Definitions provided by:
Arthritis Glossary
Terms used to explain Arthritis can sometimes be confusing. To help you fully understand the articles and features related to this very important health topic, we have compiled a glossary of terms that can help.
pl -ties
: plastic surgery of a joint (as the hip or knee) : the operative formation or restoration of a joint
articular cartilage
Function: noun
: cartilage that covers the articular surfaces of bones
carpal tunnel syndrome
Function: noun
: a condition caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel and characterized esp. by weakness, pain, and disturbances of sensation in the hand and fingers abbr. CTS
: a tissue of mesodermal origin that consists of various cells (as fibroblasts and macrophages) and interlacing protein fibers (as of collagen) embedded in a chiefly carbohydrate ground substance, that supports, ensheathes, and binds together other tissues, and that includes loose and dense forms (as adipose tissue, tendons, ligaments, and aponeuroses) and specialized forms (as cartilage and bone)
: a glucocorticoid C21H28O5 that is produced naturally in small amounts by the adrenal cortex and is administered in the form of its synthetic acetate C23H30O6 esp. as replacement therapy for deficient adrenocortical secretion and as an anti-inflammatory agent (as for rheumatoid arthritis) compare 11-dehydrocorticosterone
fi*bro*my*al*gia
Pronunciation: \ˌfī-(ˌ)brō-ˌmī-ˈal-j(ē-)ə\
Function: noun
1: a chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain, tenderness, and stiffness of muscles and associated connective tissue structures that is typically accompanied by fatigue, headache, and sleep disturbances —called also fibromyalgia syndrome, fibromyositis
: an amino derivative C6H13NO5 of glucose that occurs esp. as a constituent of polysaccharides (as chitin) in animal supporting structures and some plant cell walls
lu*pus
Pronunciation: \ˈlü-pəs\
Function: noun
1: any of several diseases (as lupus vulgaris or systemic lupus erythematosus) characterized by skin lesions
: a glucocorticoid C21H26O5 that is a dehydrogenated analog of cortisone and is used as an anti-inflammatory agent, as an antineoplastic agent, and as an immunosuppressant
psoriatic arthritis
Function: noun
: a severe form of arthritis accompanied by inflammation, psoriasis of the skin or nails, and a negative test for rheumatoid factor —called also psoriasis arthropathica
reactive arthritis
Function: noun
: acute arthritis that sometimes develops following a bacterial infection (as with the bacteria of the genera Shigella, Salmonella, or Chlamydia)
pl -gies
: a medical science dealing with rheumatic diseases
Function: noun
: any of numerous natural or synthetic compounds containing a 17-carbon 4-ring system and including the sterols and various hormones and glycosides see anabolic steroid
: inflammation of a synovial membrane usu. with pain and swelling of the joint
ten*di*ni*tis
Function: noun
: inflammation of a tendon
Diagnosing Arthritis 
7 Proven Treatments for Arthritis 
Myths and Facts About Arthritis 
Is It Time for a New Joint? 
Take the Pain Quiz Take a Personalized Health Test
How well are you controlling your symptoms?
Expert Advice from Harvard Medical School
Personal Story Network
A place where patients, healthcare providers, caregivers, and innovators share their personal stories about healing, and hope within the healthcare system and beyond.
Arthritis Features
Did You Know?
View SourceArthritis accounts for 39 million doctor visits each year and more than 500,000 trips to the hospital.
Related Conditions in Arthritis
Health News Today
Feed- Glucosamine Supplements Tied to Risk of Eye Condition 05/23/2013
- Sugar Injections for Knee Arthritis May Ease Pain: Study 05/20/2013
- Women Who Smoke May Have Higher Risk for Rheumatoid Arthritis 04/26/2013
- 'Mobility Shoes' May Help Those With Arthritic Knees: Study 04/12/2013
- Low Testosterone Linked to Later Arthritis in Study 04/04/2013
- View More Arthritis News
