- For many people the answer is yes, though it depends on your individual circumstances and is best decided with your surgeon.
- Current evidence has not shown higher implant failure rates in patients who return to sport, particularly with modern implants and techniques.
- Studies on return to sport vary widely, from around 40% up to 100% of patients, with an average return time of roughly four to six months.
- Most low- and moderate-impact activities, including jogging, swimming, tennis, golf and skiing, are achievable for many patients.
- High-intensity contact and collision sports carry a higher injury risk and are generally best avoided.
If you have been told you need a hip replacement at a relatively young age, you are probably keen to stay as fit and active as possible, and running is often one of the first activities people ask about. The good news is that expectations after hip replacement have changed a great deal. Where the procedure was once thought of as being only for older, less active patients, most people today are able to return to the majority of their pre-replacement activities.
Can You Run After a Hip Replacement?
For many people, the answer is yes, but it depends on your individual circumstances, and it is a decision best made with your surgeon. Many patients are able to return to running after a hip replacement or hip resurfacing.
There have traditionally been concerns about whether running might “wear out” the implant over time. Current evidence has not borne this out: recent studies have not shown higher failure rates in patients who return to sport and activity. It is worth noting that much of the older research was based on older techniques, older implant designs, and generally older patients. Historical concerns included dislocation with certain posterior approaches and wear of older plastic components. With modern implant designs, materials, and techniques, hip replacements are more stable and these concerns are reduced, meaning more patients are able to run on their new hip.
What the Evidence Shows
Research on return to sport after hip replacement varies considerably. Some studies report that a very high proportion of patients return to sport (up to 100%), while others report much lower figures (only 40%), one reason the decision needs to be considered individually, taking into account your circumstances and the specific activities you want to do.
As a general guide, studies suggest the average time to return to sport is in the region of four to six months after surgery, though this varies from person to person. National joint replacement registries continue to track long-term implant outcomes, including in patients who remain physically active.
Which Activities Are Suitable?
The general principle is that most low- and moderate-impact activities are achievable, while high-intensity sports with a high risk of impact or injury are best avoided.
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Generally achievable for most patients | Jogging, swimming, a casual kick of a football, soccer, tennis, golf, and skiing. |
| Generally best avoided | High-intensity contact and collision sports with a high injury risk, such as AFL and mixed martial arts. |
Staying physically active is valuable for cardiovascular fitness, weight management, and mental wellbeing, including the psychological benefits many people get from running. The right activities for you depend on your circumstances, so discuss your specific goals with your surgeon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will running wear out my hip replacement?
Historically this was a concern, but current evidence has not shown higher implant failure rates in patients who return to sport, particularly with modern implants and techniques. Your surgeon can advise what is reasonable for your specific implant and situation.
How long after surgery can I return to running?
Studies suggest an average return to sport of around four to six months, but this varies between individuals and should be guided by your surgeon and physiotherapist based on your recovery.
Are there sports I should avoid?
High-intensity contact or collision sports with a high risk of impact or injury are generally best avoided. Most low- and moderate-impact activities are achievable for many patients. Discuss your particular goals with your surgeon, or get in touch to arrange a consultation.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is intended as general patient education and does not constitute medical advice. Whether you can return to running or other sports after a hip replacement depends on your individual circumstances, implant, and recovery. Always discuss your specific activity goals with your own surgeon before returning to sport.
