Total Hip:
Post-operative Days #3 to 5
Often the toughest part of the first week.
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Days 3-5 can be frustrating because swelling, bruising, stiffness, and soreness may be more noticeable than they were on the first day. This is a common time to wonder whether recovery is going backward.
Fight through these days when the inflammation are at their worst, and you will gain confidence that your recovery is going in the right direction.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
What is common now
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Swelling may increase around the joint and may travel down the leg into the calf, ankle, or foot.
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Bruising can become darker or appear farther from the incision because gravity moves blood under the skin.
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Night pain and poor sleep are common.
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Your appetite may still be reduced, and constipation may begin to become uncomfortable.
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You may have a “good morning” followed by a more painful evening after activity.
What to do
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Continue the 20/20/20 rhythm: ice and elevate, rest, then move.
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​Do not sit more than about 45-60 minutes without getting up.
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Prioritize safe walking and a smooth gait.
Pain medications
Keep scheduled non-opioid medications consistent if they were prescribed and are safe for you. Begin spacing opioid doses farther apart as pain allows rather than stopping suddenly on a bad day.
Bowels matter
Continue your prescribed constipation regimen. If you have not had a bowel movement by day 4, follow your constipation escalation plan or contact the team.
Call / Seek Urgent Help
New chest pain or shortness of breath is an emergency. Call us promptly for significant calf tenderness/warmth, increasing wound drainage, spreading redness, uncontrolled vomiting, inability to urinate, or pain that suddenly becomes much worse.
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Your own discharge instructions and medication list always take priority. This guide is educational and does not replace individualized medical advice.
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