Osteoarthritis Dictionary

acetaminophen: A common non-prescription pain reliever that is often used to treat arthritis symptoms.

arthrocentesis: A procedure where fluid is drawn from a joint using a thin needle.

arthrodesis: Immobilizing a joint by fusing the bones together.

arthroplasty: Surgery to restore joint function by reshaping the joint or replacing the joint with an artificial joint.

arthroscopy: The examination or surgical repair of a joint using a flexible thin tube called an arthroscope.

autoimmune disease: A disease caused when the body's immune response damages or destroys healthy tissue.

bunion: An inflammation of the first joint of the big toe. Often associated with osteoarthritis.

bursa: A small pouch between a bone and a tendon lined with synovial fluid.

bursitis: An inflamed bursa (see "bursa").

calcium: An element necessary for the proper development and growth of bones.

capsaicin: A topical cream made from cayenne pepper that offers relief from minor arthritis pain.

cartilage: Flexible tissue that cushions joint bones.

Charcot's joints: A progressive joint disease caused by nerve damage to the joint. Can mimic osteoarthritis.

chondrocalcinosis: A joint disease caused by deposits in the joint. Can mimic symptoms of osteoarthritis. Also called pseudogout.

chondrocyte: A cartilage cell.

chondroitin: A substance that keeps cartilage elastic and flexible. Chondroitin supplements are usually derived from shellfish chitin.

collagen: A fibrous protein needed for connective tissue.

cortisone: A naturally occurring steroid. Synthetic cortisone is used as an anti-inflammatory medication.

COX-2 inhibitors: Medication that inhibits the activity of Cycloogenase-2, a protein that triggers inflammation.

degenerative arthritis: Another name for osteoarthritis.