Should you use ice or heat after hip replacement surgery?

Most patients find ice beneficial for the first 7-10 days after surgery to help reduce swelling and pain.

Apply ice for 20 minutes per hour as often as every hour. Many patients use gel packs that can be frozen, while others find ice machines very convenient. Ask us if you’d like to arrange a rental.

If you prefer to use ice packs, remember to wrap them in a pillowcase or towel so they are not in direct contact with your skin as this can cause burns. After your surgery you may experience some temporary changes in skin sensation near your incision, so you will need to take extra care to avoid prolonged direct exposure to ice.

Approximately two weeks after surgery you can start using heat as needed.

Questions to Ask Your Orthopedic Surgeon Before Your Hip Replacement

There are a lot of things to think about when you are considering a hip replacement. It’s good to have a list of questions and concerns to take to your consultations. You’ll find a lot of information about our processes at SFHips here, however you may also find this list helpful:

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How to find the right surgeon for your hip replacement

With more than 450,000 total hip replacements performed annually in the US, it is considered to be one of the most successful operations in the medical field. However, with all surgeries – there’s a spectrum of outcomes, and one of the best ways of ensuring that your surgery is successful is by finding the right surgeon.

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