Arthritis, Back Ache and Bone Disease Seminar Attended by Atlanta Legal Nurse Consultant

Atlanta, Georgia -- James M. Coggin, MD of the Institute of Natural Resources taught a seminar on “Arthritis, Back Ache and Bone Disease” in Athens, Georgia on September 24, 2014. Liz Buddenhagen, RN and Atlanta Legal Nurse Consultant attended. “We always keep up with continuing education, current medical issues and how they relate to our ongoing cases,” said Buddenhagen.

About the Seminar:

Dr. Coggin explained that arthritis causes pain, swelling and limited movement resulting from the breakdown of cartilage. Cartilage normally protects the joint, allowing for smooth movement. Cartilage also absorbs shock when pressure is placed on the joint, as in walking. Without the usual amount of cartilage, the bones rub together, causing pain, swelling (inflammation) and stiffness.

Arthritis can develop for different reasons, including an autoimmune disease, broken bone, general wear and tear and infection. Often, the inflammation goes away after the injury has healed, the disease has been treated or the infection has cleared. With some injuries and diseases, the inflammation does not go away or destruction results in long-term pain and deformity and chronic arthritis develops. Osteoarthritis is the most common type and is more likely to occur with age. It is most common in the hips, knees or fingers.

Coggin pointed out the risk factors for osteoarthritis - being overweight, previous joint injury and repetitive stress on the joint. He mentioned that arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States, limiting activities of nearly 19 million adults.

Medical treatment includes NSAID’s (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and weight reduction if overweight. Vigorous activity should be avoided initially but it is also important to maintain a modest level of activity to prevent joint laxity and muscular atrophy. Sometimes surgery is needed.

Coggin shared current information stating that long-distance running does not seem to predispose runners to osteoarthritis and might even have a protective effect but also stated that more studies are needed.

Prevention:

Coggin presented “Holy Guacamole.” He detailed the healthful reasons that avocadoes, lime juice, cilantro, extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, cumin, garlic, lemon juice, onions and pepper are good for you. Avocadoes have been studied for their benefit in maintaining synovial tissue and cartilage and thus preventing osteoarthritis.

Atlanta Legal Nurse Consultant:

Liz Buddenhagen, principal at Buddenhagen & Associates, assists Atlanta attorneys with any kind of legal case involving medical issues. For more information email Liz@BuddenhagenLNC.com, view www.Legal-Nurse-Consultant-LNC.com or call 770-725-2997 today.  

Contact Information

Liz Buddenhagen

Principal

Buddenhagen and Associates

(1) 7707252997

Liz@BuddenhagenLNC.com