A discussion on rheumatology and osteoarthritis will be held by rheumatologist Max Harris, M.D. and orthopedic surgeon Sarkis Bedikian, D.O. at “Breakfast with the Docs” at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, March 20, at the Oak Park Arms retirement community, 408 S. Oak Park Ave.
Roughly one in five adults is diagnosed with arthritis, and more than 50 percent of those ages 65 or older suffer from some type of arthritis.
Arthritis – the inflammation of one or more joints which results in pain, swelling, stiffness and limited movement – develops as the result of the breakdown of cartilage. Cartilage is what lines a joint, cushioning it and allowing for smooth movement. It also absorbs shock when pressure is place on the joint, like when a person walks. Without the usual amount of cartilage, the bones rub together causing pain, swelling (inflammation) and stiffness.
Symptoms of arthritis include:
• persistent joint pain
• pain or tenderness (in a joint which is aggravated by movement)
• joint deformity
• loss of flexibility or range of motion
• inflammation (joint swelling, stiffness, redness and/or warmth)
While there are more than 100 different types of arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most common forms. Osteoarthritis typically develops from normal wear and tear, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder.
Symptoms of this disease typically worsen with age. While treatment options vary depending on the type of arthritis, proper diet (including enough protein) and exercise can help alleviate discomfort.
Both Dr. Harris and Dr. Bedikian are board-certified and fellowship-trained physicians. They will be discussing the latest treatment options for managing arthritis.
A graduate of the Rush Medical College of Rush University in Chicago, Dr. Harris has more than 30 years of experience with rheumatoid arthritis. He currently practices in Oak Park and is a member of the American College of Rheumatology, the Arthritis Foundation and the Chicago Rheumatism Society.
Dr. Bedikian specializes in adult hip and knee reconstruction. He has published numerous orthopedic papers and is on staff at West Suburban Medical Center in River Forest. He holds a degree in osteopathic medicine from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern University in Downers Grove, where he also completed an Orthopaedic Surgery residency. Dr. Bedikian went on to the University of Chicago for an Adult Reconstruction fellowship.
Oak Park Arms Senior Living is a rental retirement community which provides senior housing in the form of independent living. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay – a weekend, a week, a month or longer.
The event is free and open to the public. And it’s not called “Breakfast with the Docs” for nothing: participants who attend will also be served a healthy breakfast.
For more information, or to reserve a seat, call 708-386-4040.
