All,
I’m curious if anyone has any experience with competing race walking following a THR. I am searching for a new challenge in 2023 and race walking looks interesting. However, the exaggerated rolling hip motion is a concern. I would appreciate any information or advice.… (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)
Hi all,
I retired at 56 after 40 years at sea (Chief Engineer Officer). I’d always thought I was fit – nah – not even close. I gave up smoking, started cycling and hill walking in Scotland. Along the way I was diagnosed with Hypertension and had a nasty motorbike accident. Medication and activity solved the Hypertension and helped me recover from the accident. At 62 I started running which completely took over my life. Although I entered many events I consider myself as a recreational runner. For years I’ve run with a group of friends on a Sunday morning – breakfast always included somewhere. It is my life. Last year Aug 2021, six of us ran from Dundee to Edinburgh via the Fife Coastal Path – 100 miles – Event Scurry Two Bridges. We ran in relays and I totalled about 30 miles, much of it on soft sand which was brutal. During the event I was suffering from horrendous backache which I’d never had before. The following week I was struggling to walk 200 mtrs. Long story short a trip to the Physio diagnosed limited mobility in my left hip and severe inflammation – possible damaged or worn out hip. At this point I realised that the difficulty I had been experiencing for 18 months, getting on and off my bike from the left hand side was not groin strain at all but my left hip gradually getting worse. Physio’s advice – no more running for you Ian. I was devastated. I sat in the car, parked outside and just broke down. I phoned one of my running pals and instead of sympathy I got was brilliant advice from her – “get it properly diagnosed and if you need a new hip, it could all be sorted by this time next year”. I got recommended to another Physio – Jo McColgan in Forfar ( from the infamous McColgan running family ). I wrote her a letter and she took me on as a regular patient. Jo has kept me going for 12 months, physically and mentally up till … (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)
Hello HipRunners
I’m Sarah, 51 years old, proud owner of a brand new left ceramic/plastic left hip as of 17 Sep 2022. I was – and will be again, I hope – a runner, swimmer, hiker and kick-boxer of middling ability but very great enthusiasm.
My surgeon is great, but very cautious: he advises no exercise AT ALL until beyond the 3 months post-op, and after that nothing high impact. So finding this site, and all you hippy athletes has been a real blessing.
Just over two weeks post-op I’m walking (on easy paths) about 4km each morning – today I went without a crutch and was just fine. My dressing came off yesterday, I reckon I’ll hold off another week before I get in a pool…
This site has made me feel excited about the future. Running may be a little way away right now, but 2023 is looking a lot brighter, now. Thank you all for your amazing, inspirational stories.… (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)
My left hip was replaced bilaterally 11 years ago. I was told I couldn’t run again because my hip would wear out and have to be replaced again
what terrible grief! I do not enjoy walking at all after all those years of long runs I also have never run unless I had a marathon somewhere in my future
I have arthritis in my other hip now so don’t know if running will hurt that I am in PT for it and they want me to keep impact down until we get some strength back in that area
my questions are
has anyone had or heard of someone who has damaged their fake hip with running (I am a jeff Galloway run/walk/run to finish marathon person)
does running seem to help or harm arthritis in hip
As an aside my hip replacement was required because of a bone impingement not from use… (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)
When I received my hip replacement in 2012, I felt that I should stick to shorter runs going forward. Typically I stuck to half marathons and maybe a few 25K’s. Ten years later, the mystique of this mountain and a challenge from a friend, inspired me to run my first ultra around Mount St. Helens. Dubbed, ‘The Bigfoot 40’, the run around this volcano did not disappoint. I grew up in central Washington State when Mount St. Helens erupted. Within a few hours after the May 18th 1980 eruption, our small little town was enveloped in darkness with ash raining down. The darkness would last for more than 24 hours. It was crazy. So to get a chance to experience closely where it all happened, I was super excited.
It also didn’t hurt reading all about fellow HipRunner Dave Whiteside’s ultra running exploits. He is killing it in the ultra distance scene and the hip is still going strong. Armed with that motivation, I started training vigorously as soon as I was able. I spent last year down for the count with multiple consecutive injuries. First their was the hammy strain right at the sit bone. It made running an extreme pain in the butt (literally). Then, last fall while coaching my elementary XC team, I strained my Achilles tendon which set me back until late February. When I was finally able to train in earnest, I was way behind the rest my running group who were also training for this event.
In a moment of weakness and maybe after a few too many beers, my buddy Jack challenged me to finish the race in under 16 hours. I told him, “If i finish in under 16 hours, you need to get me a ‘HipRunner’ belt buckle. Jack agreed.
So last week we loaded into an RV. We chose not to camp because #1 We’re old, and #2 Hobos camp. We left for the mountain a day early to ensure that we would find a good spot in the parking lot close to the starting line. Jack drove ahead of … (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)
Hello HipRunners!!! It has been a while since I posted. On Friday (8/12) I went in for my second THR, 7 1/2 years to the day I had my first one. Undiagnosed dysplasia meant my hips were ticking time bombs and in 2015 the right was the first to go.
Due to the horrible condition of my hip and my (relatively) young age of 42, several surgeons declined my case. I did end up with a dysplasia specialist who used the traditional posterior approach. My result was fantastic and I have been so pleased with the hip (did a 1/2 a couple of years ago) — But, the recovery process was very very tough and slow, much harder than I had anticipated (I’ve written about it here on earlier HR posts).
Fast forward to 2021 and the time had come to start planning for the left hip – it was done. Went with a new surgeon who specialized in anterior approach. While the hip was not as bad as the right it was still fairly challenging.
I knew the anterior approach was an easier recovery; watched the process with my father. Still, I had no idea how much better the recovery would be!!! I am 4 days post op and I am MILES ahead of where I was with the posterior. No heavy meds, just Advil/Tylenol; don’t need walker, sleeping well and feeling strong. I was so dreading getting the second hip done because of the long recovery road the first time.
I know the recovery is a process and I will be patient (I will try!) but I am just so encouraged by my progress at this point had to share with my fellow HipRunners! I know everyone’s experience with each type of approach is different and there are pros and cons to each, but as someone who has now had both approaches just wanted to throw my two cents out there.
Fellow HipRunners, anyone else done both approaches and have any other comments or experiences? Is this a fluke? Am I lucky?
Keep on Keepin’ on everyone!
In June 2020 I had an posterior total hip replacement on my right side. I have written about the recovery process and my race goals….I do triathlons, which for me keeps me interested, learning and healthy now in my mid 60s. I have been an endurance athlete since the time my mom and dad signed me up for swim team practice at the ripe old age of 10. Hundreds of thousands of miles later and many many races I am still at it!
On my new right hip I have now ran 2500 miles, biked 10000 miles and swam 180 miles. Competitions have included two half distance Aqua/bikes, multiple sprint/Olympic distance triathlons and the hilly-wet Atlanta half marathon this past spring. When the doctor X-rayed my right hip yesterday he said everything looked great and was exactly the way it should be….nice and solid in the femor and no signs of wear and tear.
But now it’s time to replace my left hip. I noticed in my training and racing I was starting to drag my foot on my left side and the surrounding muscles and tendons were working overtime to pick it up and move me forward. In a recent 56 mile bike race my quad seized up at 50 miles and told me it was done for the day.
Now this is the reason I am writing this….I could wait another 3 years until I can’t walk, like I did with my right hip. But if I did that I would be close to 70, would lose allot of fitness as it became even more restrictive and try to recover when as we age recovery becomes longer/harder. So why not take a short break now when I am fit, get it fixed and be back on the roads in the spring. Best of all my surgeon told me if I had it done in October, I could be back running in April…..what a guy!
So that’s the plan and between now and surgery the end of October I will be swimming, biking, running a little and certainly racing … (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)
Hi,
This site is a blessing. I am 64 yrs old now. I use to run 7 to 8 miles everyday before having my left side done in 2007. After that surgery I was told that I would never be able to run again, and it was suggested that I take up cycling or swimming. Fast forward, I had my right side done Jan 2021. Completed physical therapy and was completely satisfied with just going swimming, which I do 3 to 4 times a week. I stumble up on this site by mistake and it was just awesome to read about some of the testimonies. Just to know that it is a possibility to run again just sent cold chills through my body. Especially since I was told that I could never run again. Question to anyone that may have a answer. Right now both sides hurts or I feel a discomfort when I walk 2 to 3 blocks. Is that normal or should I reframe from trying to jog at this time.
i had anterior hip April 21. Was told no PT gradually get into it. Every time I walked more than .75 miles TFL swells. It is still mildly swelling at baseline. Started PT 2 weeks ago and massage therapy which is helping. Anyone else have persistent TFL swelling. So frustrating as I was told would be back to normal in 3 months… (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)
Hi fellow hiprunners,
I am 7 weeks out today from my rthr. I have been recovering very quickly- I am 42 and very fit before surgery.
I can do all physical activities-except heavy lifting for legs, abs exercises that stress use of hip flexors too much.
I ran a half mile at week 5. One mile week 6. I am dying to run.
Can anyone provide their journey back to running?
I am nervous to do too much too soon. But, I know my body will tell me.
My hip feels fine during the day. At night I get some leg aches and have trouble sleeping.… (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)
… (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)Hey all. I’m now 9 months out from my THR surgery. Rehearsal to run first week of May ’22. Today I ran 5 miles non-stop for the first time. Slow but steady. It’s coming back and I’m thrilled. No problems, no pain, no issues. It’s awesome to run again. Lost 12 lb of the 33 I gained in my 13 month layoff. 21 to go. My goal is a spring half marathon.
I spoke to a lot of people about their hip replacement recovery. The over-arching theme? Easy peasy, no big deal, etc. So, my expectations about post-op discomfort and immobility were skewed. I believe our bodies adapt to and forget pain quickly which may contribute to rosy descriptions of recovery. This is another reason I want to put my experience in writing before I, too, forget.
The one thing I didn’t receive from any medical personnel is what to expect through recovery – what type of pain is typical, how it might resolve, and how new pain might manifest as time goes on. I would have found this very helpful.
You go home to a lot of drugs – pain management, stomach/digestion/nausea meds, etc. That first morning home, I ate breakfast, took my meds, did a few slow laps around the house w my walker. Then, the world went black. I had a chance to warn my husband and my mom before I lost consciousness – he guided me to the floor taking very good care of my leg/hip. Not so much for my head which bounced off the floor. Priorities! 😂
911 was called, I got a visit from several EMTs (🔥), my vitals checked out, and I was helped back to bed. I spoke to the surgeon’s office and my surgeon afterward and its not unusual for this to happen as anesthesia wears off. I know my blood pressure had been trending lower than normal for me.
The pain. As long as I didn’t move and no one touched me, I didn’t hurt. While there was more pain and immobility than I expected, it wasn’t intolerable.
I did all the pre-op education, watched the videos about how to help yourself into bed. I call 🐂💩. I’m young and strong, and I needed help getting in and out of bed for 3 days. And even after I was able to get in and out of bed on my own, it often triggered muscle spasms.
Nerve pain! I could not tolerate having the skin from my knee to my hip … (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)
I had hip replacement on Thursday, June 16. I’m hoping my series of posts might be helpful to others going through similar experiences. I’m a 51 yo, competitive triathlete and cyclist. I was training for an Iron Man when I learned a THR would likely be needed.
How I got here: No, running did not wear my hip out! I’ve only been running for a little over 10 years.
I was born with (undiagnosed) hip dysplasia. As I understand it, this means my hip biomechanics have never been great. That led to osteoarthritis and bone spurs which then wore down the cartilage in my hip which left my hip joint bone on bone and contributed to the stress fracture many of you know about. What’s truly remarkable was how well I was running up until September of 2021. At the Santa Barbara Triathlon in August, I ran 10 miles at a 7:31 pace which was a huge personal best for me.🏆🥇
Lead up to surgery: I went through all of the stages of grief, then bounced back and forth between them. I’m only 51, was as strong and fit as I’ve ever been, and I was convinced I was about to have my best Iron Man race ever. How could I possibly need hip replacement? I interviewed four surgeons and chose Robert Gorab in Irvine. My decision was based on reputation, how he and his staff interacted with me, the prosthesis used, and his preference for an anterior approach.
The month leading up to the surgery was distracting, I was anxious – this was my first major surgery and first major injury. I wasn’t nervous about the procedure itself – even though it is pretty brutal. I was (am) worried about the recovery process – how long it will take and the extent to which I’ll return to full, competitive function.
Day of surgery: I was first-up because I was going home later in the day. Surgery was performed at Hoag Orthopedic in Irvine. The staff were lovely, everything was very efficient, and I was calmer than I expected. I … (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)
Hi hip runners,
I am after a smart watch (or something similar) that will accurately record distances run.
The one I purchased is inaccurate, so no good.
I live in Wales, so ideally I would like to purchase something from the UK.
I find a mobile phone a bit cumbersome and something on my wrist would suit.
Ideally something basic that is reasonably priced – I don’t want to be paying hundreds of pounds.
If anyone can provide a name/model (or link) of anything tried and trusted (or knows someone they can ask) I would be grateful.
Thanks
I had my left hip replaced at the age of 30, I am now 34 and have been running fairly hard on it the last month or so with no pain! My right hip can be replaced at anytime but I am still going to train for a half marathon on Sep 17 and then have it replaced after that. After that I am really looking forward to running with no pain for the first time in my life, my first hip replacement was a direct anterior approach to total hip arthroplasty. It took me a while to feel real comfortable on it but I took my time, is this the best option for a replacement? How long can I expect it to last before it wears down? It feels good and strong right now but I’m not doing 10 mile runs yet.
Fellow Hipsters this forum has lots to do about the advice you won’t get other places… so here’s a bit I’ve heard nowhere else but from my own experience… once you’re past your 60 or 90-day doc clearance… find Pilates… yes that’s correct – even those out there that suffer from toxic masculinity 😉 – TRY PILATES. It is all about core strength, movement, stability and flexibility, especially in the hips, core, and glutes. First time I did it 4 months ago the light bulb came on as I declared this should be “mandatory” post THR activity 👍… (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)
Just wondering how often anyone with a THR on this board finds themselves icing their hip after running or other exercise?
I’m 10 months post-op and recovery has been going well. I’ve been sticking to walking (with very short jogs thrown in intermittently), biking and swimming. Here’s the deal . . . last week I was doing some power hiking up and down our local ski hill (can you guess I live in MN). Anyway, the remainder of the week my hip has been sore. Groin pain, stiffness, yada, yada . . . I’ve been icing and have a follow up appointment with my doc next week just to ensure nothing else is going on. I realize this may be par for the course after doing hill repeats but just wondering how many of you THR veterans have ongoing bouts of icing when you overdo it? And – how long do you end up icing after the fact – several days?
Thanks in advance for your input and advice.… (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)
After 8 marathons and countless smaller races, my arthritic right hip was replaced in 2015. I worked my way back to casual running at a much slower pace. Now I am inching towards a left hip replacement. I’m curious as to running experiences with both hips replaced.
My right THR was done in Nov 2020, ceramic on ceramic, with a superior capsular approach. Per the surgeon, there are no restrictions on my activity or movements. About 9 months post-surgery there would be a loud “squeak” when I would flex my hip (knee to chest). My sports medicine doc and pt strongly suggested an in-person evaluation by the surgeon. Per the surgeon and imaging, everything is fine; however, he said the noise is due to “edge loading”, a levering of the two parts of the prosthesis and that this edge loading should be avoided. I’ve been reading about the condition, it seems to be relatively rare. I freak out every time I hear that squeak because I don’t know the long-term implications. Has anyone else experienced this? Were you able to correct it? Importantly, what was the outcome? Thank you for any insights.… (Click Here to View Full Post and Comments)
