Hip Arthritis - Rider - Advice please

[showjumper1]

My friend had arthritis in her hip. She has been told she will likely need a hip replacement in the future - 5-10 years. She is in her mid forties. She rides 5 times a week with one flat and one jumping lesson per week.

She is getting a lot of conflicting advice on whether riding will accelerate the degeneration, make no difference or even help a bit.

What do you think? Do you have experience of riding with hip problems? Should she avoid jumping? - she is definitely sorer after jumping than flatwork.

Also, does anyone ride with an artificial hip? Does it affect mobility or get painful?

 

[fairhill]

My mum has just given up riding due to arthritis in her hip, and is waiting for a hip replacement in the next few months.

According to her physio and surgeon, riding has helped her to continue being active for as long as she has managed. It's kept the muscles stronger, and the hip more flexible.

However she's certainly struggled with her symmetry over the last few years (which in turn has affected her horse's back), and has gradually lost the strength in her legs.
Getting on and off was a struggle as well. Without a very safe and willing horse I don't think she'd have continued for as long as she did.

My mum was definitely worse when she didn't ride for a while.

She's been advised by her surgeon not to ride afterwards, as there is a high risk of dislocation, especially if they carry out a resurfacing operation, rather than a full replacement.

When I posted on here a lot of people knew people who've had replacements and ridden afterwards without any problems.
Mobility will be greatly improved, and the pain should go once the replacement has been done so it's only the mounting/dismounting that may problems afterwards.

Your friend has my utmost sympathies x

 

[charliecrisps]

Hi

I dont have an artificial hip, but was born without a socket so they had to grind me one! Ive been told arthritis is on its way in... and i shouldnt ride as it will make things worse. I do however think life is for living, and ride anyway! Ive seen about 10 specialists and they all say the same, that riding wont help

I was considering a side saddle?!

 

[browbrow]

Hello

I am 23 and have chronic arthritis and I am down to have a double hip replacement in september - and my consultant has actively encouraged me to keep riding and running right up until the operation and wants me to work hard to get back in the saddle as soon as I can after, I also do alot of long distance running and all helps keep me moving!! The best advice I can give your friend is to keep warm - I find thin undergarments under joddies really help - I have some scottish cashmere tight things which were expensive but really keep me warm without the bulk. She will experience pain but with arthritis you just need to ride through it - its not a very well researched illness contrary to popular belief.

I hope she is ok !!!