Aging at Altitude
A Joint Effort
Total joint surgeon Dr. Kris Alden shares his vision for staying strong, listening to your body—and when to consider surgery.
Embracing the great outdoors is part of life in the Roaring Fork Valley. Joint pain, though, can make even the simplest activities feel like a struggle. Understanding when it’s time to seek care—or consider surgery—can make all the difference in your quality of life and protecting your joints. Finding specialized care is the first step, and The Steadman Clinic is a great place to start. The clinic delivers high-quality orthopaedic care and personal attention to patients throughout the Valley.
Dr. Kris Alden, MD, PhD, joined the clinic July 1, 2024, bringing his 22 years of experience and specialized training in knee and hip replacement surgery. Dr. Alden’s extensive education includes his residency in orthopaedic surgery at Johns Hopkins University and fellowship in low- extremity joint reconstruction at the Mayo Clinic. He sees patients at Aspen Valley Health Medical Center and the Steadman Philippon Center in Basalt.
“I was enamored with Steadman Philippon’s clinical excellence and dedication to research and patient care,” Dr. Alden shared. “I also felt that I could make a significant contribution to the area of joint replacement and revision surgeries for patients in the area.”
He’s already noticed that patients in the Roaring Fork Valley are different—in a good way. “People in Colorado are less willing to accept an impaired lifestyle. They are extremely active. They want to get out and hike, ski and mountain bike. It’s rewarding to support them, because being active and healthy go together.”
Protecting Your Joints for Life
Dr. Alden said a healthy weight, strength training, stretching, eating well and good posture are the keys to happy joints. He acknowledged that while genetics play a role, maintaining an ideal body weight is one of the most important things you can do. “Extra weight puts added stress on your joints, especially your knees, hips and spine,” added Dr. Alden.
Regular exercise is also important for both weight control and joint flexibility. Aim for three to four sessions weekly, with a mix of cardio and strength activities. Strength training builds muscle and improves stability, which reduces strain on your joints. Repetitive movements can contribute to pain and injury, so switch up routines and include low-and no-impact exercises to prevent injuries due to overuse.
“When surgery is the right option, it can help you live a longer, better life.”
KRIS ALDEN, MD, PHD TOTAL JOINT AND ADULT RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY PHYSICIAN AT THE STEADMAN CLINIC
Dr. Alden cautioned that certain movements can put your joints at risk. “Avoid high-impact activities paired with pivoting and twisting to prolong the lifespan of your knees and hips,” he noted. “Incorporate stretching and mobility exercises into your fitness regimen to stay flexible and maintain your range of motion.”
In addition to regular physical activity, Dr. Alden recommends eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, calcium and vitamin D, which can also aid joint health. Opt for fish, leafy- green vegetables and nuts. And because the cartilage in your joints needs hydration to stay lubricated and function well, be sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Finally, maintaining good posture, whether standing or sitting, helps protect your back, knees and hips from unnecessary strain. And if you’re lifting anything heavy, whether at the gym or in daily life, be sure to use proper form.
When It’s Time to Get Seen
“If you experience joint pain, listen to your body,” reminded Dr. Alden. Rest or opt for low-impact exercises, apply ice and, if approved by your primary care physician, take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain medication like ibuprofen.
When is it time to seek medical care? “If your joint pain affects your quality of life, it’s time to come in for evaluation,” Dr. Alden explained. “I start with a baseline examination, including an X-ray. Then I can guide the patient on prognosis and treatment options.”
Surgical and non-surgical procedures treat a variety of injuries and conditions, including hip and knee arthritis. “I only recommend surgery when simple, safe, non-operative measures have not been effective,” Dr. Alden emphasized. “When pain or injury is affecting your quality of life and you can’t participate in the things you love to do, it’s time. My goal with any surgery is to get you back to doing what you love.”
Joint Replacement Surgery
While it’s natural to feel stressed about surgery, understanding the procedure can help. “Knee and hip arthroplasties are some of the most-studied surgical procedures in all of medicine,” Dr. Alden pointed out. “We know that people who have joint replacement surgery can get back to living a healthy, active lifestyle, which is better for both cardiovascular and mental health. When surgery is the right option, it can help you live a longer, fuller and better life.”
Post-surgery recovery depends on a few factors. “The better shape you’re in before surgery, the smoother and quicker your post-op recovery will be,” Dr. Alden noted. “Some patients are back to enjoying their favorite activities in as little as six to eight weeks with diligent rehabilitation.” He cautioned that post-op patients should wait to pursue more aggressive, high-impact activities until after they fully recover and muscle strength and flexibility return.
While joint replacements are built to last 20 to 30 years, sometimes they need to be replaced sooner due to wear and tear, injury, loosening or infection. In these cases, Dr. Alden and his colleagues perform a joint revision, which is a redo of the initial arthroplasty procedure.
“Life is about movement, mobility and fitness,” Dr. Alden said. “I love being able to help people be active and enjoy the trails, slopes and adventures of the Roaring Fork Valley and to live life to the fullest.”
Specialty Orthopaedic Care at Aspen Valley Health
In partnership with Aspen Valley Health, the renowned Steadman Clinic provides specialized sports medicine, injury treatment and joint replacement for the Aspen and Roaring Fork Valley communities. The clinic treats patients from all walks of life, including recreational and professional athletes from all over the world.
The Steadman Clinic’s orthopaedic specialists offer:
- Knee surgery
- Hip surgery
- Shoulder surgery
- Foot and ankle surgery
- Hand, wrist and elbow surgery
- Spine and neck surgery
- Joint replacement and revision
- Regenerative medicine
- Pain management
- Internal medicine
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