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Return to running using Chi Running after THA?

Posted by tekdaddy76 @tekdaddy76, Apr 28 1:30pm

I had a THA back in 2018. I have been a runner for over 30 yrs. My Ortho. has recommended NOT to run because it will degrade the surface of the appliance. I have been researching Chi Running technique, which says it is not a high-impact running technique. I want to start back using Chi Running, slowly, but wanted to know if there is anyone who has a similar experience and what to expect.

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | May 3 8:53am

@tekdaddy76 I too was a lifelong runner - until my THA on both hips almost 20 years ago. I received the same advice from my ortho and my PCP.
Here is the rest of the story - about 2 years after my THA's, I began to have sensations that something wasn't right, pains in my thighs, a feeling of heaviness in my whole body...the surgeon assured me I was fine. Another 2 years passed, at my annual appointment he handed me a letter saying "some people were experiencing issues..." He sent me to a specialized lab to have a blood draw, which revealed metallosis, or chromium/cobalt poisoning.

I had to have both hips revised - the very thing I was trying to avoid by being careful. It was similar to having the replacements done all over again. Except, everything in my body was angry at being disturbed again, I was a few years older, and recovery was harder than the first time.

So fast forward 18 years - do I run? Yes when I need to get somewhere in a hurry or to play tag with my grandkids. Occasionally I cannot resist temptation and I will jog in the surf on the beach, or across a beautiful grassy field. Would I run/jog regularly? No way, I am now in my mid-seventies, and I want these hips to last for a long time. Looking at a demo of Chi running, I think it is how I run barefoot in grass or surf. I may have to try it because my grandsons love to run, and I would like to join them once in a while. But I cannot see myself returning to it as a daily routine.

REPLY
1 reply
tekdaddy76 | @tekdaddy76 | May 11 6:06pm
In reply to @sueinmn "@tekdaddy76 I too was a lifelong runner - until my THA on both hips almost 20..." + (show)
@sueinmn

@tekdaddy76 I too was a lifelong runner - until my THA on both hips almost 20 years ago. I received the same advice from my ortho and my PCP.
Here is the rest of the story - about 2 years after my THA's, I began to have sensations that something wasn't right, pains in my thighs, a feeling of heaviness in my whole body...the surgeon assured me I was fine. Another 2 years passed, at my annual appointment he handed me a letter saying "some people were experiencing issues..." He sent me to a specialized lab to have a blood draw, which revealed metallosis, or chromium/cobalt poisoning.

I had to have both hips revised - the very thing I was trying to avoid by being careful. It was similar to having the replacements done all over again. Except, everything in my body was angry at being disturbed again, I was a few years older, and recovery was harder than the first time.

So fast forward 18 years - do I run? Yes when I need to get somewhere in a hurry or to play tag with my grandkids. Occasionally I cannot resist temptation and I will jog in the surf on the beach, or across a beautiful grassy field. Would I run/jog regularly? No way, I am now in my mid-seventies, and I want these hips to last for a long time. Looking at a demo of Chi running, I think it is how I run barefoot in grass or surf. I may have to try it because my grandsons love to run, and I would like to join them once in a while. But I cannot see myself returning to it as a daily routine.

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Thanks for the reply. I too am not looking to running daily, but about three days a week. Like I said, looking to start slowly. I have been trying the Chi about 5 times in the last two weeks. I am up to almost a mile with walking for a total of 1.25. No problems so far. About 20min total.

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