After hip replacement, swelling is not unexpected. Swelling causes increased hip pain and limits your range of motion and flexibility. The use of ice packs and elevation helps to minimize the effects of increased swelling. Here are some suggestions for successful icing:

ICE BAGS: Commercial ice bags.

Ziplock bags, doubled, half filled with ice.

Commercial chem packs that you can refreeze.

Large bags of frozen peas that can also be refrozen.

Ice should never be placed directly on your skin as thermal burns may occur. Place a towel or other cloth between you and the ice bag. An Ace bangade wrapped loosely around the hip will help hold the ice in place. Try and keep your dressings dry.

Ice can be placed both on the hip and under the hip so the entire joint is covered. Ice can be applied as often as once an hour to help control the pain and swelling. ICE SHOULD NOT BE ON LONGER THAN 20 TO 30 MINUTES.

WHAT YOU MAY FEEL WHEN ICING

Ice needs to be removed if the area becomes numb regardless of the amount of time it has been on.

ELEVATION: It is important to elevate your legs regularly after surgery. Avoid sitting for prolonged periods of time. It is important to get up and walk around and to make time to lie down with legs elevated several times a day for the first weeks after surgery.