Running after hip replacement - possible?

I had a total hip replacement in November of 2006. I've continued to run after my recovery period. I run 50-70 miles a week between the treadmill and outdoors. I have competed occasionally since the replacement, up to half-marathon distance. I'm much slower than before surgery but have adjusted my goals accordingly. I have had no problems with the hip prosthesis; my biggest problem after surgery is that I've lost muscle mass in the thigh and couldn't get it back even with dedicated weight lifting. I'm 73.

I was told by my surgeon not to run after surgery but I'm glad I ignored him, as not running would have affected my mental state significantly.

I got it done on December 2, 2016. Nine months ago.

Age: 50 (now 51)

Right hip (THR)

Ceramic on cross poly

Started running 91 days after, on March 3? I think. It wasn't really a run, but a hobble.

Now running two-three days a week + elliptical + hiking, walking and (kill me now) gym time with typical upper-body stuff. Cycled 163K on the road over some big hills two days ago, not fast, but I hadn't built up to it like usual - no problem whatsoever.

Some IT Band issues, but we know how to deal with it.

Mow the lawn in near personal best times.

Run or run + hike or run + walk two-three times per week since March. Running uphill (small mountains) is still preferable at this time. Can run 10K.

To put as little weight and or pressure on the prosthetic as possible, I really started paying attention to forefoot running (since losing condition, I have to think about it). Also, went on Ketogenic diet (lifestyle) and dropped some pesky pounds (167 down to 140 +/-). Almost at old race weight of 137-140 (depending on time of day).

So happy that I got it done.

There is a site that is for people with hip replacements called Hiprunner.com. You can see a lot of people on there asking questions about prospective new hips, but there are some longer-term people on there talking about racing ultras or for example the Rim-to-rim at Grand Canyon, which is quite motivating.

Might take 12 - 24 months to feel perfectly normal. I still don't. But do feel way the f*ck better.

Was walking from the hospital bed with walker in hours after surgery, was doing laps of hospital wing the next day, timed them, every lap was faster. Was back at work in days (at home) and at the office in 10 days? Was off the Dilaudid two days after getting home. Was off all pain medication in 10 days?? +/- haven't had NSAIDS or any pain medication since January, not even for headaches - I have wine for that.

Do it.

Oh yeah, my surgeon was telling me to kiss running goodbye.

#ignore.

I'd rather have 10 or 15 great years then a re-do, than 30 years of preserving the hip....and a re-do as an 80 year old.

Rather live.

I was faced with the same decision. I had my THR on March 30, 2018. I have followed every direction, done physical therapy with devotion. I had my 2nd post op appt. yesterday. I was given the green light to run again, while listening to my body. I'll start on the treadmill tonight, go slow, watch my stride and see how things go. I haven't run since my half marathon in February. I've been waiting for this day for almost 5 months. I cannot wait!

Really great to read your post.

I'm getting my right hip replaced in a few months and I love running...

LoveRunning wrote:

Really great to read your post.

I'm getting my right hip replaced in a few months and I love running...

Following. This hip pain used to be a once in awhile thing but now it's 24/7. I see people can run but how about sprinting?

Limping Badger,

At 75 now, are you still running?

I am.

I posted as "Athletics Illustrated" above....

So I am still running, now up to 50-75kms per week, plus hiking, spinning, although I have had some calf pulls, probably to do with trying to run faster too much. I am making progress....in 1.4 years, when I get my four year x-ray, see what the images show. If the surgeon can't tell the difference, then I will continue, if there is anything showing, then I will stop.....

Sounds like you had a great surgeon. What’s his name and where does he practice?

Has anyone tried stem cells?

I think it depends on age and longevity. I've had a full hip replacement age 43 and so how many revisions I'll have to have is weighing on my mind with whether I'll run again and how much. I would really like to be able to run again just for sanity and fitness - I realise long distances are out now. I love to spin but would love to be able to return to running but will see what my surgeon says at my review to decide how quickly it may need redoing. I can't be doing with this operation multiple times, especially as I've had to pay this time due to waiting lists. Really interesting to hear everyone's stories.

My buddy had a hip replacement, and now needs another, on the other hip. He told me the orthapedic

surgeon said:" they don't make these for running.."