Overview
When can I sleep on my side? Why does my leg feel longer? Is clicking normal? Answers to four of the most common questions patients ask after total hip replacement.
After total hip replacement, certain questions come up again and again. Here are four of the most common — with the caveat that your own surgeon's answers always take precedence, because protocols vary by surgical approach and individual circumstances.
'When can I sleep on my side?' Many surgeons allow sleeping on the operative side once comfortable, and on the non-operative side with a pillow between the knees during the precaution period. Timing varies — ask your team.
'Why does my leg feel longer?' A sensation of leg length difference is common early on, often caused by muscle tightness and years of pre-surgical compensation rather than a true difference. It frequently resolves as tissues relax and gait normalizes over weeks to months. Persistent concerns deserve evaluation by your surgeon.
'Is clicking normal?' Soft clicking or clunking sensations are often benign in early recovery as muscles regain tone around the new joint. Painful clicking, instability, or new swelling should be reported. 'When can I drive?' Typically when you're off narcotic pain medication and can perform an emergency stop — often a few weeks for left hips and slightly longer for right hips, but your surgeon makes the final call.
Key Takeaways
- Side-sleeping timing depends on your surgeon's precaution protocol
- Perceived leg length differences often resolve as muscles adapt
- Painless clicking is common early; painful symptoms warrant a call
- Driving requires being off narcotics and able to brake safely