Welcome to Hiprunner

Hip Brother Tom

My name is Hip Brother Tom.  I am a runner.  I had a hip replacement in January of 2012.   A month prior to my surgery, I started this blog to share my experience with anyone who might be facing the same fate down the road.  I wanted to show my weekly recovery progress and hopeful return to running.  Hence the name…hiprunner.com.  As time has passed, I have opened this site to others who wanted to share their experiences.  There is even a Hip Runners forum now.  We are the Hip Runner’s Club.  But it isn’t just about hips.  In February of 2018, I also had a partial knee replacement.  This site serves as a community of individuals of hip and knee replacements who are seeking advice on running again.    If you find yourself getting a hip replacement or a knee replacement, and would like to become a member of the Hip Runner’s Club, we would love to have you share your story on this blog.  Click here to become a member.… (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)

Hello everyone!

Gregorymf

I recently had a long awaited THR for my left hip on June 26th.  Healing has been going really well and post op X-rays on July 22nd looked solid.  I previous to my slow down in running and the realization that I would need a hip replacement in 2023, I was quite active in the trail ultra running community in Southern California.  I truly enjoyed all of my trail running adventures and the community that I found.  My last ultra running event attempt in Idaho (IMTUF 100) in 2021 was a DNF, and it was after this race attempt that the hip pain really became apparent.  I continued with running up until about late summer of 2022, at which point the running was too painful.  I continued with hiking as I was able to and I was scheduled to get my surgery in June of 2025; however, life events (like moving cross country and losing my health benefits in May of 2025) prevented me from getting my surgery until this past June.

I was walking around crutches/cane free about day 3 and went for my first outdoor walk on July 6th.  It was a nice and easy, flat walk of 1.9 miles.  (All of my walks/hikes since my surgery are on my Strava account).  Since then I have slowly increased my walking distance and I have started to introduce some trail, uneven, and incline conditions.  Today was my most intensive hike of 5 miles on the AT with some good incline and uneven terrain.  I have zero pain in my repaired hip.  I have been working on reestablishing a normal gait to undo the limp that had developed over the course of a year and a half of chronic pain in the old hip.  Overall, I feel great.  The hardest thing for me is to have the patience and discipline to not rush back into running too quickly and to allow everything to heal well.  This is my time to work on my core strength and other areas that will improve my running when I do get back to it.… (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)

Questions in advance of Hip replacement

willhoft

Hello,

New to the forum, I’m tentatively scheduled for a hip replacement in October of this year.  My surgeon is very experienced in hip replacements, says he has dealt with runners before, but I am looking to get some insight on which options of hip replacement historically are best for runners.  Here’s where I’m at now, I’m hoping to come back to at least this level.

– 67 year old male, putting in about 10 miles a week practice running, with races mostly at the 5 and 10k distance, but some longer distance races up to 1 or 2 half marathons a year.

– Right hip is severely arthritic, left is moderate.  The right is increasing in stiffness and pain and is scheduled to be replaced in October using an anterior approach.

– I have questions on which options are best for a runner.  For instance, while my surgeon uses Ceramic, is Ceramic on Ceramic better?  Ceramic on Polyethylene?  Cemented or non-cemented?

– My surgeon does not generally prescribe PT, but I’m thinking this should be part of the recovery, especially for someone who plans on doing more than just walking on the replacement.  Any feedback on post operative exercise routine?

I’d like to go back to the surgeon with some informed background, see whether he’s really the right choice for my hip replacement.  All indications are that he’s a good surgeon, but I’d like to be sure that the procedure and follow up fit my particular needs.  Thanks in advance.… (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)

Endurance Junkie: 13 Months Post Left THR (CC/P/U)

PhilH

Hello All,

Delighted to join this fantastic community and soak up your wisdom, warnings and inspirational tales.

I’m a former competitive endurance athlete.  The longer the better!  I’ve done Ironmans, road running and ocean rows.  But my absolute love is running.  Was solid at 13.1 (1hr 20) and 26.2 (2hr 50), but much better at long trail ultras, normally podiuming at 50K to 100 miles.  Last serious race was a win at Chester 100 miler in 2024.  At which point, my left hip was declining quickly

Family history of arthritic hips, with my sister having a THR aged 44.  Aged 45, I decided to go for it in June 2025.  Whilst I could still exercise (uncomfortably), running once a week was no longer fun, and I couldn’t sleep through the night without pain.

Operation went well and initial recovery was steady (UK NHS).  I invested in private sports physio (with physio not provided by NHS).  Lots of band work, strength and resistance training.  Might have hit the turbo training too hard and too soon (week 3), but it’s difficult to know with an experiment of 1.

Started very, very gentle jogging after about 12 weeks.  Progressed slowly up to approximately 10k single runs by the end of 2025.  At this point there was no pain, but the joint didn’t feel 100% natural, and there was a clear strength imbalance.

Set myself a goal of running a sub 20 5K and a 50K trail race in 2026.  This is where competitive stupidity set in.  Started doing my local park run in January.  Initially 24mins, then 23, then 22, then…ouch.  Hip started hurting after 2K and I decided to push through.  Finished and limped  very heavilyt to the car.  This was the end of Jan!

Following my idiocy, I had to take a good month off running, focusing instead on weights and turbo.  The set back to running was considerable and I needed to work back up very steadily.  Fortunately I’ve had an English channel swim relay to distract me (completed last weekend).

In the last few weeks (12-13 months post THR) … (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)

Metatarsalgia better

ChristopherKelsall

Last time I posted, I wined, complained and pontificated about the nuisance of metatarsalgia. I tried several things, and the one change that made the tootsies all better was bigger shoes. I now have about 10-12 pairs of shoes, one size up, from 9 to 10. That is all. And also, I have given Altra’s a fair shake.

Three different Altras, all good with the wide toe box, not much heel drop and hit and miss aesthetics. Hey, can’t have it all.

Taupe is gross, though.

Anyone read my humour column over at Substack? The latest one is about a Jack Russell Terrier named Terry. https://open.substack.com/pub/christopherkelsall/p/how-to-rescue-a-meat-missile-the?r=2ibwx&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

Anyway, starting to ramp up the summer mileage, after about 10 months of 30-50kms; ugh. Had an 80km week (50 miles), should repeat that. Then for the third week in a row, maybe more than that, then a down week if I need it.

Oh, also had left side issues (opposite side of THR), I believe, because I favour the left side unconsciously. All down the leg, expressing itself from the glute on down, getting better too.

It is important not to run while unconscious.

Cheers,

C… (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)

Looking for a good Ceramic on Ceramic Total Hip Replacement (NOT HIP RESURFACING) surgeon in America. Also have other questions.

crabcrawler

Reposting old question.  Did not get much response from my first post.  I don’t know what kind of THR everyone is using for long distance running and heavy weightlifting.  I think ceramic on ceramic is best due to minimal wear particles from a long run.   Not sure about heaving lifting.   Feel free to comment.

 

Thank you.… (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)

Biomechanics of sporting manouvres in hip replacement

bl19622@essex.ac.uk
Hi all,
I am Bernard from the University of Essex.
More than a year ago, I posted an advert looking for participants with a hip/knee replacement in the UK who are participating in high-impact sports. We have collected the data and are in the process of doing a series of analysis.
This is the first part, which we have submitted for peer review to a scientific journal. The image below is an infographic summarising the main findings of the paper. I thought it was useful for the community. The link to the paper can be found on the QR code. Please note, that the paper is an early preprint version that has not yet been peer reviewed, and may change.
Regards,
Bernard (bl19622@essex.ac.uk)
… (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)

Forgot to add title. This is the title. Tada!

ChristopherKelsall

It has been some time since I have posted here. This summer I had about a six-week period with 50-60 miles per week or 80-100 kms.

Then metatarsalgia set in. So, went down to half that.

Three or four months later, I find out what the issue is and the solution.

Bigger and wider shoes. Give the toesy-woesies room to splay.

I am on the mend and much better. But it is interesting as friends ask me, “How is the foot coming?” Always the same answer, “very slow improvement, but improvement, nevertheless.”

It’s like .001 % better after each run. I doth exaggerate, but not that much.

Today, I ran to work (13.31 kms). Meaning, I have to run back home, too. So, having that confidence is a big deal.

I ran Tuesday night with my Tuesday night group (we have beers after). And, I was surprised I ran with them the entire time and faster than I have in six months. Not fast or anything, but faster. So, down to 5:20/km for stretches. So, this is all good news.

I am nine years into this hip. I am days away from turning 60, you wouldn’t know it by looking at me, but yeah….okay, you’d know it.

Seeking senior discount opportunities.

Might go to Mexico coming up, go about every three years. Get baked.

That’s where my discount will be, uncastrated male boar burritoes and cervesa.

Hola!… (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)

Dave – 15 years post THR, 65 years old, 43 minute 10K (almost) after 28 months injury layoff

Dave Whiteside
Last month I celebrated my 15 year hip replacement, finishing the year with 1,440 miles. Less than half my highest mileage post op but better than last year. I haven’t posted for a couple of years due to an injury, not so much with my actual hip, but the muscles that they severed to do the posterior replacement. A couple of times I thought I had shaken it off only to have another setback a couple of months later halting my progress.
I know I should do strength training but I love running so much that I never set any time for it and just keep running, preventing my injury from recovering and putting more stress on me without building strength. So a year last September I joined a gym, however progress was short lived as 3 weeks later our house was hit by Hurricane Helene and we had to move out of our house for 5 months as it was put back together. March and April I started running well again and was preparing to run the Pinellas Trail Challenge, a 46 mile race in the Florida heat in the peak of summer. However by May my muscle injury had returned and prevented any real training until August so I couldn’t race. Since then I’ve been going to the gym once a week and just doing leg exercises for about 40 minutes, and running the other 5 or 6 days. I haven’t been running as far and at the weekends rather than running for 2 to 3 hours each day it was more like 90 minutes. I think I’ve lost the desire to run ultra’s, or at least I’ve come to the realization that maybe all the training associated with it to compete at a high level is too much for my body. So I’ve been comfortable and just tried to keep healthy and running as that gives me so much pleasure.
October came and I set my goal on running the Rome marathon in March 2026, so I started to increase my distance and intensity a little and
… (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)

First-race post 2nd THR

WedgeC

Well I ran my first race yesterday since my right THR on Aug. 28 of this year; a 6-hr. Trail race on a 3.3 mile loop… run as many as you can in 6 hrs…. I made 9 loops in 5 hrs. 39 min. and the most important news to report is no hip pain!  I had my left hip THR’d 5 years ago and as I have posted here before, many good races with no replaced-hip discomfort!

So I post today to reiterate to the group: listen to trusted and sound medical advice but believe in your mind-body perceptions and connections and never underestimate what you are capable of!!!  It is likely far-less than what you currently believe!

 … (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)

New Hip, New Me?

macwep@gmail.com

Hello!

I am a 38 year old runner and just had a THR on my left hip on Wednesday, Nov. 5th. I am feeling good in the healing process, but mostly anxious to feel the phantom hip that I have read about.

Previous to the hip issues I was a sub 3hr marathoner and sub 36 minute 10k runner. I don’t know if I can do those speeds or distances again, but I would rather build the health benefits associated with endurance running and require a revision later, than to simply accept limitations (this is probably the hubris of youth).

Mostly posting here to say hello and join the community. I have been recording videos of myself walking each day post surgery, which will be fun to look back on.

Love that this community exists and appreciate all the knowledge I have gained from reading posts.

Vamos Hip Runners!… (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)

Ironman done!

IanPW

It’s 12 years since my left full hip replacement and 2 weeks ago I fulfilled one of my dreams of completing a full Ironman in Italy. I’m 66
I slowly came back to running about a year after surgery and then 6 years ago did a sprint triathlon. Then over the next 4 years I did four 70.3 Ironman triathlons.
I have never had pain or discomfort when doing any of the disciplines of swim, bike run. My belief is that the mixed training has helped me, and I have strengthened my hip area throughout.
Also my training plan kept my running down to a max of 30k and usually a lot less.
My plan is to carry on, as I’m the fittest I’ve ever been and it feels great.
Next year I’ve entered the London T100 triathlon and I shall probably do another full Ironman in 2027.… (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)

Newish Replacement- Marathon?

JC

Hello fellow running enthusiasts,

I’m new to this group. My THR (anterior) was in February 2025. I started some light walk/running in July. I am signed up for the Tokyo Marathon in March 2026. I am going to see how things go in terms of training, with a run/walk plan.

I am 65 years old. Prior to surgery I was a longtime endurance athlete. I started running at 20 and ran consistently major injury free for about 45 straight years. This included between 50-60 marathons (including 18 consecutive Bostons, until 2022), countless 5ks etc. My speed was consistent through the years and then, rather suddenly, my hip was done in late 2024.

My surgeon said the ONLY activity on the “no” list is running (in fact he took it a step further and told me to stay away from websites that encourage me). I probed this admonishment a bit. For example, I asked if I could walk/hike without limitation. He said yes. So then I asked what the difference between hiking 20 miles and running a 10K might be to the hip. He said it was the momentary gliding and striking motion or running that concerned him. I then asked if there was any medical evidence supporting the claim that running will wear out the latest hip materials, and he said no. He implied it was common sense.(I do understand how difficult a longitudinal study would be in this context).

My doc’s advice felt a bit conservative and conventional. On the other hand, I certainly do not want to do anything that will have significant impact on the hip’s longevity either. I do think the fact that I was a competitive runner before, helps my ability to run post-hip surgery.

In any event, I plan to train with a run/walk program. Eg. 90 seconds running and 30 walking (I’m trying different formulas). Time or Boston qualifying is not a goal for me, clearly— and I’m completely fine with that. I will be happy to do be out there doling what I love. I plan to only run twice a week, … (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)

Struggling a little…

WedgeC

Well I’m doing ok 10 days post op… but not as well as I hoped for.

I believe I have pushed too hard on my walking and not focusing as much on the economy of my walking Ands some of the Basic movement and mobility exercises … the US medical system has a knack for getting the procedure (and your money) but not so much for the wellness concept following the procedure.  I have had a decent level of soreness in my IT band and outer quad too… I believe as a compensation for my inner quad that was moved for the anterior approach on the surgery.

So I am a little discouraged but taking it day by day and regrouping, strategically and consulting with a couple different physical therapists as to what I am feeling.  The good news is at this point no significant complications from the procedure and no infection.

I will keep the group apprised as to progress.… (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)

2nd one done!

WedgeC

Seventy-Two hours ago I had my right THR via anterior approach and am very, very, happy and thankful that I am doing quite well!  About four years and nine months ago, I had my left THR via lateral approach done with much success… The change in approach was due to different surgeons’ preferences; though they worked in The same orthopedic office (my surgeon retired), and I have heard that the anterior approach is “easier” to recover from.

I am happy to say that the walker has been pretty much put away other than those first 20 steps in the morning as a precaution and no use of a cane.  I walked 1.2 miles yesterday in a blistering 31 minutes 😂 and today went 1.75 miles at a “faster” 26 minutes per mile pace  😂   Humbling isn’t really the word; Thankfulness and optimism for no pain and the ability was to be active the rest of my years is how I see it.  For clarification, I am in pain from the incision and the muscle re-orientation; I am looking forward to No hip joint pain 🙂

Of course I want to make those pie in the sky running goals but for right now, Walking 2 miles in 45 minutes sounds about right!!!  Day by day 🙂
I will keep the group apprised of my progress!… (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)

Another one coming…

WedgeC

Hello fellow Hipsters and 4 years and 9 months following my left THR, I am having my right THR done.  The pain, stiffness, localized muscular “lock-down” and all associated with arthritis of the hip – and of course with orthopedic approval / directive, have focused my mind that it is time.

As some readers may recall, I had great success following my first THR as I was able to return to sub-20 minute 5K, 2:34-800m and 5:24 1500m times so I am prayerful and have optimism to return to running well again.  I will start with my first goal now: walk un-assisted around my neighborhood (about 3/4 mile) on Day 1.

Note I had a posterior approach on the first one but have been convinced that an anterior approach will be better on the 2nd.  Pray for no complications, namely no femural fractures nor surgical site infections.  I will stay in touch with the group and blog as to my recovery and progress.

I will once again state my thankfulness for this group and to hip brother Tom for creating it. It has given hope to myself to continue our passion of running and all physical pursuits, despite the fake joints 🙂  I have and will continue to pay this optimism forward 👍🏻💪🏽… (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)

Iliac crest pain

seanm

Has anyone had any issues with iliac crest pain (the bone on top of your pelvis which you can feel on your side). I had left THR surgery in January 2024. My recovery was going well, and I was doing runs a few times a week, with a 5 mile run being the longest. I started feeling something unusual in that area on the THR side, and then did a 5k race in April which probably made it worse. I backed off and stopped running for a few weeks until the pain went away, started again and it came back so now I have stopped again for almost a month, but I still feel it now and again. I’m just doing biking now.

I’m chalking this up to just a normal running overuse injury and working on stretching and strengthening the area. But just wondering if anyone has had a similar issue or any advice.

Thanks!

 … (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)

Running and THR

blackdogranch

58 years old men and 9 months recovered from THR

I’m active fit individual (165 lbs) and have slowly started back into jogging – about 10 miles a day @ ~10 min pace (mostly on soft gravel surface and with very cushioned shoes).

My surgeon didn’t discourage me from running other than the typical vague concerns about possible effect on hip longevity.

I get that there’s little data on longevity on newer hips.  But wondering if anyone here has obtained any data on impact of jogging / running and are there runners here that have been running for a decade + on THR.

Is impact of jogging that much worse than walking (I could be 200 lbs for example).

My train of thought is that my hip will most likely not last my lifetime so if I need a revision anyway – why avoid running.  Run (within reason) and shorten the life of the hip some.   Of course if running shortens the life of the hip to 10 years and I’m looking at 2 or 3 revisions instead of 1 – then I may say running is not worth it.   If it shortens it to 17 years – then I’m good with that…

For now I’m sticking to roughly 10 miles a day of jogging.  Any thoughts / advice would be appreciated.… (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)

Second hip replacement

Coddfish

I first joined this site in late 2021 following a right hip replacement. I was keen to return to running but despite the support of my surgeon, encountered a lot of negativity. I did make a good return, but 6 months later, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I thought I would be able to smoothLy return to running following surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but then discovered I had liver metastasis. More treatment followed, plus complications from treatment. Essentially I haven’t been able to run in any significant way since early 2022. Making my way out of treatment and recovery (the cancer is in remission) I find myself back where I started needing my left hip replaced. Surgery is scheduled for May 17th, and I hope to be back a few months down the line.… (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)

Retained foreign object in hip joint capsule

Kelly

Hello, Hiprunners!

I posted on this site in 2017/2018 prior to a left total hip replacement at age 41.  I had a very difficult recovery with inexplicable intractable pain lasting 18+ months before I stopped posting.  Years after surgery – after I had deteriorated to complete immobility – an outside surgeon discovered that I had a 1/2″ x 1/2″ piece of retained foreign plastic left in my artificial hip joint capsule during the original surgery.  My operated leg had also been made 1/2″ too long during the original surgery.  I have permanent pain and permanent nerve damage as a result of the retained foreign plastic.  The plastic was removed during a hip revision, and the other hip was replaced to mitigate the acquired leg length difference from the first surgery (opposite leg made longer).

It’s been a long road, and it’s a sad update, for sure.  I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.  Thank you sincerely for your shares, encouragement and support.  You sharing your healthy stories helped me to not give up and gave me confidence that the symptoms I experienced weren’t normal.

Best wishes to you all, and a special shout out to Tom for creating this wonderful community!

Kelly

 … (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)