Episode 14 - Hip Squeaking and Grinding After a Hip Replacement

August 08, 2025

Hip replacement squeaking or grinding? What those noises really mean—and how to stop them.

Hip Replacement Squeaking or Grinding: What It Means, Why It Happens, and How to Stop It

Hip replacement squeaking, grinding, or clicking sounds can be shocking, confusing, and honestly pretty scary—especially when no one warned you it could happen. If you’ve ever wondered “Is my hip replacement failing?”, “Why does my hip squeak?”, or “Is grinding normal after hip replacement surgery?”, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Hip Replacement Podcast, host Chris Bystriansky—author, athlete, and double hip replacement patient—dives deep into hip replacement noises, including squeaking, grinding, clicking, and rubbing sensations that can occur years after surgery. Chris explains what these sounds mean, why they happen, and—most importantly—what you can do to prevent them and protect your hip replacement long-term.

This episode is especially helpful for patients with anterior hip replacement, ceramic hip replacements, ceramic-on-ceramic hips, and even metal or polyethylene liners. Chris shares his real-world experience more than 10–12 years post-surgery, including the first time he felt a severe grinding sensation and how he learned to manage it safely without panic or unnecessary procedures.

You’ll learn:

Why hip squeaking vs grinding are very different signals
How muscle tightness, dehydration, and reduced joint space contribute to noise
Why small repetitive movements (like standing or pivoting) cause more problems than big athletic motions
The role of hydration, stretching, range of motion, and muscle balance in preventing hip replacement noise
How to reduce wear on your hip components and extend the life of your implant

If you’re worried about hip replacement complications, concerned about revision surgery, or simply want to understand what your body is telling you, this episode provides reassurance, education, and practical guidance you can use immediately.

Whether you’re weeks, months, or years after hip replacement surgery, this episode will help you move forward with confidence instead of fear—and keep your hips healthy for the long run.

New hips. New you. Let’s go.

Thanks for joining THE HIP REPLACEMENT PODCAST.

-Chris

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Episode Transcript

Episode 14 – Hip Squeaking or Grinding After a Hip Replacement - Transcript
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Welcome to the Hip Replacement Podcast, where recovery meets motivation and healing leads to a whole new lifestyle.

I’m Chris Bystriansky, your host—author, athlete, and double hip replacement patient. I’ve been through the surgeries, the setbacks, and the comebacks, and I’m here to help you do the same.
Each week, I bring you tips, tools, expert advice, and inspiring stories to help you take back your life one step at a time.

Thanks for joining the Hip Replacement Podcast.
New hips. New you. Let’s go.
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Welcome back to the Hip Replacement Podcast. I’m Chris Bystriansky, your host. I’ve had both of my hips replaced—one about 10 years ago and the other more than 12 years ago—and I’m here to share what I’ve learned along the way.

Before we get started, I want to mention that there’s a new link in the show notes where you can submit a question or comment. I’d love to hear from you. I’m planning to make the podcast more interactive, so please send questions, comments, and let me know where you’re listening from. The show is being heard in the U.S., Canada, England, Australia, and beyond—and that’s pretty cool.
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Squeaking and Grinding From the Hip (Not the Bedroom)
Today’s episode is about squeaking or grinding coming from your hip replacement.
And just to be clear—we’re talking about the hip, not the bedroom. That’s a different episode entirely.

I had both hips replaced using the anterior approach, and I have a ceramic-on-ceramic hip replacement. That means a ceramic ball on the top of my femur articulates against a ceramic liner inside the metal cup in my hip.

At the time of my surgery, ceramic-on-ceramic hips were relatively new in the U.S., and I participated in a study that required regular follow-ups, X-rays, and long questionnaires. One set of questions always asked whether I experienced squeaking or grinding.
For years, my answer was always “no.”
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The First Grinding Episode
About five or six years after surgery, I was standing at the kitchen sink doing dishes—small, repetitive movements, pivoting about 90 degrees to load the dishwasher.

Suddenly, I felt a violent grinding sensation in my right hip. It scared me to my core.
The best way I can describe it is like slamming on the brakes at highway speed—everything shook. That sensation now happens maybe once or twice a year, and only on one side.
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Why Grinding and Squeaking Happen
Two things cause this:
1. Lack of lubrication
2. Muscle tightness compressing the hip joint

The hip replacement is a mechanical joint. There’s supposed to be a tiny space between the ball and the liner, filled with your body’s natural lubrication. When muscles—especially the quadriceps and IT bands—get tight, they compress the joint and squeeze out that lubrication.
Small repetitive movements (like standing at the sink) can push fluid out without bringing fresh lubrication back in. Bigger movements—walking, golfing, cycling—actually help pull lubrication into the joint.
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Squeaking vs. Grinding
Grinding is the more serious sensation.
Squeaking is more of a warning sign.
I experience squeaking a few times a year. It’s loud—think squealing brakes mixed with a high-pitched whine. My wife has heard it at home a few times, which is awkward but not painful.
The squeaking isn’t damaging by itself—it’s your signal to stretch and hydrate.
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How I Prevent It
My approach is simple:
• Stay hydrated (water matters—coffee and alcohol don’t lubricate joints)
• Stretch daily, especially the front, sides, back, and inside of the upper legs
• Maintain range of motion with consistent movement

If I skip stretching for a day or two—especially after cycling or swimming—I feel tightness, and that’s when squeaking or grinding can show up.
Ten to fifteen minutes a day is enough.
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Final Thoughts
Squeaking and grinding after hip replacement can happen. It’s usually not painful and doesn’t mean something is broken. It’s often your body asking for more hydration, movement, and flexibility.

I do these things every day because I want these hips to last as long as possible. I don’t want a revision surgery, and I’m committed to maintaining what I have.
If you’re experiencing something similar, don’t panic. Stretch. Hydrate. Move.
And if you have questions, please submit them through the link in the show notes—I’d love to address them in a future episode.

Thanks so much for tuning in to the Hip Replacement Podcast.
Until next time, I wish you the best recovery possible.
Take care.

Episode 14 - Hip Squeaking and Grinding After a Hip Replacement

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