Introduction
Hip replacement surgery is becoming increasingly common in the UK. Thanks to medical advances and an ageing population keen to stay active, more people are undergoing this procedure than ever before. A frequent question that arises is: can you safely return to running after a hip replacement? This is a topic that sparks much curiosity—and sometimes debate—among patients and healthcare professionals alike. Drawing on the expert knowledge of Professor Paul Lee, a highly respected cartilage specialist and ambassador for the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, alongside the dedicated team at MSK Doctors, this article will shed light on what you can realistically expect after surgery.
Understanding Hip Replacement Recovery: Key Milestones
A hip replacement involves removing a worn or damaged hip joint and replacing it with an artificial one designed to restore movement and relieve pain. Recovery happens in stages: initially, the focus is on managing pain and avoiding complications. Then, over the first few weeks, gentle physiotherapy helps regain movement and strength. Over the following months, activity levels gradually increase, helping patients regain independence.
Many patients have practical questions during recovery, such as “when can I use a regular toilet after hip replacement?” or “is it safe to sleep on my side after surgery?” These may seem small concerns, but addressing them clearly helps patients feel confident and supported.
However, it’s important to be aware of possible complications. One risk, though rare, is nerve injury. As Unwin and Scott (1999) explain, “Nerve palsy following hip replacement can be a devastating complication that is likely to face all surgeons at some stage who perform the operation regularly.” While uncommon, understanding this risk underscores the importance of expert surgical care and close follow-up.
With Professor Paul Lee’s extensive experience and the professional support at MSK Doctors, patients receive tailored care every step of the way.
Is Running Possible After Hip Replacement?
Whether you can return to running after hip replacement depends on several factors: your age, the type of implant used, your strength, and how well your hip heals. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, so personalised advice is crucial.
Many patients ask, “Can I run after hip replacement?” or “Is light jogging safe?” Professor Paul Lee carefully assesses each patient’s readiness for higher-impact activities, and MSK Doctors evaluate strength and movement to guide safe decisions.
For some, returning to running is achievable, but for others, lower-impact activities may be more suitable. The key is to balance your goals with protecting your new joint’s long-term health.
Building Towards Safe Activity: The Role of Rehabilitation and Ongoing Care
Rehabilitation is vital for regaining strength and safely increasing activity after hip replacement. It’s important to avoid certain exercises that put too much stress on the joint, such as high-impact running or twisting movements. Instead, low-impact activities like swimming, walking, and cycling are excellent choices.
Recovery programmes often include specific routines at different stages—common benchmarks include exercises recommended after 4 weeks and again at 8 weeks post-surgery. These focus on improving strength and flexibility without overloading the joint.
MSK Doctors offer comprehensive support, including physiotherapy and regular check-ups, guiding patients carefully through rehab. Professor Paul Lee emphasises a gradual return to activity, prioritising safety over rushing back into sports.
Long-Term Considerations: Lifelong Restrictions and Best Practices
When it comes to long-term activity after a hip replacement, it’s important to set realistic expectations. Many everyday activities remain safe, but you might be advised against very high-impact sports or heavy lifting to protect your new hip.
Nerve injury risks can extend beyond the well-known sciatic nerve. Unwin and Scott (1999) note that “it is not just the sciatic nerve and its divisions that are at risk during hip replacement surgery; the femoral and obturator nerves may also be damaged.” While such events are rare, knowing this helps with informed discussions and expectations.
Good habits—like finding comfortable sitting positions and approaching exercise thoughtfully, even a year or more after surgery—are key to keeping your joint healthy for the long haul.
While some patients can return to running, lifelong joint care remains essential. Thanks to expert guidance from Professor Paul Lee and the supportive ethos of MSK Doctors, patients can enjoy safe, active lives tailored to their individual needs.
For personalised medical advice, always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
- Unwin, A., & Scott, J. E. (1999). Nerve palsy after hip replacement: medico-legal implications. International Orthopaedics, 23(3), 133–137. https://doi.org/10.1007/s002640050329
Frequently Asked Questions
Professor Paul Lee, a renowned cartilage expert and RSA, offers individualised care. MSK Doctors provides multidisciplinary support and state-of-the-art rehabilitation programmes tailored to each patient’s needs, combining surgical expertise with patient-centred follow-up for optimal recovery outcomes.
Returning to running after a hip replacement depends on factors such as age, implant type, recovery progress and strength. Professor Paul Lee and MSK Doctors carefully assess each patient’s readiness, prioritising safety and individual recovery when advising on appropriate activity levels.
MSK Doctors offer comprehensive post-surgery support, including physiotherapy, regular assessments, and tailored rehabilitation programmes. Professor Lee’s expertise ensures each recovery plan is safe and effective, helping patients gradually rebuild strength and movement at a pace suitable for them.
After hip replacement, most everyday activities remain safe, but high-impact sports and heavy lifting are often limited. Professor Paul Lee and MSK Doctors provide guidance on maintaining joint health, helping patients make balanced choices for lifelong function and mobility.
Expert surgical care reduces the risk of rare but serious complications, such as nerve injury. With Professor Paul Lee’s vast experience and MSK Doctors’ multidisciplinary approach, patients benefit from thorough follow-up and informed rehabilitation, supporting a safer and smoother recovery journey.