Cortisone: A steroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland and also produced synthetically. It can be used to reduce pain and swelling in arthritis side effects can be very serious, especially when it is given daily over a period longer than two months.

Degenerative Arthritis: A chronic type of arthritis resulting from a degeneration of cartilage and bone; also called osteoarthritis. This is also referred to as old age arthritis and is the most common form of arthritis.

Drug Interaction: A process whereby one drug cancels or heightens the other’s effects to a dangerous point when two drugs are incompatible with each other. Also, the combination of drugs may be poisonous.

Edema: A swelling of the tissues that takes place when too much fluid accumulates in various parts of the body;

Extension: The straightening of a joint.

Fascitis: Inflammation of the fibrous tissue known as Fascia, which is closely linked to muscle.

Femoral Head: The upper part of the femur thighbone.

Fenoprofen: The generic name for a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (an NSAID).

Fibrinogen: A protein necessary to the clotting of blood.

Fibroblasts: Connective tissue cells commonly found in developing or repairing tissues, where they build the connective tissues.

Fibro cartilage: A dense, fibrous connective tissue in which small masses of cartilage exist between the fibers.

Fibrositis: A combination of unexplained complaints of pains, tender points, and stiffness throughout the body. The cause of fibrositis is most frequently not found; however, in many people, fibrositis is due to a lack of deep sleep.

Flexion Contracture: A condition in which the muscles and ligaments are shortened or tightened so that a joint cannot be straightened.

Gold Salts: Effective drugs for some patients with rheumatoid arthritis; have been shown to produce a remission of arthritis in some patients.

Gout: A form of arthritis caused by crystals of uric acid in the joints. These crystals are present only after prolonged elevation of uric acid in the serum.