Items to Purchase Before Your Hip Replacement Surgery
What to Purchase Before Hip Replacement Surgery
This page contains your master list of all the items you should purchase before your hip replacement surgery with convenient Amazon links.
Rod’s Top Picks
Having had two hip replacements ten years apart, I have refined my ‘must-have’ accessory list. There are a number of accessories that can facilitate your recovery (as I’ve listed down below for your convenience), but here are a few that will make a major difference in your life that I highly recommend purchasing.
Leg Loop Strap
It will be near impossible for you to get into and out of your car, as well as into and out of your bed without a strap to lift your leg. You won’t have the strength to do so and the pain and discomfort will make it difficult to do without assistance. Definitely purchase one of these prior to your hip replacement surgery!
Rod’s Comments: I needed the leg lifter the very minute I left the hospital and went to get into my car.
Assists Lower Extremity Weakness:
- Designed for individuals with limited lower extremity strength.
- Aids in positioning.
Foot Loop Advantage:
- Foot loop remains open until pulled on.
- Facilitates easier positioning.
High Strength Nylon Webbing:
- Constructed from durable nylon webbing material.
Length:
- Measures 36 inches (91.4 cm) in length.
Rigid Middle Section:
- Features a rigid middle section.
- Enhances maneuverability.
Bathroom Grab Bars
The shower or bathtub will be the most dangerous place in your home after your hip replacement surgery. You need to have grab bars installed. I have links for both permanent and suction grab bars, depending on your needs.
If you are large or unsure of your strength, install the permanent grab bars. Grab bars are required if there is any kind of step, of any size, to gain entry to the shower or tub.
Rod’s Comments: I still use these every day – safety first!
- 2-Pack: Contains two grab bars
- Multiple Lengths: 12 – 32 inch lengths available
- Weight Limit: 500 lbs.
- Brand: Tesuchan
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Item Dimensions: LxWxH 17.68 x 3.46 x 2.83 inches
- Finish Type: Polished
- Brand: Safe-er-Grip
- Material: Plastic
- Color: White/Grey
- Item Weight: 0.9 lbs.
- Weight Limit: 200 lbs.
- Item Dimensions: LxWxH 16.5 x 4 x 3.75 inches
Grabber Stick/Reacher Tool
You will need a grabber stick or reacher tool immediately. You will not be able to put on underpants, shorts, pants, etc., for a while and the grab stick allows you to reach down to your ankles and pull your clothing up. Even when you become proficient at this, budget 2-3 minutes to get your shorts on. Personally, I bought the FTH Stainless Steel Grabber.
Rod’s Comments: I used zip ties to attach the grabber to my crutches so it was always available.
- Size: 38 inches
- Weight: 0.8 lbs.
- Bonus Pack: Contains two grabbers
Rod’s Comments: This grabber is very helpful for reaching heavy objects.
- Multiple Sizes Available: 27-inch, 40-inch, 48-inch, 60-inch
- No Wire: With new ‘NO WIRE’ patented technology, making it more durable
- Various Purposes: BBQ grill tongs, log grabber for fireplace, camping firepit tongs, garden nabber, trash picker, snake tongs, reaching aid for elderly, disabled, or pregnant women
Bidets
Rod’s Comments: If your winter temperatures are 70 and above, this will work. Otherwise, buy the heated option.
- Brand: LUXE Bidet
- Mounting Type: Wall Mount
- Finish Type: Polished
- Material: Plastic
- Colors: White, Rose Gold, Blue
- Included Components: NEO 120 Bidet Attachment
- Handle Type: Knob
- Installation Type: Single Hole
Rod’s Comments: After the removal of pain from my hip, this is the second best thing about a hip replacement.
- Color: White
- Brand: Bio Bidet
- Material: ABS, Stainless Steel Nozzle
- Style: Wireless Remote
- Shape: Round or Elongated
- Product Dimensions: 18.1″L x 15.6″W
- Operation Mode: Automatic
Hip Replacement Master Items List
I’ve sorted the list into helpful categories for your ease and convenience.
Bathroom Safety Items
Slipping and falling are real risks after hip replacement surgery, and the bathroom is a common place for falls. Be sure that you’ve safety-proofed your bathroom before surgery!
Rod’s Comments: I still use these every day – safety first!
- 2-Pack: Contains two grab bars
- Multiple Lengths: 12 – 32 inch lengths available
- Weight Limit: 500 lbs.
- Brand: Tesuchan
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Item Dimensions: LxWxH 17.68 x 3.46 x 2.83 inches
- Finish Type: Polished
Rod’s Comments: Better safe than sorry!
- Size: 40 x 16 inches
- Color: Multiple colors available
- Safety: Non-slip material
- Easy-Clean: Machine washable
- Brand: Safe-er-Grip
- Material: Plastic
- Color: White/Grey
- Item Weight: 0.9 lbs.
- Weight Limit: 200 lbs.
- Item Dimensions: LxWxH 16.5 x 4 x 3.75 inches
- Overall Dimensions: 17.3 x 12.3 x 34 inches
- Weight Limit: 300 lbs.
- Stable: Wide legs provide additional stability
- Multipurpose Use: Bed step, stair lift, or stool for high beds, tubs, showers, vehicles, and cabinets
Rod’s Comments: Better safe than sorry!
- Adjustable Handle: 35.2 – 39.2 inches
- Weight: 9.5 lbs.
- Weight Limit: 350 lbs.
- Safe: Non-slip texture to prevent falls
Rod’s Comments: This makes sure you don’t dislodge your hip replacement while on the toilet.
- Brand: Essential Medical Supply
- Material: Plastic, Metal
- Color: White
- Item Weight: 3.5 lbs.
- Item Dimensions: LxWxH 19.5 x 14 x 3.5 inches
Bidets
Forget about leaning over to wipe for a while after your hip replacement surgery! Thankfully, bidets are available — many for affordable prices and with easy installations.
Rod’s Comments: If your winter temperatures are 70 and above, this will work. Otherwise, buy the heated option.
- Brand: LUXE Bidet
- Mounting Type: Wall Mount
- Finish Type: Polished
- Material: Plastic
- Colors: White, Rose Gold, Blue
- Included Components: NEO 120 Bidet Attachment
- Handle Type: Knob
- Installation Type: Single Hole
Rod’s Comments: After the removal of pain from my hip, this is the second best thing about a hip replacement.
- Color: White
- Brand: Bio Bidet
- Material: ABS, Stainless Steel Nozzle
- Style: Wireless Remote
- Shape: Round or Elongated
- Product Dimensions: 18.1″L x 15.6″W
- Operation Mode: Automatic
Constipation Aids
As I mentioned in my book, constipation is the most common post-surgery side effect. I recommend prune juice to help relieve constipation.
Rod’s Comments: This will offset the anesthesia side-effect of constipation.
- Prune juice is derived from dried plums, also known as prunes.
- It is a natural source of dietary fiber and various nutrients.
- Prune juice is commonly consumed for its potential digestive benefits.
- The juice is known for its mildly sweet flavor with a hint of tartness.
- It can be consumed on its own or mixed with other beverages.
Depends
I vaguely recall one of my older neighbors from a few years ago talking about their hip replacement. He commented on the distance from their bed in the master bedroom to the toilet in the master bath. I remember his wife saying, “Thank God we have tile floors in them!” She let out a brief chuckle, and then looked away. Better to have them and not need them than need them and not have them!
- Brand: Depend
- Sizes: S-XL
- Color: Grey
- Incontinence Protector Type: Adult Incontinence Underwear
- Age Range (Description): Adult
- Brand: Depend
- Color: Blush
- Sizes: S-XXL
- Incontinence Protector Type: Adult Incontinence Underwear
- Age Range (Description): Adult
Folding Walkers
Folding walkers are excellent mobility aids for when you go out and about after your hip replacement surgery. They fold up, making them easier to put in the car and take with you.
- Brand: Drive Medical
- Color: Silver
- Material: Aluminum
- Item Weight: 7.5 lbs.
- Weight Limit: 350 lbs.
- Item Dimensions: LxWxH 17.5 x 24 x 32 inches
- Brand: OasisSpace
- Material: Aluminum
- Item Weight: 7.74 lbs.
- Weight Limit: 350 lbs.
- Item Dimensions: LxWxH 18.11 x 4.41 x 27.56 inches
- Age Range: Adult, Senior
Grabbers & Reachers
Mobility will be difficult following your hip replacement surgery, so having grabbers or reachers handy will assist you in reaching items.
Rod’s Comments: I used zip ties to attach the grabber to my crutches so it was always available.
- Size: 38 inches
- Weight: 0.8 lbs.
- Bonus Pack: Contains two grabbers
Rod’s Comments: This grabber is very helpful for reaching heavy objects.
- Multiple Sizes Available: 27-inch, 40-inch, 48-inch, 60-inch
- No Wire: With new ‘NO WIRE’ patented technology, making it more durable
- Various Purposes: BBQ grill tongs, log grabber for fireplace, camping firepit tongs, garden nabber, trash picker, snake tongs, reaching aid for elderly, disabled, or pregnant women
Ice Packs
Ice packs can help provide some pain relief both before and after hip replacement surgery.
- Brand: Rester’s Choice
- Size Options: Multiple size variations available
- Age Range (Description): Adult
- Special Feature: Flexible, Reusable
- Brand: REVIX
- Age Range (Description): Adult
- Size: Multiple sizes available
- Special Feature: Reusable
- Brand: NatraCure
- Age Range (Description): Adult
- Size: Multiple sizes available
- Special Feature: Flexible, Reusable
Joint Replacement Kits
Joint replacement kits that contain multiple post-joint replacement items are available, with many containing several of the items I’ve mentioned on this page. It might be cheaper to purchase a joint replacement kit than to purchase each item individually.
Rod’s Comments: You will need every item in this kit.
7-Piece Joint Replacement Kit Includes:
- 2 grabbers
- leg lifter
- long-handle shoe horn
- sock aid
- dressing stick
- long-handle bath sponge
Rod’s Comments: You will need every item in this kit.
Contains 8 different hip/knee replacement aids, including:
- 32-inch grabber tool
- foldable trash grabber
- sock aid
- sturdy shoehorn
- dressing stick kit
- 48-inch leg lifter
- bathing sponge on a stick
- storage bag
Massage Guns
Massage guns are great for helping to relieve pain and loosen up sore muscles. I still use mine every day!
Rod’s Comments: Be sure to buy the ‘Lifetime Warranty’ on the massage gun!
- Power Source: Battery-Powered
- Material: Plastic
- Item Weight: 2.2 lbs.
- Brand: LifePro
Rod’s Comments: Be sure to buy the ‘Lifetime Warranty’ on the massage gun!
- Use for: Whole Body
- Power Source: Battery-Powered
- Material: Metal
- Item Weight: 2.98 lbs.
- Item Dimensions: 11.1” L x 5.6” W x 3.4” H
- Brand: LifePro
Miscellaneous Items
Here are some additional items that you might find beneficial after your hip replacement surgery.
Rod’s Comments: I used this to pull my pants on and to take my socks off.
- Length: 24 inches
- Versatile: Small hook on the end aids in pulling zippers or shoelace loops
- Many Uses: Use for pants, shirts, shoes, socks
- Color: Aluminum
- Brand: DEPSUNNY
- Material: Aluminum, Alloy Steel
- Length: 24-inch, 32-inch
- Recommended Uses For Product: Pedicure
- Blade Edge: Curved
- Product Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 10 inches
- Weight: 1.59 Ounces
- Capacity: 1000cc
- Two Tubes: Includes two 3.5 oz/100 g tubes of Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel for topical arthritis pain relief
- Doctor Recommended: Endorsed as the number 1 doctor-recommended topical pain relief brand
- Clinically Proven: Scientifically demonstrated to relieve arthritis pain, improve mobility, and reduce stiffness, aches, and pains
- Prescription Strength: Provides prescription-strength arthritis pain relief
- Nonsteroidal Gel: Formulated as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory gel
- Combines Benefits: Combines the advantages of both arthritis cream and gel for effective pain management
- Deep Penetration: Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel penetrates deep, targeting arthritis pain at the source, treating it rather than masking it.
Pet Scoopers
After your surgery, bending over is a no-no. Be sure you have extra-length pooper scoopers to pick up after your pet!
- Value Pack: Includes both scooper and rake.
- Durable: Made of rust-resistant metal
- Length: Over 37 inches
- Colors: Multiple colors available, including silver, blue, red, and yellow
- Length: Extendable handle up to 34 inches
- Lightweight: Made of aluminum
- Easy Scooping: 6mm-wide forks to make scooping easier
Rollators (Rolling Walkers)
Rollators (rolling walkers) assist with mobility and will help you during your rehabilitation walks.
- Length: 25.5 inches
- Width: 23.5 inches
- Height: 31 inches
- Height Limits: Supports up to 5’9 comfortably
- Weight: 18.6 lbs.
- Weight Limits: 300 lbs.
- Weight: 19 lbs.
- Weight Limit: 350 lbs.
- Height-Adjustable Grips: 31 – 35 inches
- Compact: Folds for easy storage
- Width: 17.5 inches
- Height: height-adjustable backrest
- Height Limits: Supports users from 4’11 – 6’4
- Weight: 26 lbs.
- Weight Limits: Supports up to 300 lbs.
Shoes & Socks
Since you won’t be able to bend over to tie your shoes or pull up your socks, you’ll need some mobility aids after your hip replacement surgery.
- Assists in putting on shoes.
- Prevents heel counter breakdown.
- Suitable for all shoe types, including boots.
- Gently curved to fit the heel.
- Made of durable metal.
- Length approximately 23 inches.
Rod’s Comments: I needed the leg lifter the very minute I left the hospital and went to get into my car.
- Product Dimensions: 1 x 5.5 x 36 inches
- Product Weight: 6 Pounds
- Durable: Made from durable nylon webbing
- Mobility Aid: Aids in positioning for those with limited lower extremity strength
- Easy to Use: Converts lace-up shoes to slip-ons
- Product Dimensions: 4 x 0.75 x 6 inches
- Product Weight: 0.64 Ounces
- Sizing: Unisex, adult
- Material: Cotton
- Colors: Multiple colors and designs available
- Sizes: Small, Medium, Large
- Safety: Non-slip
- Gain Independence: Aids in independently putting on socks or stockings
- Shell Measurements: 9.5″L X 5″W X 3″H.
- Shell Contours: Soft and flexible shell with contour shape
- Slip-Resistant: Includes slip-resistant foam pad to prevent slipping
Step Stools
Having a step stool will make getting into bed much easier after your hip replacement surgery.
Rod’s Comments: It is a long way up for your feet from the floor to your bed. A step stool will make post-surgery recovery easier.
- Product Dimensions: 1.8″D x 15″W x 10.2″H
- Brand: Jocauto
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Color: Silver, White, Black
- Special Feature: Adjustable Height, Light, Foldable
Rod’s Comments: It is a long way up for your feet from the floor to your bed. A step stool will make post-surgery recovery easier.
- Brand: step2bed
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Style: Illuminated, Portable, Portable Bed
- Product Dimensions: 32″W x 32″H
- Item Weight: 21 lbs.
- Weight Kimit: 400 lbs.
Walker and Crutch Tips
You’ll need some walker accessories to protect your walker’s feet.
Rod’s Comments: Initially, I went through a pair of tips every week.
- Features: Non-slip, heavy-duty, all-terrain
- Width: 3.15 inches
- Height: 2.55 inches
- Colors: Available in black or grey
- Lightweight: 0.43 lbs.
- Floor-Safe: Won’t scratch tiles, wood floors, or carpet
- Easy-to-Use: Just pop the gliders onto your walker!
- Universal Fit: Fits almost all walkers with 1-inch diameter
- Easy to Use: Makes walking with a walker much easier
- 2-Pack: Comes with two glide covers
Walking Sticks
After you graduate from the walker or rollator, walking sticks can help you maintain balance and get around more easily.
Rod’s Comments: I still use these to this very day.
- Colors: Multiple colors available
- Durable: Made of 100% carbon fiber
- Retractable: Ranges from 24 – 55 inches
- Comfortable: With anti-slip cork grips
- Lightweight: Each pole is only 7.6 ounces
Rod’s Comments: I still use these to this very day.
- Interchangeable Tips: Swap out the tips quickly and easily
- Colors: Multiple colors available
- Adjustable Length: From 24.5 – 54 inches
- Comfortable: Anti-slip cork handles
- Multipack: Contains 12 pieces (6 pairs)
- Many Uses: Sports, hiking, trekking, traveling, camping
- Provides Traction: Rubber helps to grip certain terrain