Joint replacement — starting with my own left hip—was a daunting prospect. As an active person in my late 50s, I watched my life shrink due to severe hip degeneration. I tried everything to avoid it: hydrocortisone, gel injections… the works. Sadly, nothing from the works worked. I was left staring down the barrel of a total hip replacement, dreading the recovery and feeling utterly uneasy. Can you relate? I’m guessing you can, since you’ve found your way here.
Hip replacement worked great for me! 8 years later and i get out on the water to take pictures like this one!
From “Hip Hiker” to Your Joint Replacement Guide
This site started as The Hip Hiker, a place to share my joy at getting back on the trails after a successful hip replacement. My goal was simple: to encourage others who were weighing the pros and cons of surgery.
But my mission has grown.
Inspired by my wife’s recent knee replacement journey (I’m her primary caregiver as of October 2025!) and a whole family’s worth of joint issues, I’ve pivoted. While I’ll always be The Hip Hiker at heart, this site is now a dedicated resource for both hip and knee replacement patients.
Not Just About Hips
Why Listen to Me? (It’s a Family Affair)
You can find medical information anywhere. So, why here?
Because I bring you practical, real-world wisdom from the front lines. My family has been through it all:
- My own hip replacement.
- My wife’s current knee replacement recovery.
- My parents and siblings have undergone two double knee replacements, one double hip replacement, and two single hips and two single knees.
That’s a lot of comparing notes. It adds up to a massive library of pro-tips, what-to-really-expect moments, and hard-earned advice you won’t find in a standard patient pamphlet.
Prepare for Success
Read our articles and you will be prepared for success!
Let’s be real – joint replacement recovery is where patience pays off. I know people who didn’t follow their OT and Ortho’s instructions and that self-sabotaged their recovery and led to disastrous consequences. Your new hip or knee is a mechanical marvel, but it needs time to integrate with your body. The single biggest mistake is rushing the process. Follow your physical therapy, respect your precautions, and remember that every successful recovery is built on a foundation of smart, consistent effort. Don’t blow your recovery by trying to win it in the first month.
Explore Your Recovery Resources
Dive into our library of articles on the most-searched hip and knee replacement topics. Each one is designed for you, featuring:
• Key Takeaways for speed skimmers
• FAQs to answer your immediate questions
• Free, Downloadable PDFs, and Resource Guides packed with Hip Pointers and Kneed to Knows, including personal ahas that will really help.
Join Our Community!
Go ahead, take a hike through the site! We know you’ll find it helpful.
Your journey can help others, too. Send us your helpful questions or comments—they might just get featured in a new article to help fellow readers. Let’s build this community together and help each other get back on the trail, the lake, or the walking path.
And remember… no picture, it never happened! 🙂
Disclaimer
I am neither a medical doctor nor a healthcare professional. The information on this site, including text, graphics, images, and other material, is for informational and support purposes only.
It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your surgeon, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
My goal is to share my family’s personal experiences to help you feel informed and prepared. Please discuss any insights you gain from The Hip Hiker with your healthcare team as you plan your own joint replacement journey.