Living Well Seminar Series
Arthritis and Joint Disease
ARTHRITIS AND JOINT DISEASE
Marie Milleage
In September, Dr. John Badylak with the Tarrant Bond & Joint medical practice at the Fort Worth Alliance office in Fort Worth, presented a Living Well seminar to over 50 residents who were concerned about arthritis and joint disease. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability for two-thirds of Americans under the age of 65 and affects 1 in 5 individuals.
In his presentation, Dr. Badylak clarified rheumatoid arthritis as an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the joint capsule, cartilage and joint surface. He focused on osteoarthritis that is caused by aging, heredity, weight gain, wear and tear, traumatic and repetitive stress injuries, and results in bone-on-bone contact with limiting and restrictive movements.
Nonsurgical methods of orthopedic care do not involve taking drugs – physiotherapy, weight reduction, specific exercises, massage and acupuncture. Alternative treatments are over the counter acetaminophens or glucosamine chondroitin, or prescription pain medications available as Celebrex, Voltaren, and others, or ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that treat inflammation. For more severe cases of osteoarthritis, joint fluid is injected directly into the joint. This nonsurgical, non-drug treatment restores natural fluids, cushions, and lubricates the joint for better movement and function.
Surgical replacement may be an option for pain relief, reduced stiffness and swelling, improved mobility, and return to normal activities. Different approaches to surgery depend on the affected joint. The surgical goal is to minimize tissue disruption and reduce restrictions during recovery.
Patient considerations are anticipated relief from pain and stiffness, benefits and risks of replacement surgery, the length of time it takes for recovery and rehabilitation, and the resumption of specific leisure and sport activities. The goals of rehabilitation are improved muscle strength, increased flexibility and movement in the joint, and more freedom to participate in everyday activities.
DATCU credit union provided seminar refreshments and door prizes. Living Well seminars are free and open to Robson Ranch residents. For more information, please contact Marie Milleage at milleagem@mygrande.net or view our website, www.rrlwc.com. Advanced registration is required.
All content within presentations sponsored by the Living Well at Robson Ranch Committee is intended for general information only. It should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of a professional health care provider. Neither the Living Well at Robson Ranch Committee, Robson Ranch Denton HOA, nor Robson Communities is responsible or liable for the content and do not endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised in any presentation.