The first four weeks after minimally invasive hip replacement surgery: Ask Dr. Amy!

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- Dr. Amy Cannatta DC describes the first four weeks after minimally invasive hip replacement surgery.

You will be given a walker at the ambulatory surgery center. Use it as long as you like. Most patients ditch the walker at 2-3 days.

For the first four weeks after minimally invasive hip replacement surgery you should pretty much be a couch potato, but not a vegetable. That means getting up and walking around 8 minutes out of every 60 in an hour. Set an alarm to remind yourself t get up and move.

No specific exercises or therapy is needed in the first 4 weeks after minimally invasive hip replacement surgery. Light walking should suffice to reduce the risk of blood clots. Its also a good idea to pump your ankles while watching TV or resting.

There is no specific diet after hip replacement surgery, but a high protein, low carb diet high in natural whole foods is always best. Arginine is required for wound healing, and it can be found in most multi-vitamins. Taking a multivitamin every day before and after surgery is a reasonable practice to ensure your body has the necessary blocks to heal. Low proein levels are associated with poor wound healing. So, eating a high protein diet makes sense.

Out next edition of ask Dr. Amy will cover weeks 4-8 after hip replacement surgery. We will review specific exercises that will help you get the most out of your new hip.