Each year thousands of Americans undergo hip replacement surgery. For some people, the risk of wear and tear on a new prosthesis signals the end of a favorite sport, such as running. That's not the case for cyclists, however. With the right bike seat and a careful approach, you can get back on the road soon after rehabilitation.
Your New Riding Partner
Patients with prosthetic hips are carrying a little extra weight---most new hips are made out of metal. Your prosthesis consists of an outer socket, an inner socket, a ball that attaches to the top of your thigh bone and a stem that attaches to the ball and the rest of your thigh bone. Physical therapy after surgery may last a month. You will then be encouraged to enjoy low-impact exercise, such as cycling.
Getting Back on the Bike
Although you may be anxious to return to the road, you should take time for a little practice first on a stationary bike. Pedal backward until you are comfortable with the movement---you'll place less pressure on your hips by starting out that way. Once you feel you are ready for the real thing, head to the local bike store to check out the latest in comfort seats.
The Secret of the Saddle
Bike seats are called saddles in the industry, and they come in many shapes and sizes. You will want to be as comfortable as possible, and the site of a healed hip surgery incision may dictate which saddle will be best. A wider saddle may be the most comfortable. Saddles come as wide as 12 inches, and they can be filled with gel or air and may have a groove down the middle to relieve pressure on the groin. Saddles should make you feel comfortable right away, but if you become sore after two weeks of use, the seat is providing the wrong fit.
Adjusting the Ride
Once you have the right saddle, you will need to adjust it to the proper height. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons advises that the bottom of your foot should just touch the pedal with a slightly bent knee. If the saddle is too high, you'll have to stretch your legs to reach the pedals. This will cause you to shift your weight from side to side, which will put pressure on prosthetic hips and will leave you sore.
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