According to a report by The Straits Times in 2018, more people are running in Singapore. You can spot runners running seven days a week at different times and locations – in parks, along trails and pavements. While there are no official numbers, the Covid-19 pandemic and remote work have also led to many taking up running to keep fit. Whether it’s roads, trails, or treadmills, Singapore runners are united by their passion for the sport. It’s a fantastic way to stay in shape, boost mental health, and challenge oneself. However, along with the numerous benefits comes an essential question: Is it possible that dedication to this high-impact sport could lead to poor joint health and subsequent hip replacement surgery? Let’s explore how runners may need to exercise more care for their hips.
Is there a higher risk of joint injury for runners?
Running, typically considered a safe exercise option for those in good health, comes with certain risks. As pointed out by eMedicineHealth, running primarily places stress on the joints due to the impact of hitting the ground with two to three times one’s body weight. The repetitive running motion can exert significant stress on the hip, which is a ball-and-socket joint. Each stride applies pressure to this area, and over time, this continual force may lead to gradual wear and tear on the hip, one of the most robust joints in the human body. For individuals with hip joint pain, arthritis (especially in the knees), or other conditions that could be aggravated by running (e.g., disc problems in the lower back or sciatica), caution is advised. Read to learn about other common marathon injuries we commonly see at the clinic. Do you need a hip replacement if you run regularly and your hip feels strained? Continue reading to find out.
Do runners need a hip replacement?
Firstly, it’s crucial to note that running does not inevitably lead to a hip replacement. The belief that running inherently damages your hips is not entirely accurate. Like any physical activity, running can increase your risk of injuries, including hip injuries. Conditions such as hip bursitis, stress fractures, and hip labral tears are common among runners.
When it comes to hip osteoarthritis, a leading cause of hip replacement surgery, the research is somewhat mixed. Some studies suggest that long-term, high-volume running could potentially increase the risk of hip osteoarthritis. In contrast, moderate running might have a protective effect on the hip joints, perhaps due to its role in maintaining a healthy weight and promoting overall joint health.
In sum, running does not necessarily cause hip damage that requires replacement. So when do you know whether you need hip joint surgery? A hip replacement surgery might become necessary under the following circumstances:
- If you’re experiencing severe pain and stiffness in the hip due to arthritis, it significantly impacts your daily life and overall quality of life.
- If you’ve suffered from a major displaced fracture in the hip.
- If you’re dealing with extreme deformity and/or a shortened leg due to a prior hip injury.
Hip osteoarthritis is the most common reason a runner might need a hip replacement. Wear and tear of the joint combined with chronic injury creates stiffness and pain. There is smooth cartilage in the joint allowing the ball and socket to glide over each other with very little friction.
However, surgery may not be recommended if impingement is not disrupting your quality of life.
Can you run after hip joint surgery?
But what about returning to running post-surgery? The consensus among medical professionals is cautious optimism. There is not much data out there to guide us on how far and how often a patient can safely run after hip replacement. Most surgeons, out of concern that running may increase wear, and revision rates, may discourage their patients from running after hip replacement. However, it depends on the bone quality and the prosthetic materials used. If you are keen to run, after your hip replacement, it will be good to discuss this with your surgeon. Hip resurfacing, an alternative to traditional hip replacement, is often recommended for younger, active patients. This procedure involves covering the hip joint ball with a metal cap and lining the socket with a metal cup, which retains more of the patient’s natural bone structure. According to a study from France, more than 90 per cent of hip resurfacing patients who ran before surgery resumed running afterwards. While the results suggest that returning to running is possible after hip resurfacing, the study did not look at the long-term effects of wear on the implant. Indeed concern has emerged regarding early failure, high revision rates, and potential metal ion toxicity due to these implants.
Ultimately, it’s a decision that should be made with the guidance of your orthopaedic surgeon, considering factors such as your overall health, fitness level, and the prosthetic materials used during your hip replacement
How long is the runner's hip recovery after surgery?
The recovery time for hip injuries varies significantly based on the severity of the injury, the type of treatment, and individual factors like age and overall health. Mild injuries like minor strains or bursitis may require a few weeks of rest and conservative treatment like physical therapy.
Surgical interventions, such as a hip arthroscopy for a labral tear or hip resurfacing, require extended recovery periods. In general, patients should avoid running for three to six months post-surgery. It’s crucial to follow your surgeon’s advice and not rush your return to running
Best tips for recovery
When it comes to recovering from hip injuries, patience and self-care are key. Here are some tips for a smoother recovery:
- Follow Your Doctor’s Orders: Adhere to your doctor’s or physical therapist’s instructions regarding activity levels, exercises, and medications.
- Stay Active Safely: Even during recovery, it’s important to stay active to maintain muscle strength and flexibility. Low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling can be good alternatives.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in healing. Ensure you eat a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals.
- Rest might seem counterintuitive for a runner, but rest is vital to recovery. Make sure you’re getting adequate sleep and taking breaks as needed.
- Mental Health Matters: It’s common to feel frustrated or down when injured and unable to do what you love. Seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional if you’re struggling.
In conclusion, running does not automatically doom you to a future of hip replacements. However, it’s essential to run smart, listen to your body, and take care of your joint health. If you encounter hip problems, know that many options are available to you, and with proper care and recovery, you can lace up your running shoes again.
Need help to determine whether you need medication or physiotherapy for your aching hips? Contact us for a hip evaluation. Upon conducting a thorough medical history review and physical examination, we may require further imaging tests to provide vital insights into your clinical condition.
Once we have completed this comprehensive assessment, we will guide you towards the most suitable treatment pathway. This could encompass a range of options from oral anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants to recommending physical therapy for targeted hip stretches and strengthening exercises. Further interventions could involve ultrasound or fluoroscopy-guided injections, minimally invasive hip surgery, and, in advanced cases, muscle-preserving joint replacement surgery.
At Hip & Knee Orthopaedics, we tailor our treatment suggestions to suit your unique health condition and clinical profile. We strive to achieve successful health outcomes and ensure patient satisfaction by adopting this personalised approach. With our double-fellowship trained doctors boasting vast experience handling complex hip and knee issues, you can trust us to evaluate and manage your hip pain effectively.
