Exercise for Arthritis
Exercise for Arthritis in Colorado Springs, CO
Regular, joint-friendly exercise can be an important part of managing arthritis pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. However, the safest and most effective activities depend on the affected joint, severity of arthritis and overall health. Eric K. Jepson, DO, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon with expertise in arthritis disease management and complex hip and knee conditions. He provides individualized evaluations for patients in Colorado Springs and surrounding Southern Colorado communities, helping them understand how exercise, physical therapy and other conservative treatments may support joint function and an active lifestyle.
What is Arthritis?
The term arthritis literally means inflammation of a joint, but it is generally used to describe any condition in which there is damage to the cartilage, the tissue that lines the ends of bones in a joint. Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury and presents as redness, swelling, heat, and pain.
Eric K. Jepson, DO
BOARD-CERTIFIED ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEONDr. Eric K. Jepson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip & knee reconstruction, total joint replacement, & complex revision surgery. A Colorado Springs native, he returned to his hometown after completing advanced fellowship training in Total Joint Arthroplasty at the Florida Orthopaedic Institute, one of the nation's premier centers for hip & knee replacement surgery.
Impact of Arthritis
Painful and stiff joints can discourage one from any activity, let alone exercise.
Importance of Exercising in Arthritis
Exercising is, however, crucial for those with arthritis. It reduces joint pain, improves flexibility and strength, combats fatigue and gives you the energy to do the things you enjoy.
If you have arthritis, you should understand your limits before engaging in an exercise program. Overdoing it or performing the wrong kind of exercise can aggravate your symptoms and cause discouragement. A doctor or physical therapist can formulate an exercise program to best suit your condition.
Exercise Program for Arthritis
A good exercise program typically focuses on improving range of motion, strength and cardiovascular fitness. Range-of-motion exercises prevent joint stiffness and can be performed on a daily basis. The joint is taken through its full range of motion, which gradually improves with regular exercise. Strengthening the muscles around your joints provides support and takes the stress off your joints. Two to three days a week of strengthening exercises is all you need to show positive gains.
Cardiovascular fitness can be improved through aerobic exercises that get your heart pumping for a definite amount of time. As you gradually build endurance and energy, you will be able to perform the recommended 150 minutes of aerobic activity a week, splitting it the way you see fit.
Things to Keep in Mind While Exercising with Arthritis
Those with arthritis are encouraged to perform low-impact, low-intensity movements while exercising so as not to tax the joints. If your joints are particularly painful and stiff, using a hot pack or taking a warm shower may be recommended just before the exercise. Any joint swelling after exercise can be treated by gentle icing. Try to determine what level of exercise is effective yet does not aggravate your symptoms.
Alternatives to Exercise for Arthritis Relief
Besides exercise, you can also engage in regular physical activities, such as walking the dog or mowing the lawn, which all add up to your advantage. Just be sure these activities don’t overstrain your joints.
Advantages of Exercises for Arthritis
The various benefits of exercise for those with arthritis include:
- Improved bone strength
- Strong muscles around joints
- Controlled body weight
- Increased energy levels
- Improved balance
- Better quality of life
Knowing these benefits can help you climb the hill of pain and stiffness that most people with arthritis are up against when wanting to do something positive, such as exercise.
Why Choose Dr. Jepson for Exercise Guidance for Arthritis in Colorado Springs, CO?
- Board-certified orthopaedic surgeon: Dr. Jepson is certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.
- Arthritis management expertise: His clinical interests include arthritis disease management and complex hip and knee conditions.
- Accurate evaluation: Dr. Jepson assesses the cause and severity of joint symptoms before recommending an activity plan.
- Individualized recommendations: Exercise guidance reflects the affected joint, mobility, strength, health and fitness level.
- Conservative-first approach: Appropriate exercise and physical therapy may be included before joint replacement is considered.
- Coordinated physical therapy: When needed, patients may be referred for supervised exercises that improve strength, flexibility and movement.
- Continuity of care: Dr. Jepson can monitor symptoms and modify the treatment plan if arthritis progresses or exercise no longer provides adequate relief.
Exercise for Arthritis FAQs
Appropriate exercise generally supports joint function, but excessive intensity, poor technique or high-impact activity may aggravate symptoms. Exercise should be increased gradually. A physician or physical therapist can help determine safe movements and appropriate activity levels.
Mild stiffness or discomfort may improve with gentle movement. However, intense pain, substantial swelling, joint instability or worsening symptoms may indicate that the activity should be stopped or modified. Severe or persistent pain should be evaluated before continuing an exercise program.
The appropriate schedule depends on health, fitness and arthritis severity. Range-of-motion exercises may be performed frequently, while strengthening sessions should generally include recovery time. Aerobic activity can be divided into shorter sessions and gradually increased as tolerated.
Yes. A physical therapist can teach exercises designed to improve strength, flexibility, balance and joint mechanics. Therapy may also help patients modify activities, use assistive devices and create a sustainable home exercise program.
A medical evaluation is advisable when joint pain is severe, unexplained or accompanied by substantial swelling, redness, warmth, instability or loss of motion. Patients with significant medical conditions, a recent injury or advanced arthritis should also obtain guidance before beginning a new program.
Schedule an Arthritis Evaluation in Colorado Springs
If arthritis pain or stiffness is making it difficult to remain active, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Eric K. Jepson at Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group. He can assess your joints and recommend an individualized treatment plan that may include appropriate exercise, physical therapy and other nonsurgical options. Contact CSOG to request an appointment at its North or South Campus for arthritis care in Colorado Springs, CO, and surrounding Southern Colorado communities.
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