Jamestown (JRMC) – An educational opportunity to learn about joints and arthritis will help individuals in the community live their best lives.

The JRMC U: Care for Joint and Arthritis Pain is set for 11 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 1. The event will help people understand how to keep the musculoskeletal system as healthy as possible, said Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner Crystal Krapp.

She says, “We hope to help people understand what we do in orthopedics, who we are and what they can do to manage their care at home. “If home remedies don’t work, we can help people understand when it is time to see the doctor.”

JRMC Orthopedics specializes in diagnosing and treating bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves. The specialty includes procedures such as total joint replacements of the hip, knee and shoulder, knee arthroscopy and fracture repair.

Krapp is a member of the comprehensive team, which includes Orthopedic Surgeons Dr. Michael T. Dean and Dr. Timothy Volk and Physician Assistant Patrick Walter. Orthopedics also includes Podiatrists/Foot & Ankle Surgeons Drs. Kayla Emter and Rachael Renschler. 

Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC) is collaborating with Two Rivers Activity Center (TRAC) this year to offer monthly opportunities to learn (right from local providers!) about common health issues. 

Urology kicked off the series in November. Ear, Nose & Throat will offer education in January.

Krapp said she hopes to answer questions regarding home and surgical options, recovery and what happens after surgery. 

Questions people ask are: “What’s normal?” and “When do I see a doctor?” Individuals can ask questions, privately, and in advance at info@jrmcnd.com. 

The event is free and JRMC will provide nutritious snacks.

Information like this is important because care of joint and arthritis issues can impact a person’s quality of life. Soreness and pain can get in the way of work, family and the hobbies an individual loves.

JRMC offers virtual and in-person learning opportunities throughout the year. Called JRMC U, these events help individuals make informed choices about their health.

JRMC President & CEO Mike Delfs says, “We care about this community. If we can offer learning opportunities like JRMC Us, people can find a home-based solution for their needs. If those do not work, individuals can at least know what treatment options are available. Missing work and life to see a doctor can be a challenge, so we want to remove as many barriers as we can.

The Orthopedics JRMC U is in-person and at TRAC because that is convenient for the people who often need this care/

Future JRMC U classes include:

  • Thursday, Jan. 12: “Snoring and sleep apnea” featuring ENT Dr. C.P. Barton III 

All events are set for 11 a.m. at TRAC. They are free and open to the public. Attendees do not need to be TRAC members to attend. 

To learn more about Orthopedics care or future JRMC Us, visit jrmcnd.com/U.