Osteoarthritis Glossary of TermsThe following are health and medical definitions of terms that appear in the Osteoarthritis article.
Abnormal: Outside the expected norm, or uncharacteristic of a particular patient. Acetaminophen: A nonaspirin pain reliever or analgesic. Acetaminophen may be given alone t... See the entire definition of AcetaminophenAcromegaly: Condition due to the production of too much growth hormone by the pituitary gl... See the entire definition of AcromegalyAcute: Of abrupt onset, in reference to a disease. Acute often also connotes an illness th... See the entire definition of AcuteAerobic: Oxygen-requiring. Aerobic bacteria need oxygen to grow. Aerobic exercise requires... See the entire definition of AerobicAnalysis: In psychology, a term for conversation-based therapeutic processes used to gain ... See the entire definition of AnalysisAnatomy: The study of human or animal form, by observation or examination of the living be... See the entire definition of AnatomyAnkle: The ankle joint is complex. It is made up of two joints: the true ankle joint and ... See the entire definition of AnkleAnkle joint: A joint that is composed of three bones: the tibia, the fibula, and the talus... See the entire definition of Ankle jointAntibiotic: A drug used to treat infections caused by bacteria and other microorganisms. ... See the entire definition of AntibioticAntidepressant: Anything, and especially a drug, used to prevent or treat depression. Antioxidant: A substance that reduces damage due to oxygen, such as that caused by free ra... See the entire definition of AntioxidantArms: An appendage in anatomy and in clinical trials. See: Arm. Arthritis: Inflammation of a joint. When joints are inflamed they can develop stiffness, w... See the entire definition of ArthritisArthroscopy: A surgical technique in which a tube-like instrument is inserted into a joint... See the entire definition of ArthroscopyAspirin: Once the Bayer trademark for acetylsalicylic acid, now the common name for this a... See the entire definition of AspirinBack pain: Pain felt in the low or upper back. Causes of pain in the low and upper back in... See the entire definition of Back painBlood sugar: Blood glucose. See also: High blood sugar; Low blood sugar. Brain: The portion of the central nervous system that is located within the skull. It func... See the entire definition of BrainCalcium: A mineral found mainly in the hard part of bones, where it is stored. Calcium is ... See the entire definition of CalciumCapsule: Capsule has many meanings in medicine including the following:
Cartilage: Firm, rubbery tissue that cushions bones at joints. A flexible kind of cartilag... See the entire definition of CartilageCell: The basic structural and functional unit of any living thing. Each cell is a small c... See the entire definition of CellChronic: In medicine, lasting a long time. A chronic condition is one that lasts 3 months ... See the entire definition of ChronicCollagen: The principal protein of the skin, tendons, cartilage, bone, and connective tiss... See the entire definition of CollagenCongenital: A condition that is present at birth, whether or not it is inherited. Connective tissue: A material made up of fibers forming a framework and support structure... See the entire definition of Connective tissueCox-2: Cyclooxygenase-2, an enzyme that acts to speed up the production of certain chemica... See the entire definition of Cox-2CT scan: Computerized tomography scan. Pictures of structures within the body created by a... See the entire definition of CT scanCymbalta: Brand name for duloxetine hydrochloride, a drug approved by the FDA to treat maj... See the entire definition of CymbaltaCyst: A closed sac or capsule, usually filled with fluid or semisolid material. Cysts: Cysts are abnormal, closed sac-like structures within a tissue that contain a liqui... See the entire definition of CystsDegenerative joint disease: Also known as osteoarthritis, this type of arthritis is cause... See the entire definition of Degenerative joint diseaseDiabetes: Refers to diabetes mellitus or, less often, to diabetes insipidus. Diabetes mell... See the entire definition of DiabetesDiagnosis: 1 The nature of a disease; the identification of an illness. 2 A ... See the entire definition of DiagnosisDisc: Shortened terminology for an intervertebral disc, a disk-shaped piece of specialized... See the entire definition of DiscDuloxetine: See: Cymbalta. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: A heritable disorder of connective tissue that is characterized by... See the entire definition of Ehlers-Danlos syndromeELISA: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, a rapid immunochemical test that involves an enz... See the entire definition of ELISAEndocrine: Pertaining to hormones and the glands that make and secrete them into the blood... See the entire definition of EndocrineEndoscope: A lighted optical instrument that is used to get a deep look inside the body. A... See the entire definition of EndoscopeFDA: Food and Drug Administration. Fever: Although a fever technically is any body temperature above the normal of 98.6 degr... See the entire definition of FeverFood and Drug Administration: An agency within the US Public Health Service that provides ... See the entire definition of Food and Drug AdministrationGastrointestinal: Adjective referring collectively to the stomach and small and large inte... See the entire definition of GastrointestinalGenetic: Having to do with genes and genetic Glucosamine: A molecule derived from the sugar glucose by the addition of an amino group. ... See the entire definition of GlucosamineGout: Condition characterized by abnormally elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, rec... See the entire definition of GoutGouty arthritis: An attack that is usually extremely painful of joint inflammation due to ... See the entire definition of Gouty arthritisHemophilia: An inherited disorder in which the ability of blood to clot normally is impair... See the entire definition of HemophiliaHyperparathyroidism: Too much parathyroid hormone resulting in abnormally high levels of ... See the entire definition of HyperparathyroidismHypertrophic: Exhibiting hypertrophy (enlargement or overgrowth of an organ or part of the... See the entire definition of HypertrophicHypothyroid: Deficiency of thyroid hormone which is normally made by the thyroid gland wh... See the entire definition of HypothyroidismIbuprofen: A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is commonly used to treat pa... See the entire definition of IbuprofenIncidence: The frequency with which something, such as a disease or trait, appears in a pa... See the entire definition of IncidenceIncision: A cut through skin or other tissue performed by a health care professional. Indicate: In medicine, to make a treatment or procedure advisable because of a particular ... See the entire definition of IndicateInfection: The invasion and multiplication of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, an... See the entire definition of InfectionInflammation: A localized reaction that produces redness, warmth, swelling, and pain as a ... See the entire definition of InflammationInjury: Harm or hurt. To harm, hurt, or wound. The word injure may be in physical or emot... See the entire definition of InjuryJoint: The area where two bones are attached for the purpose of permitting body parts to m... See the entire definition of JointKnee: The knee is a joint which has three parts. The thigh bone (the femur) meets the lar... See the entire definition of KneeKnee joint: The knee joint has three parts. The thigh bone (the femur) meets the large sh... See the entire definition of Knee jointLeg: In popular usage, the part of the body from the top of the thigh down to the foot, an... See the entire definition of LegLiver: The largest solid organ in the body, situated in the upper part of the abdomen on t... See the entire definition of LiverLiver disease: Liver disease refers to any disorder of the liver. The liver is a large org... See the entire definition of Liver diseaseLow back pain: Pain in the lower back area that can relate to problems with the lumbar spi... See the entire definition of Low back painMarker: A piece of DNA that lies on a chromosome so close to a gene that the marker and t... See the entire definition of MarkerMembrane: A very thin layer of tissue that covers a 'surface. Metabolic: Relating to metabolism, the whole range of biochemical processes that occur wit... See the entire definition of MetabolicMetabolism: The whole range of biochemical processes that occur within a living organism. ... See the entire definition of MetabolismMRI: Magnetic resonance imaging. Muscle: Muscle is the tissue of the body which primarily functions as a source of power. T... See the entire definition of MuscleNeck: The part of the body joining the head to the shoulders. Also, any narrow or constric... See the entire definition of NeckNerve: A bundle of fibers that uses electrical and chemical signals to transmit sensory an... See the entire definition of NerveNerve growth factor: A naturally occurring substance that enhances the growth and survival... See the entire definition of Nerve growth factorNutrition: 1) The science or practice of taking in and utilizing foods. 2) A nourishing ... See the entire definition of NutritionObesity: The state of being well above one's normal weight. Osteoarthritis: A type of arthritis caused by inflammation, breakdown, and eventual loss ... See the entire definition of OsteoarthritisOsteotomy: Taking out part or all of a bone, or cutting into or through bone. Pain: An unpleasant sensation that can range from mild, localized discomfort to agony. Pa... See the entire definition of PainPain management: The process of providing medical care that alleviates or reduces pain. Mi... See the entire definition of Pain managementPediatric: Pertaining to children. Pharmacy: A location where prescription medications are sold. A pharmacy is constantly sup... See the entire definition of PharmacyPrescription: A physician's order for the preparation and administration of a drug or dev... See the entire definition of PrescriptionPrognosis: The forecast of the probable outcome or course of a disease; the patient's chan... See the entire definition of PrognosisProgressive: Increasing in scope or severity, advancing, or going forward. For example, a ... See the entire definition of ProgressiveProtein: One of the three nutrients used as energy sources (calories) by the body. Protein... See the entire definition of ProteinRange of motion: The full movement potential of a joint, usually its range of flexion and ... See the entire definition of Range of motionRheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of joint... See the entire definition of Rheumatoid arthritisScan: As a noun, the data or image obtained from the examination of organs or regions of... See the entire definition of ScanSensation: In medicine and physiology, sensation refers to the registration of an incoming... See the entire definition of SensationSpine: 1) The column of bone known as the vertebral column, which surrounds and protects ... See the entire definition of SpineSpondylosis: Degeneration of the disc spaces between the vertebrae. Spondylosis is common ... See the entire definition of SpondylosisSurgery: The branch of medicine that employs operations in the treatment of disease or inj... See the entire definition of SurgerySyndrome: A combination of symptoms and signs that together represent a disease process. Syringe: A medical device that is used to inject fluid into, or withdraw fluid from, the b... See the entire definition of SyringeTendon: The soft tissue by which muscle attaches to bone. Tendons are somewhat flexible, b... See the entire definition of TendonTherapy: The treatment of disease. Therapy is synonymous with treatment. Total hip replacement: Surgery in which the diseased ball and socket of the hip joint are ... See the entire definition of Total hip replacementTrauma: A physical or emotional injury. Tylenol: See: Acetaminophen. Ultrasound: High-frequency sound waves. Ultra-sound waves can be bounced off tissues by us... See the entire definition of UltrasoundVitamin D: A steroid vitamin which promotes the intestinal absorption and metabolism of ca... See the entire definition of Vitamin DVitamins: The word "vitamin" was coined in 1911 by the Warsaw-born biochemist Casimir Funk... See the entire definition of VitaminsWeight loss: Weight loss is a decrease in body weight resulting from either voluntary (die... See the entire definition of Weight lossWilson disease: An inherited disorder of copper metabolism that results in an abnormal acc... See the entire definition of Wilson disease
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