How to Maximize the Longevity of an Artificial Hip

Hip replacements have transformed the lives of countless sufferers disabled by the pain and restriction of a damaged hip joint. An artificial hip replacement allows a person to resume an active, rewarding lifestyle. However, certain precautions need to be taken in order to ensure that your hip replacement has a long life. Read this article for helpful tips on how to maximize the longevity of your artificial hip!

Things You'll Need

• Diligence
• Motivation
• Common Sense

Instructions

1. 

   Keep Your Weight in Check -- Carrying excess weight around puts increased stress on an artificial hip. Over time, this added stress can cause early loosening or premature wear of an artificial hip prosthesis and significantly reduce its longevity. Hip replacements last longest in people of normal body weight! Keeping your weight in check will help your artificial hip last as long as possible!

2. 

   Avoid High-Impact Exercise -- High-impact exercises, including running, jumping, and competitive sports, should be avoided by individuals with artificial hip replacements. High impact activities place a tremendous amount of stress on an artificial hip and can significantly shorten the life of an artificial hip replacement. To reduce artificial hip joint wear, perform only low-impact exercises.

3. 

   Keep Your Leg Muscles Strong -- Strong leg muscles help support and stabilize an artificial hip replacement. Every time you take a step, your leg muscles contract and shoulder a large portion of your body's weight; your hips and knees shoulder the rest. The stronger your leg muscles, the less strain placed on your artificial hip! And this helps to your artificial hip last longer.

Resources

• How to Exercise with an Artificial Hip