Is it ok to run after a hip replacement?

Bones, joints and muscles
1

One specialist stated absolutely not, however I see there are support groups for people who have had hip replacements and have taken up running again. 

2

Hi Kidape

I was an enthusiastic runner (no good but enjoyed it) and one of the downsides for me post THR was my surgeon emphatically told me 'No more running - ever!' 

The explanation I received was, that owing to my age (I'm in my mid 50s) and the expected life span of the new joint being between 15 and 20 years - I will have to have a revision in my 70s if I treat the new hip with respect and not subject it to lots of heavy impact (i.e. running) and a lot sooner if I don't.

Apparently the revision is a lot more complicated than actually doing a replacement.

3

Thank and I guess it does make sense. Disappointing but what can you do, how old were you when you got your THR?

4

what is the difference between a revision and replacement? Isn't I your second one a complete new replacement as well?

5

It is technically more difficult. If a complete replacement the stem that has been hammered down inside the bone has to be removed before being replaced, this is different from sawing the original   bone to remove the femoral head. Some replacements only involve the socket

6

Dear Kidape

I will be blunt. If you want your new hip to last you will not run period. Mine lasted me for twenty years of hard physical work working often fifteen hour days but my running was limited to crossing roads when traffic suddenly appeared!

Gold luck Richard

7

Dear Maggie

My revision after my original one wore out after twenty years involved a new ball and new ply and holder. The surgery took less than an hour but they expected it to take longer as the stem was still well fixed and did not need to be replaced.

My recovery has been good on both occasions I'm happy to say.

Cheers Richard

8

Kidape

I don't remember what advice I was given but I never felt 100% about running after my hip replacement. I have always cycled a bit and took up cycling more regularly. You get the same benefits of running as you are getting exercise in the open air with a chance to look at the scenery but without the impact.

I'm sure some people do continue running but the new joint is likely to wear our sooner. And remember the stem is wedged or cemented into your femur. Every time you take a running stride you are banging down on it.

Mike

9

Dear Michael

I found that swimming is great exercise though I've only taken it up quite recently.

Cheers Richard

10

Hi Kidape, some people do run post hip op, but my surgeon said he didn't want me running any more. (Running for a bus is ok though!) Too much stress on the joint I suppose.

I cycle to work, and I swim breaststroke leg kick, was swimming in the sea today. He's also fine with skiing. (Snow, not water.)

I felt disappointed about the running, but I suppose what I'm saying is that there are plenty of other things that I can do.

11

Dear Judith

One has only to read another thread running at the moment whee the poster thought they could carry on running only to discover that they then had to face a dire situation.

IMO it is very foolhardy even foolish to run or do anything that causes impact to ones new joint when the danger are so well known.

Cheers Richard

12

My Surgeon said to run as far and fast as I want. But be prepared to get a resurface in no time at all.  I just walk and walk. If I need to get someplace. Fast, I drive 

13

Dear Steve

You are being very sensible mind you you are doing a surgeon out of some work in the future!

Cheers Richard

14

My Surgeon is almost 75. Have a feeling I will have to find another great one within the next 20 years. 😀 

15

Richard

I like swimming in the sea but find doing lengths in a pool really boring. Years ago i used to take my daughter and a friend to swimming training before school. In the winter I'd swim but once it was light I prerred running. I've borrowed an exercise bike now and that is also rather boring. Did 20 mins yesterday - certainly helping get some muscle back into.my legs.

Cheers

Mike

16

But Michael around the coast of the UK the water is soooo cold!

Cheers Richard

17

Once you get in it's usually ok Richard!

18

Thanks Judith....only trouble is I'm a wimp and hate cold water!

Cheers Richard

19

Alright no running  for me! I used to laugh at People during aquavit but looks like I will be joining them ! Haha

20

Richard

How true. I haven't swum in UK waters since I was a child, But I lived in Portugal for 5 years and swam a lot there.

Mike