Travel After a Hip or Knee Replacement

Recovering from a hip or knee replacement doesn’t mean you have to give up your love for travel. With proper healing, rehabilitation, and a bit of planning, you can regain mobility and independence, allowing you to enjoy holidays and adventures just like before.

Travel can become a motivating goal during your recovery, giving you something exciting to look forward to as you work on building strength and flexibility. In this article, we’ll explore how to safely ease back into travel post-surgery, covering tips for walking through airport terminals, managing long flights, and even preparing for more adventurous trips.

From packing the right medical supplies to ensuring access to comfortable accommodations, there are plenty of ways to make your journey smooth and enjoyable. Rediscover the joy of exploring the world with a little preparation and a few simple steps!

Recently Had a Hip or Knee Replacement?

A hip or knee replacement shouldn’t put you off from booking holidays and travelling. But, regardless of what you plan to do post-surgery, you should always consult your doctor and listen to their advice before you go back to your usual, active routine, you had before surgery.

Sometimes you’ll need to make some tweaks to your daily routine. A knee or hip replacement can be a complex operation, so you need to give your body a fair amount of time to make a sufficient recovery.

When Can You Travel After a Hip or Knee Replacement?

Travelling after a hip or knee replacement and enjoying your holiday is absolutely possible with some careful planning and consideration. To start, it’s important to think about your mobility needs during the journey. Booking mobility assistance in advance can be a lifesaver, especially if you’ll be navigating large airport terminals, which can involve long walks that may put unnecessary strain on your body. Look into options like wheelchair rental or assistance with boarding and deplaning to make the process smoother and less tiring.

READ MORE: Mobility Aids on Holiday

Walking After a Hip or Knee Replacement

Walking after hip or knee replacement surgery is a process that requires patience and care. If you're part of an enhanced recovery program, you could be up and walking within hours of surgery, but this varies from person to person and often depends on how well you feel. It’s normal to experience some pain and discomfort when you first start walking.

The NHS advises that your general fitness and well-being, including your ability to stand and walk, will influence how soon you can be discharged from the hospital.

Once discharged and recovering at home, focus on taking small steps each day, gradually increasing your walking distance as you build strength and confidence.

If you’re a keen hiker or enjoy longer walks while on holiday, it’s essential to seek advice from your physiotherapist. They can help tailor a recovery plan to suit your needs, whether you’re aiming to get back on the trails or simply return to normal activity. For both hip and knee replacement patients, flying should be avoided until at least three months post-surgery. Use this time to focus on recovery and improving your mobility, so you’re ready to take on bigger challenges when the time is right.

Driving After a Hip or Knee Replacement

According to the experts at the Royal College of Surgeons, driving should generally be avoided for at least six weeks following hip or knee replacement surgery. They also recommend avoiding travel as a passenger for the first three weeks to ensure proper healing.

Getting in or out of a car, or sitting for extended periods, can strain the soft tissues recovering from surgery. Post-surgery recovery typically includes a strict daily routine that shouldn’t be disrupted in the early weeks. It’s essential to focus on rest and healing before considering travel or driving.

How Do I Check if I’m Ready to Drive?

To assess if you’re ready to drive after a hip or knee replacement, start by gently testing the foot pedals in your stationary car with the engine off. This will help you gauge whether your joint mobility and strength are sufficient for driving.

If you feel immediate pain or experience lingering discomfort for hours afterwards, it’s best to delay driving and allow more time for recovery. Driving while in pain or with limited mobility could compromise your safety and the safety of others.

It’s also critical to inform your car insurance provider about your surgery. Some policies may have restrictions on cover for a certain period after a medical procedure. Check your policy carefully to ensure you’re aware of any limitations.

Lastly, always consult your GP or medical specialist for advice. They can assess your recovery progress and advise you on when it’s safe to drive—or even ride as a passenger—after a hip or knee replacement.

When Can I Fly After My Hip or Knee Replacement?

The NHS advises that you should wait three months before flying after undergoing hip or knee replacement surgery.

Remember that long-haul air travel can significantly increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) if you’ve recently had a hip or knee replacement. The best course of action is to speak to your doctor. They can recommend strategies to reduce your risk, such as gentle leg exercises, taking short walks on the aircraft, and wearing compression stockings during the flight.

READ MORE: Why Do We Wear Flight Socks?

It’s also wise to inform your airline in advance about your recent surgery. This allows them to provide extra accommodations, such as pillows for support, seating adjustments for more legroom, or ensuring you’re seated in a place where it’s easier to move around. Additionally, consider packing light or using luggage services to avoid lifting or carrying heavy bags, which could strain your hip or knee.

Once you’ve arrived at your destination, plan activities that match your current mobility levels. Choose shorter sightseeing trips, take frequent breaks, and listen to your body to avoid overexertion. With some preparation and the right support, you can enjoy a comfortable and rewarding holiday after surgery.

Sport and Exercise After a Hip or Knee Replacement

If you want to enjoy any outdoor activities whilst on holiday (such as canoeing or hiking) these can all, be managed the same way as before – but remember you should get advice from your doctor or physiotherapist, especially if you have had the operation recently.

Exercise After a Hip Replacement

Most surgeons strongly advise against jogging or running on hard surfaces after a hip replacement. The repetitive impact can lead to long-term damage and accelerated wear on the joint.

If you’re set on incorporating short, gentle runs into your exercise routine, it’s still possible, but keep in mind that running significantly increases wear and tear compared to low-impact activities.

Options like cycling and swimming are generally considered excellent forms of exercise post-hip replacement, particularly for individuals with limited mobility. However, cycling should typically be avoided until around 12 weeks after surgery to allow for proper healing.

On the other hand, high-impact activities, such as running on hard surfaces or playing sports with sudden turns or impacts—like squash or tennis—are not recommended due to the strain they place on the joint.

As always, consult your GP or physiotherapist for personalised advice and guidance on what exercises are safe and suitable for your recovery.

Skiing After a Hip Replacement

Skiing after hip replacement surgery is unfortunately not recommended. This is due to the high-impact nature of this activity on joints and the high risk of injury whilst on ski slopes.

Of course, you can ski at your own risk once you have made a full recovery, however damage to the actual replacement itself whilst skiing can be complicated – and many insurers may not be able to provide you with cover if you intend on going on an overseas ski trip having undergone hip replacement surgery.

Exercise After a Knee Replacement

Knee replacement surgery is a transformative procedure designed to enhance your quality of life by improving mobility and reducing pain. Far from limiting your ability to stay active, it encourages participation in sports and exercise, which play a vital role in strengthening muscles, maintaining joint flexibility, and boosting overall health.

According to the NHS, most patients can stop using walking aids and resume normal leisure activities approximately six weeks after surgery, depending on their recovery progress. However, recovery timelines vary, so it’s crucial to follow the guidance of your healthcare provider to ensure a safe return to activity.

Low-impact activities such as swimming or cycling are far more suitable. These exercises are gentle on the joints while offering excellent cardiovascular and muscular benefits. That said, not all forms of swimming are ideal. Breaststroke, for instance, may place undue stress on the knee joint and is best avoided. Consulting with your physiotherapist or healthcare professional is essential to identify the exercises best suited to your recovery and individual needs.

What Can’t I Do After a Hip or Knee Replacement?

After a hip or knee replacement, making sure you closely follow your surgeon's and physiotherapist's advice, is crucial for a smooth recovery and ensuring the long-term health of your new joint.

Hip Replacement

The NHS states that in order to look after your new hip in the best possible way you must:

• Avoid bending your hip at a right angle (90°) where possible.
• Avoid any activities that require a twisting motion.
• Avoid swivelling on the balls of your feet.
• Avoid laying on the side of the wound or applying any sort of pressure to it in the hours and days following surgery.
• Avoid crossing your legs over one another.
• Avoid low chairs and toilet seats (you can get raised toilet seats courtesy of the NHS).
• Avoid activity in the aftermath of surgery and avoid high-impact sports altogether.

Hip replacement surgery recovery time for partaking in different activities varies – but the table below summarises this in a simpler format for you. Always consult your doctor or physiotherapist for personalised guidance and approval before resuming any activities.

Knee Replacement

The NHS states that to look after your new knee in the best possible way you must:

• Avoid kneeling or applying pressure directly to your knee.
• Avoid twisting or pivoting on your operated knee.
• Avoid low chairs and furniture that may strain your knee when sitting or standing up.
• Avoid crossing your legs.
• Avoid high-impact activities, such as running or jumping, especially in the weeks and months following surgery.
• Avoid overexerting yourself and ensure gradual progress with physiotherapy exercises as guided by your healthcare provider.

Always consult your doctor or physiotherapist for personalised guidance and approval before resuming any activities.

Getting Travel Insurance After a Hip or Knee Replacement

Travelling after a hip or knee replacement can be an exciting opportunity to enjoy new experiences and regain a sense of normalcy. Obtaining travel insurance after joint replacement surgery may require some additional considerations, but with the right preparation, you can secure the protection you need for peace of mind during your trip.

Do I Need Travel Insurance?

After undergoing a hip or knee replacement, obtaining travel insurance is highly recommended. While this type of surgery is common and recovery is usually straightforward, it is essential to ensure you are covered in case of any unexpected complications during your trip. Travel insurance provides peace of mind, covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or disruptions related to your surgery.

Some providers may view joint replacement as a pre-existing condition, so it's important to disclose your medical history fully when applying for cover. Always check the policy details carefully to confirm that your specific needs are addressed.

READ MORE: Do I Need Travel Insurance?

Do I Need to Tell You About My Hip or Knee Surgery?

Yes, it is crucial to inform your travel insurance provider about your hip or knee surgery. When getting a quote with us, you will be required to disclose your medical history, to ensure that the quotes we provide you, are accurate and avoid complications in the event of a claim. Insurance providers typically require information about any recent surgeries, including the type of procedure and your recovery progress.

READ MORE: Medical Screening

If you fail to declare your surgery, your insurance may not cover medical costs or other related issues if they arise during your trip. Honesty helps ensure you have the protection you need and prevents any unwelcome surprises. Always consult with your provider to clarify what information is necessary and confirm that your policy meets all your requirements.

Travelling after a hip or knee replacement should be enjoyable and stress-free, and having the right insurance is essential. Make sure to declare your medical condition and review your policy carefully so you can travel with confidence, knowing you're fully covered.

With proper preparation, you can focus on making memories and enjoying your trip without worries. If you have any questions about your policy, our team is here to help. Safe travels!

You can find out more about how to tell us about your health condition in this guide here.