On average, people in the United States take about 4,774 steps a day, meaning walking is an integral part of most people’s lives. Understandably so, most patients are itching to get back on their feet and return to this basic form of transportation after a hip replacement surgery.
Many patients look forward to returning to their favorite activities after surgery, and cycling is often high on that list; it can be a great activity for fitness, recreation, and transportation. Accordingly, people commonly wonder when cycling after hip replacement surgery is safe and whether they will ever feel comfortable on a bike again.
Modern hip replacement surgeries are highly successful and can provide decades of improved mobility and reduced pain, lasting 20 to 30 years or more for most individuals.
While some people may be able to run after a hip replacement, many doctors will urge caution to avoid aggravating the area and delaying the healing process. Running is considered a high-impact exercise, meaning that with every step, you exert significant force through your legs, on the joints, and on the implant materials.
Unfortunately, about 14.3% of individuals aged 60 years and older report having significant hip pain on most days. This chronic hip pain can affect nearly every aspect of life.
Eighty-nine percent of individuals who were living with severe hip pain reported having only mild pain or no pain at all five years after getting total hip replacement surgery. In addition to reducing joint pain, this procedure can greatly improve mobility. However, to achieve the maximum benefits, patients should undergo physical therapy after hip replacement surgery.
