Join the “Hip” Runners

I am an ultra runner from Georgia. Just had a hip replacement 2 weeks ago. I was diagnosed with avascular necrosis last Nov. and it progressed from stage 1 to stage 4 within 4 months. I plan on continuing my running and I have used this website for knowledge and support. I would love to join the club and keep you all updated with my progress. Thanks!

Just a quick comment. Been ultra running for 30+ yrs; 71 year old duffer! Had HR 7 yrs ago. Been running for last 2 yrs: 1/2 marathons, 10 k. Doc said no running..BS, I’m running & speed walking! , etc. Last check up showed no stress fractures or excessive bone growth. Training for an 8hr in Nov; hoping to do a 50k. My biggest prob is my age!

I HAD A LEFT HIP REPLACEMENT IN 2008. RECENTLY I BEGAN RUNNING INDOORS AFTER YEARS OF FAST WALKING 5k RACES OUTDOORS. I FIND THAT I CAN ACTUALLY RUN ON AN INSIDE TRACK PROBABLY BECAUSE THE SURFACE IS MORE FORGIVING THAN OUTSIDE ASPHALT.

I HAVE GARNERED SEVERAL AGE GROUP RECORDS WITHIN THE PAST YEAR INCLUDING A FOUR MAN 80-89 YEAR AGE GROUP — WE SET A WORLD RECORD IN THE 4X800 MKETER RELAY LAST MARCH IN LANDOVER MD. I JUST TURNED 89 AND CAN’T WAIT UNTIL NEXT YEAR!

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My early experience
Posted by Scott Chrisman on February 12, 2014 at 2:39pm
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Hello friends, I am 43 years old was diagnosed with degenerative arthritis. I had my surgery on my left hip January 14th 2013 and am recovering well. I am currently 25 days out of surgery and am almost ready to walk without my cain. I have a little soreness mostly from walking more often but no real pain. I was astonished how quick and easy my surgery went. It lasted just over an hour and recovery was a little difficult but easier since I have a lot of upper body strength.I was in the ortho hospital for two nights and went home in the afternoon on the third day.

My story starts 14 years ago at age 29 when I was diagnosed with non-hodgekins lymphoma. I went through 6 months of chemo and a month of radiation. Add four years at age 33, I had a heart attack and had to have surgery for a stent to open up my blocked artery. I went through a serious change in exercise and diet lost several pounds and was in great health. Somewhere along the way after that I lost that health kick and stopped the diet and exercise thing and I paid for it.

Fast forward to age 40, and my life turned upside down. I was running on a treadmill at my local ymca and at the end of my daily 3 mile run, I collapsed lost conscious and died on the floor. The powers that be decided it wasn’t my time and lucky for me there was a doctor working out behind me and a nice old man that just happened to have some nitro pills and with an auto defibulator I was saved. I was rushed to the hospital and the doctors diagnosed I had a 95% blockage of the widow maker artery. I needed a double bypass surgery immediately and they rushed my into surgery and all went well.

Obviously I needed to make some serious life changes after this horrific event, so I decided to change my diet and get back to running again.After 2-3 months of exercise and rehabilitation we all know what’s next… the hip arthritis issue. I lost 5 months of exercising and went through some serious depression because of it. Slowly I’m coming back around with the depression and the diet and after I get the right hip done on March 17th, I can start back on my road of better total health.

For the last 14 years I have struggled, battled, and fought my way to keep alive and my hip surgeries are just one more hurdle in life these days. My wife calls me her superman,I refer to myself as the bionic man.Whatever the case may be I am stronger than ever and focused on being the physically and mentally healthy person I once was and you can too.

Scott

After spending three weeks at UCSF for hip replacement surgery in 1985, I was 23 years old, and 6 months using a crutch my doctors words have stayed with me, “Use it, don’t abuse it”. He put in the latest hip at that time, titanium cementless with a plastic cup and told me he could only guarantee 5 years or a lifetime. I told him I will take the life time and so far it looks good. I was studying Health and Safety in college at the time and one of my professors told us that us humans were not made to be runners, if we were we would be four legged beings. This made a lot of sense to me so I never took up running, I wanted to have good joints when I got old. Instead I break the neck of my femor in a freaky waterski accident, this lead to avascular necrosis, go figure, who would have thought that could happen. Needless to say I have had no problems, worked on my feet for 10 years straight as a Nuclear Med Tech and had two children with normal deliveries. I want this hip to last a life time, so I use it and don’t abuse it. All the runners out there should take this advise wisely if you don’t want to have another surgery down the road. I’m proof that a hip can last a long time if used wisely. Good luck to anyone having future hip replacement surgery.

Orthopod said no running, even no rowing. Started rowing, going well. Decided to jog. Saw a double hip replacement man had run 800 miles in 20 days and a marathon in 3hrs 14mins. Ran for first time 3 miles today-26 mins-only the start of the comeback!

had my hipreplacement in june 2014 in nov ran the Barnsley 10k in 58-36 i am aged 72

I am 53-years-old I am blessed to be given a 2nd chance to feel the freedom of running again by God. I use to be a competitive runner but in 1988 I was diagnose with tumors in my left hip. In 1990 they scrape the tumors from my hip and walk with a limp and in pain from 1990 until May of 2012 when I could not take the pain anymore. I received a total hip replacement. After the therapy I gradually started to walk than I did water therapy where I did running drills. My 1st year I joined a local gym where I did spinning and used the stationary bike. Starting in the 2nd year after I graduated from cycling and using the stationary bike I started walking and jogging on a treadmill. This is my 3rd year now I can jog up to 5 miles on the treadmill at an easy pace plus I do quick weights. I still have not fully recover but now I can jog up to 8 easy miles with a group of runners. The magic words are “Have ‘Patience’, ‘Simply Believe’, and “One Day at Time, One Mile at Time.” What I have been through I strongly believe that anyone has the ability to recover from hip operations.

Jose

“to have hip replacement or not to have hip replacement ” that is the question. I’m 49 and have missed running the past two years. Doctors ar telling me I’m too young. Has anyone had resurfacing.

I’m 53 years old. I was recently diagnosed with OA in my right hip (genetic) in June of 2015 and thought I could tough it out. Pain was manageable for the next 4 months but I could not go long distance walking anymore at this point in time. That was it for me, so I will soon be scheduling myself for TRH replacement surgery for my right hip.

I am happy to see this website and the reports of so many people who had their active healthy lives back despite their doctors’ concerns. I look forward to my life pain free and active after the surgery.

Lara79

I am a recreational runner – first marathon Dec 2014 Honolulu, finished but was in bad shape. In training I ran alot – average close to 60 miles per week. Hip pain started about Oct 2014. 56 with congential hip dsyplasia. MRI in Feb 2015 indicated severe arthritis, bone on bone and avascular necrosis. I have been told that I have a high tolerance for pain and so my condition is worse than my current symptoms. However I dont’ run, limp most all the time. 3 OS have confirmed need for THR (this is right side). I do 3 miles a day on elliptical and 6 on Sat and Sunday. I am thinking about THR in May 2016 – but since my quality of life is okay – struggling with the decision and the risk of worse following surgery.
Can I join hip runners even tho I haven’t had surgery yet?

Cheryl, a lot has changed in basic understanding of biomechanics and human evolution since 1985. I’ll point to Dan Lieberman who runs the human evolution lab at Harvard and is well published with peer reviewed research. His work, along with many others, points to many evolutionary adaptations that humans have for distance running. Yes, a 4-legged tiger can out sprint a human. Cheetahs run in excess of 60 mph while the fastest humans are lucky to hit 25mph. That is short distance. For 2-3 million years humans survived by running large game to death through a practice called persistence hunting. Quadrupeds don’t sweat like we do. If you keep them running at speed consistently, they will overheat and either not be able to run or fall over dead from heat prostration. This practice was still in use in Africa until the late 60s and there is documentation of it.

When I went to several osteopaths during my early diagnosis the Dr. from Yale Medical School told me that the data for long term function of hip replacements was just coming in and is was very good. Most of the 20 year old mechanical hips were wearing well and, especially with people who were active, indicators were that you can continue a pretty normal life. His advise to me, I was 61 at the time, was to go ceramic, take time for recovery and then live my life doing what I like to do.

That got me interested in understanding biomechanics and physiology. The bottom line is that we are born with all the right equipment to be runners, but our clothing and life styles, which are not anything like the hunter-gatherers we were for millions of years, make our bodies unstable. If you read a lot about running your get caught up in minimal style and forefoot placement. That is an outcome. The real key is to get our body balance and stability back. To do that doesn’t require a lot of hard work, but it does take weeks of consistent effort to let your biomechanics regain elasticity in the right areas and strength in the soft tissues (muscles) that help you keep your form. Since we don’t spend our lives in bare feet and constant movement, we have lost strength in areas of our bodies that are critical for stability. Go ahead, text on your iPhone and try to run. Most of this revelation about the human body has been in the last 10-15 years and is a result of the new kinds of equipment available for motion study. The first running shoes, Onitsuka Tigers, were developed in Japan by a coach who road a bike along side his best runners and watched how they ran. Nike shoes evolved form those and created a particular raised heel style that had no biomechanical testing. It is interesting that a study sponsored by Nike a few years ago discovered that today’s running shoes have no impact on injury prevention. Indeed, several targeted styles (cushioned) actually have a higher than average impact on injury.

I’m glad you have had a great experience. I am a life long runner so it isn’t an option for me not to run. One year after my THR I show great recovery and flexibility. I attribute my recovery speed to the fact that I have been a runner for a long time. I attribute my arthritis to cycling with bad form.I used to race and developed a bad habit of having my knees too far inward. This puts a lot of strain on the hip. Had I ridden those thousands of miles with my knees above my ankle I would have solid hips.

What I am saying is that the human body needs activity and constant, limited stress. That is what makes us healthy. Since we have adopted a lifestyle that circumvents naturally good stability, it is important to do those things that bring that back to us by tuning the right muscles and exercising correctly .

Thanks for letting me have a long rant.

I recommend the anterior THP. I had mine in May 2015 – OA in right hip and had not run in nearly 4 years. It is now Nov – 6 months later and I ran .5 miles on the beach last week. It felt great to be able to run again and feel that tinge of fatigue in my quads…..and I am doing this with the support of my surgeon and PT guy. But – I am taking it slow…..life is so much better!! Good luck!

Hi Ted I have just come across this site after many viewing of the Surfing Hippy site which was set up by a BHR patients. My story I am 52 and been running for about the last 30 plus years. I ran more for pleasure but stepped up to marathons the last few years and finished Paris the last 3 years including this year.Pain started presenting itself in my right thigh in January 2012 , which I guess was the start. I carried on running during 2012 with the pain getting slowly worse and taking paracetamol. 2013 X rays confirmed arthritis of the right hip which was a hell of a shock at the time. By then I was taking prescribed painkillers and NSAID’s and 1 steroid injection in the hip joint. April 12th this year ran Paris with so many pain killers I rattled around the streets. Regrets non , but that was the end of running far too painful after that no matter what medication I used. Walking half a mile I had to turn back because of the pain. During the last 14 months I was almost scheduled twice for a total hip arthroplasty , which I was not happy about. Sept 2015 I Had a BHR joint carried out by Mr R Treacy { who co developed the joint} and his team at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital Northfield. I can now walk 4 mile plus fast on rough ground , last painkiller was 5 days after operation. All this information I found from the Surface Hippy site , not to take anything away from this site.I believe a BHR joint and ion displacement is down to how the joint is installed by being positioned at the correct angle. I could not have asked for a better consultant orthopaedic surgeon and his team. I have been advised to static bike and swim then slowly start running in Aug 2016 which I will follow to the letter to let the joint bed into the head. I feel I could probably run a mile or so on grass but no point going down this road to undo all the hard work and recovery. I plan on being on the start line in Paris in April 2017. Hope this has been of some interest and good luck to you all happy trails

Guess I’m a little different than most of the people here, but hip failure is something we have in common. I ran in high school, cross country and track, but was an also-ran. Couldn’t sprint and too stocky to make a good distance runner. That’s OK, I was out of the house and having fun. It also did great things for my real sport, wrestling. I kept running for fun after I ended my college career, thought about a marathon (I’d go out the door and end up doing 12-15 miles at times) but never got around to it. I returned to wrestling in my early 40’s competing against college kids and a few more mature guys, went to veterans nationals twice, and kept running because it felt good and kept my weight down. Not a lot, and not fast – especially compared to this crew, I’m a clydesdale at 223 but running is still a joy.

3 years ago a minor accident led to some hip pain that got better, worse, better, worse. Finally got in to see my physical therapist last summer, and after a few weeks she asked me to see an orthopedic surgeon. I was shocked when he said I needed a replacement, but even I could see the damage. He starts talking about the surgery and recovery, and how quickly I could return to normal activity. Naturally I asked what he meant by ‘normal activity’ and how long before I could get back to running because I’d like to go back to wrestling, do nationals at least one more time and maybe hit the world championships just to say I had been. His expression would have been funny if it wasn’t my life we were talking about. No contact sports, no running. Why? He cited wear and possible breakage, and the more I pressed the more I got the feeling that he was protecting himself from a lawsuit. I got no further information from him, and when I tried another surgeon I got pretty much the same lack of information.

Your site has given me hope that I will at least be able to return to running, even if it takes a while. Wrestling will be a bit harder, but the hard part is getting the right appliance. I want to get it done soon. Running doesn’t hurt, but sitting does – and I have a desk job. Driving for an hour feels fine until I get out of the car, and riding a motorcycle is pretty much out of the question. I will be going in for surgery in the next 2 months, unless disaster happens.

Thanks!

Haven’t really run in 4 years, limping too badly. Ran a 5:33 mile when I was 53, 10 years ago. Told 6 years ago I was 2 years away from THR. I have done everything to avoid it including Regenokine injections for $10k. But my quality of life is suffering. Limping, can’t even run and play with my little kids (married a younger woman). Looking for recommendations for a can’t-miss hip surgeon in the Boston area. It would so great to be able to run again. Thanks.

Hi Steve,
You must go for the THR.
I was shocked when I was diagnosed in May this year, but had undiagnosed pain in groin for years which got much worse since August last year.
I ended up limping and unable to walk comfortably for more than a few yards, and unable to get on my bike without lowering the saddle.
I was depressed and occasionally thought about suicide.
I went to see an orthopaedic surgeon this May and after scans, he booked me in for a June 15 operation.
He said I could get back to running cycling and horse riding, no problem.
I`m now walking 5 miles every day and back driving.
You must go for it. Nowadays most hip ops are successful if you get a good surgeon.
The recovery can be painful in the soft tissues but if you follow the advice and take the painkillers, you will recover quickly.If you are overweight lose the weight!It will make all the difference and your hip will last longer.
Best of luck, you wont regret it, I dont!
Lydia

I am so happy to come across this blog. Had THR seven years ago and mainly walking since then. Started running this fall. About three slow miles a day. It was so good to feel that old rhythm again. Very soothing. Ran a 5k race last week in 29.10. was worried about running as most everything I read says it’s a no-no. I’m 55 and I’m taking this second chance. My aim is to chip away down to 8+ min mile. I am 5’7. 125 lbs. No pain in the hip. Sometimes it feels a bit stiff but stretching g solves that.
Many thanks for starting this forum hiprunner! Lets run!

He is wrong. Man (humans) are actually made to run, that is our actual primary moving function to walk and run for hours.

Google sometime “Persistence hunting”. It is done today by a few Masai Warriors in Kenya but it was very commonplace at one time. We don’t have the speed to catch a gazelle, but we have the ability to wear them down.

We were not build to run in the shoes the big shoe makers make and on asphalt. Therein lies a key difference.

We have several aspects of our bodies that are made for long distance movement, including sweating for cooling, which is much more efficient than panting, like a dog. We have a tendon in the back of our head that promotes the movement of bi-peds, not unlike a horse. We can go long distances without needing top stop when we are fit.

Another key difference here is that average person in a city does not get fit, wears shoes that bind the feet and are heavier than optimum. Runners needs to be very thin, healthy, but thin. And fit.

This is why we can run marathons and ultra-marathon but note that an ultra marathon is “off pace” enough that they don’t have a 20-mile wall like an asphalt-running marathon runner. They have a soft surface, and a pace that works.

It is most four-legged animals that are not built for long-distance running, they are built for short sprints. Cheetahs go 60 miles per hour for a few hundred metres and then are done. So is the gazelle, zebra, dogs….you name it.

I am 61 and was first diagnosed with hip OA nearly 10 years ago; hip replacement was suggested as an option at that time. I decided to hold off as long as I could so that I could continue to run, play ice hockey, downhill and cross-country ski, do cross-fit, etc. I’ve run about 7 or 8 marathons in that time, and probably average about 30 km per week. Although I’m still running, I’m generally experiencing more pain and a recent x-ray confirms that I have advanced OA. I probably am going to have to undergo a THR in the next year or two. I have 3 questions for you THR veterans out there, and would really appreciate your advice!
1. The orthopedic surgeon I recently consulted is a big advocate of PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injections to buy more time before requiring a THR. However, as far as I can tell, there is not much for scientific trials that clearly demonstrate the efficacy of this treatment. Can anyone who has tried this treatment let me know how it worked for them?
2. Are there particular designs or materials used in THR surgery that would be recommended for someone who is hoping to be able to continue to run and to do other vigorous activities? My surgeon is not that keen on running as a post-THR activity; should I be looking for another surgeon – one who accepts that running is part of the plan and can optimize my treatment accordingly?
3. The stories on this website of people who have gone on to complete amazing running accomplishments is truly inspiring. However, do we know much yet about how running long-term on a replaced hip affects the life span of the device? Are there examples out there of people who have been running for 15+ years on their new hip?
Thank you for any help!

I have done the prp twice and also stem cell injections in my hip…..both very expensive….with no physical improvement after. All of my physician friends have said that there is no evidence that these procedures will work….and they did not on me. Also, after my last prp, i had extreme pain in my leg….the physician told me that i had spinal stenosis…that the pain was due to that….chalked it up to the hype surrounding prp….it was a lesson that was quite expensive and not helpful at all

That is simply amazing , I am inspired !!! Keep up the fire!!!!!
Daryl,

I’m 38
I hat THR at age 36. I have not run because the doctor said only to run if building was on fire.

As a former professional athlete this has been very hard for me.

I see a lot of success stories about people who are running. I have not seen many people talk about what surfaces they run on and what is best? Can someon pleae help me with the running surfaces (beach, grass, track,??)

Thanks
Mark

I am 57 and have been running since I was 18. I ran mainly 1/2 marathons and 10k with 6 marathons under my belt. I had my hip replaced 3 March 2016. It is a cemented stem with CP. My surgeon told me I could never run again. I was devastated. However, I came across this website and thought if they can still run then so can I. I have started slowly, I followed all the strengthening exercises, walked everywhere building up to 10 mile walks with friends.

At six months bought a cross trainer and then became a member of a gym at 9 months. I attend HIIT classes, do weight training 2 days a week and have built up my muscles using a cycle and walking at the highest incline. At 1 year I ran on the treadmill for the first time. A few minute on and a few mins off. I am now running for 15 mins non stop with the aim to get to 30 mins.

Once I have achieved this I am aiming to run 10k trails eventually as there is less impact on softer surfaces. What I would like to know is there any of you out there who has had a cemented hip as my understanding in-cemented hips are stronger and I am concerned about the damage I may do.

I feel so much happier that I am able to run as I have run most of my life and it has got me through some tough times. But if there are some cemented hip runners out there have you had any problems.

Nonsense! You have obviously discovered that age need not be a barrier to physical fitness and age. Sure, eventually age catches up with all of us; but until nearly that day, many of us can live healthy and happy lives.

Hi, Steve here, 51 and scheduled for a THR on right hip April 17th. Started running at age 31 and it has been my life. 6 marathons and about 25 halfs; can’t imaging not running. Any advice on recovery?

Hi Ted,

What did you decide? I’m in a similar situation and am looking for feedback of what worked and what hasn’t.

Hi,
I had a right THR ceramic on ceramic on October 9th , so I am coming up to 5 weeks post op. I am a triathlete and hoped I would be walking without a stick by now – a friend who is not an athlete tells me he did not need any aid from 2 weeks. I’d be interested to hear the peoples experiences. I don’t need much support from a stick but I think it will be another couple of weeks before I can comfortably walk without one all the time. I have been swimming and using an exercise bike ( only bout sf 10-15 minutes with little resistance) . Any words of encouragement/ advice out there?

Hi Clare. I am a triathlete as well. I tore my labrum which lead to arthritis. I recently had a THR (oct 2). I used a walker for less than a week then a cane for over a week. At around 5 weeks post op I started spin class (low resistance) and swimming with a pool buoy. At 9 weeks I am walking limp free. I am going to wait for the 6 mo mark before trying running. I am going to PT and working on strength

Clare.

I have more questions than answers. I’m also a tri, qualified nationals last 3 years.
I’m told THR is inevitable with arthritis caused by bone on bone. Running at 66 yo is my passion , with several bucket runs on my list. Hip pain comes and goes. Today , Did a hard 20 mi bike / 1000 m swim and felt great after. Can’t run .50 mi without pain level at 8-9. Thought about stem cell or PRP but that won’t help bone on bone . Or does it – anyone have experience?

My personal operation recovery´s since 2011 are torn miniscus, torn rotator cuff due to bike accidents and prostectomy due to cancer. Keeping a positive has been key. Having goals set to recover for also helped. I’m told not to run for 1 year after THR, and strength train instead.

Can anyone define recovery and running after THR ?

I think your on a good recovery path with your fitness by spinning and swimming with pull bouy. It’s boring as all get out, but aqua jogging helped my knee recovery.

Hi Ozlem
Today I’m 2 weeks post op THR posterior. cementless . Set my walker aside on day 4. Single crutch for 2 days. Today Walked 2 mi on my own with no pain. Feels a little uneven, like one leg longer than the other so my focus is form not speed.
I’m anxious to return to tri training but won’t rush it. The approach you’re taking to strength train with successive approximations to resume running is wise. My hip will guide me through PT and like any passionate runner, I will know when it’s time to resume running. Until then patients and fortitude.

That is amazing. How are you doing now?

I had my first hip replacement at the tender age of 34. I am still going strong. Just started jogging today and I am not going to back down.

Your amazing. I have had Full hip replacement beginning of May 2019. Fine if I run up hills but not that great on the flat.
I love running but have not been able too do it for 2 years, previous too that I was pregnant and before that I was running and extremely active. I was a national boxing athlete.
I never had problems with my joints or hips until I fell pregnant.
Because I felt so great one day I over did it.I run fast on the treadmill doing fartlicks. I love running like this. Bad news it has caused me too go backwards in my healing.
Wondering if anyone has any advice out there. Hanging out too go hard but think I need too stick too swimming, cycling etc and strength training. Go hard in those forms of exercise.
Why would my knee hurt? Has anybody had this happen? I have both knees and hips checked for arthritis and there are no problems there.
I have a stone and a half too loose. Maybe it’s that.
Look forward too any advice.
Yes I know i have learnt no going hard running. Start baby steps.
Too all you guys out there that are running with hip prostheses you are amazing. You are my inspiration. When I found this website I just about cried because I felt quit alone. I want too be competitive again. Not a couch slouch. Running keeps me mentally sane. It’s the way I relax and think. My trail running and dogs.

Had my thr yesterday. Was diagnosed with osteo in early 2021 (sever bone-on-bone). Ran a bit in 2021, almost nothing in 2022. Used to do about 40 mpw. I am going for about 20 mpw. Will probably start in the April through September time frame depending on how my recovery goes. Am 55 years old. Seems like more and more doctors are getting comfortable with running post-thr. Thankfully mine of the view. I used to run 22 5K 46 10K; no desire to come close to that. It is going to be nice to go out there and clock six miles at 10:30 if I can.