Post-Hip Replacement Pain: How Long Will It Last?

Why do we experience pain after a hip replacement?

There are two main reasons for post-operative pain:

➡️ Reason 1: Pre-existing pain or issues before the surgery.

You underwent hip replacement for a specific reason, such as:

• Arthritis
• A fracture
• Another rare pathology or malformation

Regardless of the reason, you already had a potential source of pain. Pain is complex, and even if the anatomical issue is resolved, pain might take time to subside due to its various components.

➡️ Reason 2: Consequences related to the hip replacement procedure.

When a surgeon installs a hip replacement, they inevitably traumatize several types of tissues:

• Skin
• Bone
• Muscle
• Ligaments
• Blood vessels

This causes pain as these tissues heal and recover.

Can pain be a sign of a complication?

Pain after hip replacement surgery is common and rarely indicates a complication.

Complications are relatively rare, and when they occur, pain is not the main specific symptom.

The 4 most frequent (yet still rare) complications after hip replacement are:

• Hip dislocation: your lower limb is very deformed.
• Infection: you have a fever and issues around the incision site.
• Phlebitis (deep vein thrombosis): you have pain in the calf, which can also be red and warm.
• Hip Replacement Rejection

As you can see, pain is not the defining characteristic of these complications.

How long does pain typically last?

Some research teams track pain progression in individuals undergoing hip replacement, especially for osteoarthritis.

A German research team evaluated the pain of 103 patients immediately after hip replacement surgery [Greimel 2018].

• Pain decreases daily during the first week post-surgery.
• It slightly increases between days 9 and 12.
• Then it continues to decrease in the following days and weeks.

For longer-term pain progression, here’s how pain evolves in a sample of over 3000 hip replacement patients [Ninomiya 2020]:

Six months after the surgery:

• 1 in 3 people experience no pain at all.
• 1 in 2 people have only mild pain.

What does this mean? It’s normal for pain to persist for several months without indicating a complication. Pain is most intense during the first week and around 10 days post-operation.

Importantly, the pain shouldn’t prevent you from gradually resuming your daily activities and even sports (see my article on sports after hip replacement)!

How to Relieve Pain After Hip Replacement Surgery?

Here are some things that can help alleviate pain following a hip replacement:

Apply Ice to the Hip

• You can purchase cold packs to place in the freezer or simply use a bag of frozen peas, which will conform well to your hip.
• Always place something between the cold item and your skin to avoid burns. You can use it as often as you like, even continuously, as long as your skin reacts well.

Massage Your Thigh or Other Sore Parts of the Leg

What to Do to Relieve Pain?

Massage:

Massaging the thigh or other sore parts of the leg can provide immediate relief, though not everyone responds to it. There’s no “correct” technique; the key is to find a touch that eases your pain. However, like ice, the effect wears off quickly.

Review Your Medications:

Post-surgery, you may need to adjust the type and amount of pain medication you’re taking. Typically, you’ll leave the hospital with a prescription for painkillers for at least 2 weeks to a month. If pain persists, consult your doctor to modify your medication plan.

Wear Compression Stockings:

Compression stockings can help with swelling and improve circulation.

For more detailed information, see the article on pain after hip replacement.