Vasili Karas, MD, MS, is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in rapid recovery hip and knee replacement and complex reconstruction surgery. At Chicago Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, he’s committed to empowering his patients to overcome their pain and resume the activities they love.
A Chicagoland native with the goal of giving back to his community, Dr. Karas earned his medical degree at Rush University’s Medical College in Chicago. He then went to North Carolina to complete his residency training at Duke University Medical Center. After that, he returned to Chicago to finish his fellowship training in hip and knee replacement surgery at Rush University Medical Center.
Dr. Karas’ approach to medicine involves spending time with his patients, fostering good communication, and offering the latest advances in medical technology. Through physical therapy, joint injections, and surgical procedures, he strives to get patients back on their feet as quickly as possible without compromising technique. He works closely with patients throughout their road to recovery and is highly skilled in addressing the full spectrum of concerns when it comes to hip or knee joints.
Whether a patient is continuing to have pain after a previous joint replacement, needs a second opinion, or is seeking the best surgeon to perform a knee or hip replacement for osteoarthritis, Dr. Karas feels privileged to care for the community of Chicagoland.
Join Dr. Karas in the fight against arthritis, register or donate today!
Kelsey is an active, caring student from Chicago, IL. She is currently a graduate student training to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. Through her experience with arthritis, Kelsey has learned to become an advocate for those who need it most.
In high school, Kelsey noticed pain in her hands while playing intramural football. From there, the pain spread to her toes, feet, and multiple joints throughout her body. Her mom had to help her out of bed every morning, and friends were helping her carry her backpack between classes. Even her jaw was affected, making eating and chewing difficult. After five months, Kelsey was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of fifteen.
Through the Arthritis Foundation, Kelsey and her family found a community of people who are also affected by this disease. The Foundation has empowered and encouraged her to become an advocate for others. Last summer, she volunteered with Camp JAM (Juvenile Arthritis and Me). Also, The Foundation has kept Kelsey updated on current research for arthritis cures and medications. It’s inspiring to know there are other people out there who care about improving the lives of those with arthritis and to not feel as isolated having this condition.
Since her diagnosis, Kelsey has had control over her arthritis for the past ten years. However, over the last year, she has experienced more frequent flares and has stopped responding to her biologic medications. Her doctor, physical therapists, family, friends, and the Arthritis Foundation have supported her immensely this year, and she is starting to feel better again with IV infusions. The past year has been a humbling experience and has reminded her that being healthy is a blessing and to not take things for granted.
Join Kelsey in the fight against arthritis, register or donate today!
Sydney Haworth was diagnosed with the juvenile form of ankylosing spondylitis. Until 2016, she had never heard of JIA, so she didn’t understand why she was in pain. The pain started in her feet and spread from there, putting her in a boot for a few months while trying to figure out her diagnosis.
Many activities are challenging to Sydney being diagnosed with JIA. She finds that running, walking, sitting, and standing for extended periods of time are difficult. Yet, throughout this challenging diagnosis, she has learned how to push through her arthritis and still challenges herself.
Sydney is in high school and enjoys Literature. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her five siblings and taking them to the beach or the zoo. She also enjoys riding her bike and reading books to her little brother.
Sydney has found help within the Arthritis Foundation. Last year, Sydney received a scholarship to attend Camp JAM, a camp for children with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. Sydney and her family were also able to attend the Juvenile Arthritis Conference in Houston. She enjoys connecting with other people her age who are going through the same or similar things. Sydney wanted to be the Youth Honoree to bring more awareness to juvenile arthritis and to encourage anyone who has to live with an arthritis related condition.
Join Sydney in the fight against arthritis, register or donate today!
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