BOPDHB Patient Resources Hip and Knee joint replacement book - June 2016 | Page 63

Walking When you are using your crutches or walking frame, always remember... • stand up straight and keep your head up Hip exercises Using crutches or frames • to take a step - take both crutches forward first • step forward with your affected leg and take the weight through your arms • step forward with your good leg • walk with your feet pointing straight ahead - try not to let your affected leg turn out to the side. Lateral approach surgery You must not put your full weight through your new hip. The maximum you are allowed is 25kg (your physiotherapist will check this with you on a pair of scales). You must walk this way for 6 weeks. Getting in and out of a car (Lateral approach surgery) Keep your legs together as you swing in and out of a vehicle. Do not put one leg in or out and then the other. Getting up and down from sitting • Use chair arms or bed to push up into standing, then put hands/arms into crutches. • Do not put hands/arms into crutches before standing. • Remove your hands/arms from the crutches, then use the chair arms/bed to sit down. 61