The most common reason for hip replacement is osteoarthritis.  This happens when the cartilage in the hip joint has worn away over time resulting in bones rubbing together, which in turn is painful and can have numerous side effects such as distortion of the joint and restricted movement.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I hope the following will be useful to anyone about to have a total hip replacement operation and may offer some reassurance. At the end there is a list of items I found most useful when I returned home after the operation.

You know, walking, sleeping, sitting down, standing up, getting a drink, having a shower. Here’s a few tips, learned the hard way, on how to cope…

We know how quickly the novelty wears off and boredom sets in. Here’s our tips on how to stay sane:

Crutches can be a drag. Hard work on the arms and slowing you down if you’re out and about. But it doesn’t have to be like that!

We post this guide from time to time and update it. But our two favourite video guides haven’t changed this time.

100m on crutches without touching the ground is a challenge beyond most people (certainly us), but then we guess most people wouldn’t try it upside down.

So if you’ve just come home from the Plaster Room at your local hospital with a leg in a cast and a shiny new pair of crutches you might be wondering how you’re supposed to cope

Have a look at our blog about what to do if you’re bored. If you’re interested in a new hobby, how about improving your chess skills? 

Whether you’re looking for a Christmas gift for someone you know who uses crutches or a gift for someone just leaving hospital after surgery, here are our favourite picks.