Running with a hip replacement
If you are a runner with a hip replacement then you may have been warned by your surgeon to steer away from high-impact activities like running. This can be confusing if you've read others advising that it’s OK to run depending on the prosthetic and the state of the surrounding
bone.
This website will discuss how you can give yourself the best shot at returning to running after hip surgery.
Rehab following hip replacement surgery is unique to each runner and there's no way of knowing how your new hip will respond. So if you are intent on running with your hip replacement caution is advised, and patience.
This website will discuss how you can give yourself the best shot at returning to running after hip surgery.
A hip-friendly running style
If your running style jars your legs and hip then you’ll need to change or running after a hip replacement will cause problems. Some forms of running risk loosening the implant or fracturing the stem and can cause wear.Rehab following hip replacement surgery is unique to each runner and there's no way of knowing how your new hip will respond. So if you are intent on running with your hip replacement caution is advised, and patience.
How long will it take before you are able to run on your hip?
That depends. It depends on your hip and it depends on what you call 'running'. You may have seen accounts of runners with hip replacements accomplishing remarkable feats in no time and of others spending long years unable to run at all. In my own case it took about 4 years of slow progress before I was able to run many of my old training routes again. |
| Western States 100 mile endurance run. Note the backpack - I was unable to wear a waste belt due to hip pain which was subsequently identified as advanced osteoarthritis requiring a hip replacement. |
I thought I would never run on my hip
In 1991 I completed the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run with annoying hip and knee pain and sought medical advice. I was suffering advanced osteo-arthritis and a hip replacement was inevitable. My running was over, or so I was told.After careful rehab I searched unsuccessfully for advice that would help me run safely on my hip replacement. Drawing on my experience as a mountain and trail runner I made it up as I went along, learning volumes about running and myself.
My passion for trail running has re-ignited and I am once again venturing into the green hills of New Zealand, running.
I'm hoping this website will be of use if you are in a similar predicament.
