If you’re an active individual who has put a lot of stress on their hips over the years, it’s possible that all this strain has led you to a point where you are considering hip replacement surgery. Artificial hip replacement can put an end to your discomfort and help you continue to live an active lifestyle, but will you be able to do all of the same activities you once could?
One of the most common questions we get from active patients who are considering hip replacement surgery is whether or not they’ll be able to run again after the operation is complete. It’s certainly possible that running played a role in your need for a hip replacement, but we want you to remain active following your procedure, so many patients wonder if they’ll be able to lace up their running shoes once their recovery is complete. In today’s blog, we explore if you’ll be able to run again after your hip replacement procedure.
Running After Hip Replacement
We want to make it expressly clear that you should only return to running after a hip replacement operation if you have been cleared to pursue the activity by your doctor. No matter what you read in this blog, the advice of your treating surgeon will trump whatever advice we provide here. We’re optimistic that the right patient may be able to run again following artificial hip replacement, but that final decision needs to be made after a consultation and post-op follow up with your treating surgeon.
With all that said, there are a number of factors that are working in your favor in terms of getting back to running after a hip replacement procedure. For example, one of the early concerns with running after hip replacement is how the high-impact activity would affect the artificial implant. Artificial implant technology has improved greatly in a relatively short period of time, which means they are incredibly durable. The vast majority of newer implants are designed to last for decades, even if the individual takes on some more active pursuits. Given the average age of a patient undergoing hip replacement, it’s highly likely that the device will last the rest of their life, even if they get back to more strenuous activities.
Another key aspect when it comes to running after hip replacement is how you’ve progressed during your recovery period. You’ll need to make a strong recovery, and many doctors will want to ensure that hip strength and flexibility is at least 80 percent of the other leg before they’ll consider clearing the patient for higher impact activities like running. So if you are hoping to be able to return to running after a hip replacement procedure, you’ll need to give it your all during your rehabilitation period. This means pursuing months of in-clinic and home-based physical therapy exercises. PT will be an important part of your recovery regardless of your future activity pursuits after hip replacement, but it will be essential if you want to return to more physical endeavors like running.
Another important aspect when it comes to running after hip replacement is to take things very slow. Once your doctor gives you the green light to pursue running or similar activities, you need to slowly take on the challenge and ensure your body can handle the increases in stress that you’re putting on it. Start with shorter runs with a slower pace and gradually take on more as your body and your hip shows that it can handle this stress. Also, many patients find that it is helpful to run on a controlled surface to decrease the likelihood of encountering uneven terrain or tripping hazards. We recommend beginning on a well-maintained track or a treadmill so that your running surface is less of an issue.
Finally, and we can’t stress this enough, do not start running until your doctor has cleared you for such activities. If you’ve made enough progress that they believe your hip can handle the rigors of running, they’ll clear you, but if they believe the activity could jeopardize the integrity of your newly installed hardware, they’ll help chart a course so that you can get to a point where you’re cleared to run. Never go against medical advice or pursue restricted activities, as this could lead to major problems for your hip. Listen to your doctor, and also be sure to listen to your body as you take on greater physical challenges. Scale back on activity if your hip starts to hurt and gradually take on more if your hip shows that it can handle it, and we’re confident you’ll be able to stay active long after your hip replacement procedure.
For more information or for help returning to a running program after a hip replacement procedure, reach out to Dr. Botero and his team today at (865) 558-4444.
