Steve Keller

Anyone have shoe recommendations for post THR runner, who has not run since 2010, though surgery was in late 2011? I thought about trying to start running last summer, but didn’t have enough information, or cushy enough shoes.

I have to do it, because riding my bike is not regular enough, with the Portland, OR weather. I am going to try to change my foot plant for the THR leg, to avoid heel planting. What should that tell me about how absorptive, or cushy, the shoes should be? If you have had experience with different brands/models, please share.

Thanks,

Steve Keller

Hey all~

I am very impressed with this site, its mission and the level of activity/viewership!!

I am also extremely happy to have found this resource to educate myself about the pros and cons of running after a Total Hip Replacement, having had one in December, 2011, at age 50. My surgeon was pretty adamant that I should never consider running, or even jogging, as part of a cardio-fitness regimen, because it would shorten the life of the hardware, requiring replacement, or “revision”, as I have heard it called.

I had run for most of my life, sometimes five/six days a week, sometimes only a couple, but I have also been cycling, playing tennis, or inline skating. Now, I just bike a few days a week, tennis a couple and walk my MinPin 75 mins a day. I run short dashes with my dog, Eddy, because he loves running, but has no interest in playing with other dogs or chasing a ball.

Running for 30 yd. bursts feels great, and I never have any pain in my hip when playing tennis with my partner, Beth. Prior to surgery in 2010-2011, she would occasionally have to traction my leg, on the court, because of the bone-on-bone pain I had to deal with.

I would love to be able to run again, for weight control and general psychological well-being. I will read the Hiprunner reports, and start out slow, on grass (mostly) and short-distances…maybe 1/4 mile, walk, 1/4 mile, walk…or something like that. I would appreciate input about that “running will shorten hardware lifespan” thing I mentioned.

Almost forgot to mention, but 3 months post-surgery, just a few days before the target date the doc gave me for riding on the road, I went for a spin around my neighborhood and had no problems. Two days later, I was going to ride to my “gym”, and in getting on the bike and throwing my right leg over the seat, I had a wardrobe malfunction, probably because I had limited mobility on that side (the THR was on the right). Short story, long…slow-mo wipe-out to the right, and I fractured my femur. Big pain, but another surgery, 4 metal zip-ties and an added 8″ to my scar, and I have to think that femur is stronger than the other one.

Thanks for reading and I look forward to getting to know people and helping where I can.

Best,
Steve