Causes of pain after hip surgery

Pain after hip surgery is a normal reaction of the body. During surgery, the tissue is damaged because structures have to be cut through to get to the joint. Depending on the operation, bone is also removed.

In order to obtain a clear view of the surgical site, skin, muscles and other tissue often have to be held to the side. This can usually cause reversible pressure damage to the structures. All these manipulations of the tissue around the hip joint cause swelling and pain.

The surgical wound itself is also painful and sensitive until it heals. After the operation, it therefore takes some time for the tissue to settle down again and the pain to subside. In rare cases, pain after hip surgery can also result from damage or irritation of a nerve.

If this is the cause, the pain is often electrifying and stabbing. This can be accompanied by numbness in parts of the affected leg. Pain after hip surgery can also be caused by an inflammation of the wound.

This can be caused by an infection with bacteria and is accompanied by redness, swelling and overheating. Under certain circumstances, pus can escape from the wound. Major orthopaedic operations, such as hip and knee surgery, have the risk of forming a blood clot (thrombus).

Immobilization after surgery increases the risk of developing thrombosis, which is why patients are treated with thrombosis-preventive drugs after major surgery. If a thrombosis develops nevertheless, characteristic symptoms typically occur. Those affected suffer from oedema on the ankles and lower legs, the skin on the lower leg can be reddened and tense and the leg is clearly overheated.

Raising the affected leg usually leads to an alleviation of the symptoms. In some patients, the symptoms initially go unnoticed. In other patients, however, strong, pulling pain also occurs. The pain is often in the calf and resembles aching muscles. A thrombosis can lead to serious complications and requires specific treatment.Important information on this topic:

Thrombosis prophylaxis
Detect thrombosis