Dismiss Modal

Recovery

Post-Hip Replacement: Ankle Pumps, Quad Sets, Gluteal Sets

Choose a preferred language

The following exercises can be done in bed. Some help improve blood flow. Others help build strength. Your physical therapist or surgeon may give you special instructions. Otherwise, repeat each exercise  10 times. Do them at least  3 times each day. You can count the seconds out loud to avoid breath-holding during each repetition.


Ankle pumps

  • Point, then flex, both feet.

  • Doing this 10 to 30 times each hour helps prevent blood clots in your legs.

    Leg from knee down showing ankle pumps.


Quadriceps sets

  • Lie in bed with your legs straight. Tighten the front thigh muscle of your operated leg while pressing the back of your knee down into the bed.

  • Hold for 5 seconds, then relax the leg.

    Leg from knee down showing quadriceps sets.


Gluteal sets

  • Squeeze your buttocks together tightly. Your hips will rise slightly off the bed.

  • Hold for 5 seconds, then release.

    Leg from waist down showing gluteal sets.

© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Related Articles
Read article
Orthopedics
Discharge Instructions for Ankle Arthroscopy

Instructions to help take care of yourself after ankle arthroscopy.

Read article
Orthopedics
Discharge Instructions for Foot Surgery

Arrange to have an adult drive you home after surgery. If you had general anesthesia, it may take a day or more to fully recover. So, for at least the next 24 hours: Do not drive or use machinery or power tools; do not drink alcohol; and do not make any major decisions.

Read article
Orthopedics
Discharge Instructions: Using Crutches (Weight-Bearing)

Your healthcare provider has prescribed crutches for you. A healthy leg can support your body weight, but when you have an injured leg or foot, you need to keep weight off it. Once you are told that you can put some weight on your leg, use a "weight-bearing" method of walking as the leg heals.

Read article
Orthopedics
Crush Injury of the Foot, No Fracture

A crush injury to your foot causes local pain, swelling, and sometimes bruising. There are no broken bones. Learn how to care for your injury at home.