and etc.
• Avoid leaning on the cane or putting excessive pressure through your wrist. It might be dangerous for you as you will lose balance and once you get unstable the risks of new traumas or slowing down your recovery appears.
• As you get stronger, slowly increase the amount of activity you do around your home. Start by getting your own glass of water and doing household chores like dusting. Soon you’ll be able to move on to advanced activities, such as using the stairs.

Check out how to use the cane on the stairs after hip surgery

No matter what leg trauma, intervention or pain you feel, it’s always frustrating to meet the stairs for the first time during your recovery. And it does not even matter whether you use a cane or any other walking aid. However, please, don’t give in the panic. Instead, follow our guides regarding going down or up the stairs.

1. How to go down the stairs with a cane after hip surgery

First of all, slow down and take a deep breath. Make sure you are not shaky and you are ready to overcome this obstacle. Now, slowly follow these steps. Hold the rail with one hand and the cane in the other. With your weight on your good leg, step down with your operated leg and cane. Using the cane and rail for balance, slowly bring your good leg down to the same step.

2. How to go up the stairs with a cane after hip surgery

To go up the stairs is almost as easy as it is to go down the stairs. To reach a higher floor via the stairs, follow this guide. First of all, hold the rail with one hand and the cane in the other. Support your weight evenly between the rail and the cane. With the cane and operated leg on the lower step, step up with your un-operated leg. Keeping a grip on the rail, bring your operated leg and cane up to the same step.

Don’t hesitate to reach us if you need more details about using a crane after hip replacement

Now, when you know how important it is to be careful when using a cane after hip replacement, as well what the most appropriate occasions for performing such a movement are, you can make some tests on a flat surface at first and then, to try the procedure on the stairs.

Please, let us remind you that these are not recommendations from a real doctor and the material has an only informative character. Always ask your therapist if a certain practice for using a cane after hip surgery is allowed and good for you.

If you have some questions to ask or information to receive whether specifically for the hip replacement intervention or for the recovery with a cane later, do not hesitate to contact us. We are always here to support and give you as many tips for fast and painless rehabilitation as possible.

We truly hope you will recover soon and during the rehabilitation time, you’ll have positive emotions even on your walking aid! Don’t give up and good luck with the cane!