A to Z of Common Arthritis Terms
Lots of patients hear words during a consultation with a medical professional that do not mean anything to them. It's not that they don't understand it's just that they have never heard them before and these words have never been explained to them. Please find below a list of common terms used.
Acute
Describing a disease of sudden onset
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ANA or ANF
This is a blood test. If you are positive for ANF then you may need an eye check on a regular basis.
TopAnalgesic
An analgesic is a pain killer. It does not have anti-inflammatory effects. Even though NSAIDS have pain killing as well as anti-inflammatory properties, analgesics can be used in conjunction with NSAIDS to ease pain. Analgesics are safer than anti-inflammatories. The most common analgesic is paracetamol.
TopAnti-bodies
These are abnormal proteins in the blood. They do not cause diseases but are associated with diseases. The most common is Rheumatoid Factor (RF). If this is in the serum (blood) then you will be diagnosed as having sero-positive arthritis.
TopArthritis
The word is derived from the Greek "arthron"meaning "joint". The ending "itis" means inflammation. Thus arthritis means an inflammation of one or more joints.
TopAuto-antibody
An antibody produced by the immune system that attacks the body's own tissue and cells
TopAuto-immune
Immune response against the bodies own tissue and cells
TopAutoimmune
When the body's own immune response system departs from normal operaton and attacks components of the body itself
TopBouchard's Nodes
Hard, bony swelling of the middle joints of the fingers
TopC-Reactive Protein (CRP)
Concentrations of this protein in the blood can be measured to test for inflammation or disease acitivity
TopCalcification
Deposits of calcium crystals in soft tissue.
TopCartilage
Strong, slippery surface on bone ends that acts as a cushion and allows smooth movement of the joint.
TopChronic
This means that a condition is long-term
TopConnective Tissue
Tissue that supports or binds other body parts and tissue
TopDiagnosis
What type of arthritis you have.
TopEarly Morning stiffness
Is the amount of time it takes for you to "get going" in, the morning. If the arthritis is active the period of stiffness in the morning may be prolonged. It may be eased by using a slow release NSAID as well as by a hot shower.
TopEnteric Coated
Many NSAIDS can be obtained in an enteric coated form which may be easier on the stomach.
TopErythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
A test that measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a test tube. This is used to measure inflammation and disease activity.
TopExacerbation
See Flare
TopFlare
Or exacerbation is the term used for those times when arthritis is at its worst..
TopHallux Rigidus
Stiff and rigid big toe joint, generally caused by osteoarthritis
TopHallux Valgus
Also known as a bunion, when the big toe begins to angle inward
TopHeberden's Nodes
Hard, bony swellings in the top joints of the fingers
TopImmune System
The body's defense mechanism that enables it to fight off injury and disease.
TopInflammation
This is a response of the body which can occur anywhere, not only in joints. The four signs of inflammation are redness, heat, swelling, and pain.
TopIridocyclitis
This is inflammation of the inside of the eye that occurs in the case of juvenile arthritis. It occurs most often in girls who develop arthritis in just a few joints (see Pauci-Articular) which can gradually cause visual damage without any pain or redness on the outside of the eyes. A child is especially vulnerable if they also have ANF in the blood. There are no signs, so the child must have regular examinations by an Opthalmologist and not by an Optician. These examinations, in some cases, must continue even after the disease might have gone into remission (see remission ).
TopLigaments
Fibrous tissue that connects bones to each other
TopMagnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
A scan that uses high-frequency radio waves to build a picture of the inside of a body.
TopOccupational Therapist
A specialist who will help you adjust to the demands of living, school and play by teaching them how to do things differently and provide you with devices that will make things easier.
TopOpthalmologist
A medical doctor who specialises in examination, diagnosis and treatment of the eyes.
TopOrthopaedics
A medical discipline that specialises in the bones and joints.
TopOsteophytes
Also known as spurs, these are overgrowth of new bone around the sides of a joint affected by osteoarthritis
TopPauciarticular Juvenile Arthritis
The form of Juvenile Arthritis in which fewer than five joints are affected.
TopPhysiotherapist
A specialist in physical therapy and splinting who will design the exercise programme for you.
TopPolyarticular Juvenile Arthritis
The form of Juvenile Arthritis in which five or more joints are affected.
TopPsoriatic Arthritis
Is a form of arthritis. Sometimes the arthritis appears first and the diagnosis can be made only when the rash appears. There is no relationship between the activity of the skin condition and what is going on in the joints.
TopRemission
Is the term used to describe the times when your arthritis seems to have disappeared.
TopRheumatoid Factor
Is a blood test which is positive with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
TopSlit Lamp Examination
A special eye exam given by an Opthalmologist to check for lridocyclitis in children. A crucial part of the proper examination of the eyes of a child. Only an Opthalmologist is qualified to do the examination.
TopSplints
Physical aids designed to help hold joints in the proper position during day or night activities.
TopSpondylosis
Osteoarthritis of the small joints in the neck and back. Very common but often causes no symptoms.
TopSteroids
These are powerful anti-inflammatories. Prednisolone and delta-cortril are the most common forms used by mouth. They have many side effects so the lowest dose possible for the shortest period possible is given. Steroids can be injected directly into joints. These injections are extremely effective. They are logical in that the steroid is delivered to where it is required.
TopSynovial Fluid
A thick fluid within the synovium that lubricates and cushions a joint
TopSynovitis
Inflammation of the membrane which lubricates joints
TopSynovium
This is the lining of the joint that is inflamed in arthritis. Some doctors call arthritis -synovitis. When doctors examine the joints they are able to assess the degree of inflammation of the synovium.
TopSystemic Juvenile Arthritis
Systemic arthritis usually begins with a particular kind of fever lasting several weeks. Typically, the child has a very high temperature (up to 40ºC, or 104ºF) once, or sometimes twice, a day, often in the evenings. Parents usually notice a blotchy, salmon-pink rash on the child's thighs, arms or body. This often appears at the same time as the highest temperature. Glands in the neck, armpits and groin may be swollen. Very occasionally, the inflammation can affect the covering of the heart and, even more rarely, the covering of the lungs. Not surprisingly, children with systemic arthritis may be generally miserable, irritable and off their food. Problems with the joints may appear later.
Some children recover after one bout of systemic arthritis and suffer no long- term problems. Others will have repeat episodes of illness, or 'flare-ups', for several years. Some go on to develop arthritis in many joints – polyarthritis – without further fever attacks.
TopSystemic Lupus Erythematosus
A chronic inflammatory condition caused by an autoimmune disease
TopTendon
A band of tough, rope-like tissue which attaches muscle to bone so that the muscles can make the joint move.
TopUltrasound Scan
This scan uses high-frequency sound waves to build a picture of the inside of a body