new diagnosis hip arthritis

it isnt a big deal until it starts to be a big deal. =)

likely you chipped some parts when you crashed on your bike. those parts have been floating around in there acting like sand paper for however long. once the cartilage wears out completely, it will be a big deal - bone on bone rubbing is no walk in the park. i had a similar issue with another joint, and it wasnt a problem until it was a problem, thne it really started bothering me. anyhow, if you think that it is worth it to continue running then go for it - likely you will need your hip replaced in 15 -20 years ... so it will likely be a case of when, rather than if.

you say I will need the replacement in 15-20 yrs no matter what I do? so its a case of needing it sooner if I keep running??

1. Get a second opinion

2. If the second opinion agrees with the first ... swim

I would endorse running on an arthritic hip. You will eventually need a replacement anyway, it's just a matter of how long the joint lasts. You are playing with your mobility here. Given the economic uncertainty and all the bullshit going on in healthcare, I would do everything possible to preserve your hip for as long as humanly possible. Hip replacements may be damn near impossible to come by in future years.

You need a different opinion, not a second opinion from a surgeon.

Hip arthritis is caused by lack of use, and primarily from sitting. You probably sit quite a bit every day. If you were out walking, running, and climbing up and down hills every day then you would not be having any problems with your hip.

The solution is to stop sitting on your butt - don't sit on your butt ever - and start using your body.

i do sit a lot at my job, no way around it but I am not overweight, 5'11 and 143, thats OK even by letsrun standards ;)

the ortho I saw is pretty sharp, hes who the docs in town themselves go to see, he claims a specialty in sports med but hasnt done any extra training in it

it was really a surprising diagnosis to me as I have never been a high mileage runner, rather a speed-oriented approach

im from the UK so I dont worry about getting the needed surgery if and when but how many runners age 40 or more would have early mild arthritis if you went and xrayed everybody's hip???

much appreciate all the replies!!

orthopedia wrote:

I would endorse running on an arthritic hip. You will eventually need a replacement anyway, it's just a matter of how long the joint lasts. You are playing with your mobility here. Given the economic uncertainty and all the bullshit going on in healthcare, I would do everything possible to preserve your hip for as long as humanly possible. Hip replacements may be damn near impossible to come by in future years.

Sorry I meant to say that I would *never* endorse running on an arthritic hip.

orthopedia wrote:

orthopedia wrote:

I would endorse running on an arthritic hip. You will eventually need a replacement anyway, it's just a matter of how long the joint lasts. You are playing with your mobility here. Given the economic uncertainty and all the bullshit going on in healthcare, I would do everything possible to preserve your hip for as long as humanly possible. Hip replacements may be damn near impossible to come by in future years.

Sorry I meant to say that I would *never* endorse running on an arthritic hip.

I figured as much from the rest of your note but thanks for the clarification :)

What about cycling?

what about weight trainng to make the hip stronger?