I have hiked from Springer to Tyro Virginia just short of Waynesboro, had to have a hip replacement in November of 2014. Would like to receive feedback from any hip replacement backpackers out there. On do’s and don’ts and how it changed your backpacking if at all. Do you still do big miles are you a thru hiker of section hiking? Any input would be appreciated.
Brian Marcum
I had my right hip replaced April 8, 2011. I rehabbed for 6 months and did a week in VA, with no hip problems. I have hiked about a thousand miles since the surgery with no issues. I have been averaging about 11 miles a day, occasionally exceeding 15 miles on my section hikes. My longest section hike has been 220 miles, over 20 days in ME. The long rocky descents in ME were the hardest on my body, and zero days were welcomed. I have heard of one person doing a thru-hike after a hip replacement, but I think sectioning is more prudent. I do daily stretching exercises for my hip and lower back.
Happy Trails,
Steamer
Tom Moylan
I have communicated with a lady in her 70s by the name of Medicare Pastor who is section hiking the CDT post hip replacement. She does a couple of hundred miles each summer.
Marti /Swannee
I had a total hip replacement 2 years ago at the end of Mar. My procedure was the anterior approach and no muscles were cut. I was out hiking 4 weeks after surgery. I have no regrets and at 68 no limits on my activity. I still backpack without problems.
Virginia
No, Swanee, I don’t have a hip replacement. I have been hiking with a knee replacement and this year I had a shoulder replacement but no hips yet. I try to do two 300-500 miles hikes a year, may be a little shorter than that this year. I am 73. I am slower every year. I don’t think that is all due to replacement parts - just getting older. Whatever your bodily function, pay attention to what your body is telling you. With age and/or replacement parts don’t push like you could at 20-30. Just keep walking and stop when you need to and/or your body tells you you should.
Medicare Pastor