running after hip replacement

[Mustbe]

Nearly nine months after a total hip replacement and I just went for my first gentle jog. I dropped back to week 4 of the programme, so two three minute and two five minute runs. It went OK. It is really encouraging that even after a long break you do not go back to square one in running ability. Does anyone have any post-hip replacement experiences or advice to share?

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

Congratulations on your hip replacement and getting out there again. That must have felt great.

I wonder whether after a long break and a big op you’re best starting from the beginning? There have been many posters in similar positions to you and that’s allowed them to build up their activity gently and steadily. Even though it felt good today, you’ll have longer runs coming very quickly and you don’t want to risk an injury by doing to much too soon.

Really good luck to you. ❤️

[Mustbe Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thanks. I did wonder about going further back but I’m not sure I could bear being back at 60 seconds running. (I do remember it being very hard when I first started though.) I told myself that at the first sign of anything untoward I would revert to walking but it was ok afterwards and the following day.

I’ve seen another post that says surgeons are divided about running post replacement and I have found that to be true. My own surgeon was ambivalent, only mentioning wear on the new components but that that wasn’t such a problem these days. So I focus on very gentle 'niko niko' style running and am overtaken by fast walkers!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate in reply to Mustbe]

Think about those early weeks as doing the work of building up your muscles and ligament strength so you’re ready to tackle the later weeks. If you miss it out, you’re at a greater risk of an injury. It’s not just about your aerobic fitness. I can totally understand why you’re reluctant to go back to the start though. I guess you’ve got to decide if it’s a risk you’re willing to take. What you don’t want is the first sign of something untoward being an injury that puts you on the couch for a couple of weeks.

[Mustbe Graduate]

Yes - I fear you may be right. Maybe I will compromise and look at the running pattern of earlier weeks and pick a lower level one. I suppose a couple of weeks is worth it to avoid a longer term problem. Thanks for pointing out the strengthening aspect.

[Runawayfast Graduate]

Well done to you for getting back to running. That is impressive commitment. Take good care of yourself.

[Windrunner1]

Hi

I had a total hip replacement 10 years ago at age 57. This year I decided to do the C25K and although I cannot run as fast as I used to because my operation leg is 1.5cm shorter than the other I did it.

If your legs are a different length it is important to make sure your shoes are made up so your pelvis is level. Until I did that I had chronic back pain.

Good Luck

[Mustbe Graduate in reply to Windrunner1]

Thanks for this information. I don’t think my leg is shorter as I don’t limp. Maybe I can check somehow to be sure. I have always run at snail pace anyway! Good luck.

[Windrunner1 in reply to Mustbe]

Dear Maybe I had to go to see a Podiatrist to measure me for the sole raisers. I now have to have shoes which have soles which can be ground off and the sole raisers bonded. My hip replacement was as the result of a cycling accident in Greece which could not be operated on in time hence the complete hip replacement.

[Mustbe Graduate in reply to Windrunner1]

oh dear. Well done for carrying on after that! Mine was gradual deterioration due to arthritis. Strangely, if I ran very slowly in a straight line on a level surface I could run even when other movement became painful. I wondered if it was because of fuller engagement of the muscles to run.

[Scruff55 Graduate]

wow you are amazing I’m waiting to see a surgeon about my hip issues so reading your post has definitely lifted my spirits as I thought a total hip replacement was going to mean the end of my running days. Take it slowly though as MissUnderstanding says better to start slowly building up you strength than try to go to far too quickly. Take care and listen carefully to your body. Well done on restarting C25K Looking forward to your posts to see how you’re getting on. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️