Arthritis Is Topic of

Dec 14 Lunch And Learn

One out of six Americans has arthritis.  While there are several different varieties of the disease, the most common is osteoarthritis, which is the result of degeneration of the smooth cartilage that makes up joint surfaces.  The joints most affected are typically the hips and knees, causing pain, reduced mobility and even a drastic change in lifestyle.  At the Thursday, December 14 Lunch and Learn program sponsored by Ashlar of Newtown, Dr J. Albert Diaz, a board certified orthopedic surgeon, will review the newest in treatment strategies and joint replacement surgery as well as offer suggestions on how to prevent the disease.

“Our goal is to try to prevent the need for joint replacements, and there are many treatment modalities, both non-operative and operative, to choose from,” said Dr Diaz.

Dr Diaz will describe some of the newest methods developed over the last year or two.  Visco supplementation, for example, is used when traditional methods fail, and involves injections directly into the joint.  When successful, this therapy cushions the knees and restores biomechanical functioning, he says.

Dr Diaz is a member of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Danbury Hospital, and in private practice with Brookfield Orthopedic Associates.

This program is part of a series of free seminars for mature adults about living and aging well.  It takes place from 12:30 to 1:30 pm with doors opening at noon, at Lockwood Lodge, located at Ashlar of Newtown.  To register or learn more about upcoming programs, contact Hilda DeLucia at 426-5847.