Hip Replacement – Cycling Star’s Hip Pain
Competitive sport and hip pain are often linked and this
is the case for cycling star Floyd Landis, who was told that he’d
need a hip replacement due to the osteonecrosis from which he
suffers after years of cycling exploits.
According to a report in the New York Times, top cycling star
Floyd Landis faces a hip replacement operation due to a weakening
of his hip bones bought about by his years of cycling. Hip
replacement operations are often required for sportsmen and women
who take part in sports that create a lot of stress on the hip
joints. For example, cyclists, skiers and ballet dancers often find
that they have hip complaints after long careers in their
particular disciplines and many require a hip replacement procedure
in order to avoid a future rife with joint pain.
Hip Replacement – Through The Pain Barrier
The extent of the hip problem suffered by Floyd Landis really
came to light during his endeavours in the Tour de France in 2006,
which he eventually went on to win. Unfortunately, however, he was
caught up in a doping scandal and was stripped of his title.
According to a report on CBS News, the cyclist did have to battle
through considerable hip pain and doctor’s advice that he needed a
hip replacement to secure the yellow jersey at the Tour de France.
The sport star’s need for a hip replacement stems from the fact he
suffers from osteonecrosis and this has caused him crippling pains.
Speaking to CBS News, the cycling star stated, “Mechanically, it
works fine -- it's just the pain is starting to be unbearable.”
This level of pain isn’t uncommon for those with the condition of
osteonecrosis and many find that a hip replacement procedure
releases them from the trauma of the ailment.
Hip Replacement – Factors of Hip Decline
Whilst some believed that cycling caused the decline of cycling
star Floyd Landis’ hips, this wasn’t necessarily the case. The
sport, however, was completely blameless for his condition and
injuries that he picked up throughout his career ultimately led to
specialists suggesting that he have a hip replacement operation.
The cyclist suffered a hip fracture in 2003 and arthritis stemming
from this injury is generally believed to be the main cause of
Landis’ current need for a hip replacement. Speaking to CBS News,
Dr Michael Bronson of Mount Sinai School of Medicine, stated,
“Without adequate circulation, the bone simply begins to crumble
and die. Cycling did not wear his hip out. There has never been a
scientific study showing that any sport leads to arthritis of any
joint. His injury is what leads to arthritis and his need for a hip
replacement.”