Glossary of Arthritis

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Glossary for Arthritis - 3

Biofeedback: A technique through which an individual is constantly provided with information on the state of one or more of his or her body processes, using monitoring devices. This is done with the hope of altering these normally involuntary processes, possibly through conscious effort.

Blood Count: The determination of the number of red or white blood cells in a given volume of blood.

Bunion: A swelling on the first joint of the big toe that may be bony or due to bursitis.

Bursa: A small fluid-filled sac lined with a thin membrane that allows tendons to move smoothly over bones.

Bursitis: Inflammation of a bursa that most frequently affects the shoulder but may occur in other joints such as hips and elbows. Symptoms of bursitis are similar to those of arthritis, and correct diagnosis is important. Irritation from pressure or injury can cause inflammation of a bursa. Tenderness, pain, redness, and swelling may occur. Treatment may include drugs, injections of corticosteroids, rest, physical therapy, and, in some cases surgery.

Capsulectomy: Capsulectomy is the removal of the joint capsule, the fibrous membrane that covers a movable joint.

Cartilage: A thin tissue that covers opposing ends of bones within a joint and allows for relatively frictionless movement between the bones.

Cervical: Referring to the neck or that region of the body.

Chrysotherapy: The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with injections of gold salts.

Colchicine: The generic name of a drug used to treat attacks of gout and to prevent gout from recurring. The drug is useful for few other types of arthritis and has many side effects. Because most patients who respond to colchicines have gout, the drug may help your doctor pinpoint the type of arthritis you have. After that you may be advised to switch to one of the other anti-inflammatory drugs.

Collagen: A tough, fibrous protein occurring as a major component of connective tissues such as tendons, ligaments, cartilage and bone.

Collagen Diseases: Diseases characterized by alteration of connective tissues, such as inflammation or degeneration. Rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are two examples of collagen diseases.

Connective Tissue: These tissues, such as ligaments and tendons, support the body.