How to Put on Underwear After Hip Replacement
By Spotmatik Ltd / Shutterstock.com
Putting on any kind of lower body clothing, including underwear, is difficult after a hip replacement. In fact, some people decide that it’s not worth the hassle and end up going commando! If that doesn’t sound comfortable to you, don’t worry because there is a safe way to take your underwear off and on after a hip replacement. Learn how to put on underwear after a hip replacement, plus tips for choosing what to wear after hip surgery to ensure comfort and safety during recovery.
Easy to Put on Clothing for Seniors!
How to Put on Underwear After a Hip Replacement
First, gather your clothes and then sit on the edge of your bed or in a sturdy chair that you can easily get in and out of. You need to be close enough to the ground that you can easily touch it with your grabber. If your bed is too high for this, you will need to find a suitable chair. If you are sitting on the bed, you will want your walker within arm’s reach so you can use it as a support to stand on the final step.
Take your underwear and place them on the floor using the grabber. Do not bend over to place them on the ground, as this will put strain on your hip joint. Keeping hold of the underwear with the grabber, maneuver it over the foot on the operated leg first. Make sure that your foot is fully through the opening and the underwear cannot come off. Once that’s done, release the grabber and use it to pull the underwear over your other foot.
Using the grabber and your hands, pull up the underwear as far you can while remaining in a sitting position. Once the underwear is as high as it will go, hold onto the underwear with one hand and push yourself to a standing position using the other arm as support. Use your free hand to pull the underwear up the rest of the way and arrange it to your liking.
If you’re wondering how to navigate other clothing items, such as how to put on a hospital gown, the same principles apply: take it slow, use assistive tools when necessary, and prioritize your comfort and safety.
By Art disain / Shutterstock.com
How to Remove Underwear After Hip Surgery
Taking off your underwear after hip surgery can be just as tricky as putting it on, but with a few simple steps, you can do it safely and without straining your hip joint. To take off your underwear, reverse this process. Start by sitting on the edge of your bed or a sturdy chair, just as you did when putting on your underwear. Make sure your walker or another support is within easy reach to help you stand if needed.
Using your grabber, gently pull the waistband of your underwear down over your hips, being careful not to twist or bend at the waist. Once the underwear is as low as it will go while sitting, hold onto the waistband with one hand, and use your other hand to support yourself as you carefully stand up. Slowly and gently, continue to use the grabber to lower the underwear to the floor.
To remove the underwear completely, lift your non-operated leg first, allowing the underwear to slide off your foot. Then, carefully lift your operated leg and use the grabber to remove the underwear from this leg as well. Make sure you move slowly and avoid any sudden movements to protect your hip during this process. Remember to always take the non-operated leg out first before removing the underwear from the operated leg. Note that these steps work for other lower body garments, such as men’s elastic waist pants.
What Underwear to Wear After a Hip Replacement
It’s very important that you know exactly where your incision will be so that you can buy a style of underwear that will not chafe on the scar, which can delay healing and potentially increase hip pain. No matter their gender, many people find it most comfortable to wear a traditional cotton brief underwear, with a higher rise waist, after a total or revision hip replacement. However, you may wish to look into different styles depending on where your surgical incision will be, especially if you plan to wear pants that may sit close to the incision area..
We recommend choosing cotton briefs for the greatest breathability. After total joint replacement surgery, you might not be bathing as often, especially if you’re still in the hospital, so it’s important that your skin can ventilate properly to keep you comfortable. Cotton is also very soft, making it comfortable to wear all day and reducing the odds of chafing. This is why so many different underwear styles — and not just post-surgery underwear! — are made with cotton fabric.
You may want to order one size up from what size underwear you normally wear for comfort. The larger underwear will more easily accommodate post-surgery swelling and will also make it easier to get the underwear on and off. Skin-tight underwear is very difficult to get on and off with the grabber, so it’s best for it to fit a little bit loose.
What to Wear After Hip Surgery for Older Adults
Recovering from hip replacement surgery requires careful consideration of what you wear to ensure comfort, support, and ease of movement. For older adults, it’s especially important to choose garments that are easy to put on and take off, provide adequate support, and minimize strain on the hips. Here’s a list of recommended clothing items to consider during your post-surgery recovery:
- Loose-fitting Pants and Shorts: Opt for elastic waist pants or shorts that can easily be pulled on and off without bending or straining the hip. Avoid tight clothing that may restrict movement or put pressure on the surgical area.
- Front-Closure Tops: Choose shirts, blouses, or jackets that button or zip up in the front, allowing you to dress without having to raise your arms excessively or twist your body.
- Slip-on Shoes: Select shoes that don’t require lacing or bending down to fasten, such as slip-ons or shoes with VELCRO straps. Supportive footwear is essential to prevent falls and provide stability.
- Adaptive Clothing: Consider adaptive clothing specifically designed for post-surgery patients, which often includes features like side snaps, Velcro closures, and wide openings for ease of dressing.
- Compression Socks: Wear compression socks to improve circulation and reduce swelling in the legs. These can also help prevent blood clots, a common concern after hip replacement surgery.
Find the Perfect Post-Surgery Clothing at Silverts
Recovering from hip replacement surgery doesn’t have to be challenging when you have the right clothing. At Silverts we recently introduced a great product that may be just the right fit for you after hip replacement surgery. This is our Open Front Easy Closure Underwear, it comes in a pack of three and is available for both men and women. Using easy closures on the front, the garment does not involve reaching down or the use of a grabber. The flap can just come between your legs and attach at the front for easy dressing and toileting.
By ChooChin / Shutterstock.com
Updating your wardrobe before a total hip joint replacement surgery? At Silverts, we sell a wide range of senior clothing for all sorts of dressing needs, including various surgical procedures. Whether you need easy to put on clothing for the elderly or adaptive clothing specifically designed for assisted dressing, we’ve got you covered with our broad selection of styles and sizes.
For example, if you’ve ever needed to know what to wear after shoulder surgery, our adaptive clothing can solve that problem.
No Comments