Dr. Michael Sander, Orthopedic Surgeon, to speak at free “Senior Health Talk” March 7 at Knapp Medical Center
Arthritis of the knee – and how to manage pain that many seniors experience while walking, going up the stairs, etc. – will be discussed during a free “Senior Health Talk” for the community by Dr. Michael Sander, Orthopedic Surgeon, on Tuesday, March 7, at 12:30 p.m. at the Knapp Conference Center, 700 Knapp Medical Boulevard in Weslaco. As part of his talk, Dr. Sander will discuss the option of knee replacement surgery which, in many cases, can help restore mobility to patients with arthritis and other conditions, by allowing them to walk again without pain. Many Valley residents and Winter Texans who have received this surgery say they simply want to be ridden of their pain, so they can return to a ‘normal life’ with their grandchildren and to activities they enjoy.
“These are patients whose ability to walk and move is restricted by severe pain,” Dr. Sander said. “In many cases, we can replace the damaged parts of knee and hip joints with specially-crafted prostheses made from plastic or metal. Patients are then on the road to recovery, with the help of physical therapy. It’s not easy — but the end result in many cases is to gain a new freedom – the freedom to walk, move, and even dance without pain.”
Following their surgery, these patients are helped by physical therapists and other licensed professionals with the Knapp Medical Center Rehabilitation Services Department, which is accredited by national accrediting organization for healthcare organizations, the Joint Commission. These therapists work closely with physicians to provide a complete range of therapies and treatment, including for patients recovering from surgery, as well as for those with arthritis; osteoporosis; joint, neck and back pain; and sports and work injuries.
Dr. Sander, a Weslaco native, has treated orthopedic surgery and sports medicine patients in Weslaco for more than 10 years. He is board-certified in Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery.
“We have been serving the orthopedic needs of the Mid-Valley since 2006,” Dr. Sander said. “I am a Rio Grande Valley native who returned to the area after 15 years of education to practice medicine and raise my family. I am proud of my family’s history here, which includes a tradition of healthcare and community leadership going back two generations in the Mid-Valley and Brownsville areas.”
Dr. Sander received his medical degree from the Baylor College of Medicine, graduating with honors. He went on to complete a residency in Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Iowa Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, and a fellowship in Orthopedic Sports Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio.
Knapp’s Senior Health Talks are free and open to the public, and include refreshments and a drawing for door prizes – including gift certificates for local restaurants. For more information, or to RSVP for Dr. Sander’s Senior Health Talk on March 7 at 12:30 p.m. in the Knapp Conference Center, please call Michael Swartz with Knapp’s Business Development & Marketing Department at (956) 973-5142 or email MSwartz@PrimeHealthCare.com.