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Glossary for Arthritis - 5Hamstrings: The tendons at the back of the knee. Heberden’s Nodes: Heberden’s nodes are small bony growths on the end joints of the fingers. These nodes are usually a sign of osteoarthritis. Hemoglobin: The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Hemophilia: A hereditary disease that occurs in males and is marked by impaired blood clotting and easy bleeding. If bleeding occurs in a joint, arthritis may develop and the joint may degenerate. Hydroxychloroquine: An antimalarial drug that is useful in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Because of the remote possibility of eye damage, patients taking hydroxychloroquine should have an eye examination every six months. Ibuprofen: The generic name of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used in various types of arthritis. Indomethacin: The generic name of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used in the treatment of arthritis. Infectious Arthritis: A form of arthritis caused by bacteria. Since antibiotics can kill bacteria, infectious arthritis is potentially curable. Intervertebral Disc: Pieces of fibro cartilage that separate and cushion the vertebrae. Iris: The colored part of the eye. Like a camera’s shutter, it controls the amount of light entering the eye. In juvenile rheumatoid arthritis the iris may be affected, possibly impairing vision or causing blindness. Isometric Exercise: A type of exercise in which the contractions of the muscles are checked by opposing muscles and the muscles are strengthened without bending the joint. Kyphosis: A term for humpback. Ligament: A fibrous band of connective tissue that holds two bones together. Lordosis: A forward curvature of the lower spine. Lumbago: A general term for a lower backache. Lumbar: Refers to the lower back. Lymphocyte: A type of white blood cell involved in the body’s immune response. |