Open to the public seminars about treatment options for women with knee pain scheduled in April
For Darlene Lempa, 55, of Midlothian, life has been about challenge. First it was the challenge of being a competitive volleyball player. As a young child, she played in the park district and then lettered in high school. After graduating, she became a permanent fixture on the Midlothian park district volleyball team.
But beginning in her 30s, she faced an even greater challenge. Volleyball had taken its toll on Darlene’s knees and she succumbed surgery and rehabilitation. It started with torn ACL injuries in both knees and two arthroscopic surgeries. At 33, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. At that time, she retired her volleyball to the attic.
As she aged, she became a victim of knee pain, just like so many women in their 50s and 60s. In Darlene’s case, it was caused by degenerative arthritis.
“My right knee was killing me. It hurt to go up and down stairs,” she admits. “I had to stop exercising, which was tough because I’ve been active my whole life.”
When her beloved orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Bruce Dolitsky of Metrosouth Medical Center, suggested knee replacement surgery, she agreed. “Darlene’s situation is not uncommon,” says Dr. Dolitsky. “Eighty percent of my patients who have knee surgery are women and it can really be an obstacle to staying active and performing everyday activities,” says Dr. Dolitsky.
After knee replacement surgery, Darlene has a new lease on life. The pain is gone and she is exercising again. While she can’t play volleyball, she is walking and riding an exercise bike.
Knee pain is a common complaint in women. Treatment options are available to get these women moving again.
Knee Replacement Seminars
During the month of April, MetroSouth Medical Center is offering a series of clinics about treatment options for women with knee pain. The seminars will feature Dr. Dolitsky and two other board-certified orthopedic surgeons as part of the hospital’s “Knee Pain Loves Women” campaign. The focus will be options available to those with osteoarthritis, including knee replacement surgery.
Attendees of the “Knee Pain Loves Women” seminars will walk away with a goody bag, consisting of quad and hamstring strengthening exercise cards and a MetroSouth Medical Center resistance band for use at home or in the office. During each seminar, the hospital will raffle off 10 complimentary knee x-rays for those women who meet appropriate criteria.
The seminars are as follows:
Thursday, April 15, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Beverly Country Club, 8700 S. Western Ave. – Drs. Paul and Robert Atkenson will talk about the latest treatment options available for women with knee pain.
Tuesday, April 27, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.., Lobby at MetroSouth Medical Center, 12935 S. Gregory St., Blue Island. Dr. Carl DiLella, who is team physician for the Chicago Machine (Lacrosse), will talk about the latest treatment options available for women with knee pain.
Thursday, April 29, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m, Raday Lodge, Midlothian Park District, 3220 W. 145th St. (145th & Kedzie), Dr. Bruce Dolitsky will discuss the latest treatment options available for women with knee pain.
