Dictionary of Rheumatological terms

Acute – A medical condition that starts suddenly, is severe, but doesn’t last long.

Acupuncture – A traditional Chinese method to relieve pain by inserting very fine needles into certain points on the body. This helps block pain signals and releases natural pain-relieving chemicals called endorphins.

Ankylosing Spondylitis – A type of arthritis that mainly affects the spine, causing stiffness and pain. It can also lead to inflammation in tendons and ligaments.

Antibodies – Proteins in the blood that help the immune system fight harmful substances like viruses and bacteria.

Antiphospholipid Antibody – A type of antibody that mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells instead of harmful invaders.

Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) – A condition where the blood clots too easily. This can cause problems in veins and arteries anywhere in the body. APS can occur on its own or with lupus.

Arthritis – A disease that affects the joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Some types of arthritis involve inflammation, while others do not.

Autoimmune Disease – A condition where the immune system, which normally protects the body, mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues.

Cartilage – A smooth, tough material that covers the ends of bones in joints. It helps absorb shock and allows smooth movement.

Connective Tissue – The tissues that hold the body together. Diseases affecting connective tissue can impact many different organs and systems.

Chronic – A condition that lasts a long time, sometimes for life.

DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs) – Medications that help slow down arthritis and reduce inflammation. Examples include methotrexate and sulfasalazine.

HLA-B27 – A gene linked to certain types of arthritis, such as reactive arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

Immune System – The body’s defense system that fights infections and other threats. It uses special cells and chemicals to protect the body.

Inflammation – The body’s response to injury or infection. It often causes pain, redness, swelling, and warmth.

Joints – The places where two bones meet, allowing movement. Some joints, like knees and elbows, have a special lining and fluid to help them move smoothly.

Ligaments – Tough bands of tissue that connect bones to each other in a joint.

Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, SLE) – A disease where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. It can affect the skin, hair, joints, and sometimes internal organs.

NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) – A group of medications that reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness in arthritis. Common examples are ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac.

Osteoarthritis – The most common type of arthritis, where the protective cartilage in joints wears down, leading to pain and stiffness, especially in the fingers, knees, and hips.

Osteoporosis – A condition where bones become weak and fragile, making them more likely to break.

Physiotherapist – A specialist who helps people stay active, improve movement, and reduce pain through exercises and stretching.

Prognosis – A doctor’s prediction of how a condition is likely to develop over time.

Psoriasis – A skin condition that causes red, inflamed patches with silvery scales. It can sometimes be linked to a type of arthritis.

Rheumatologist – A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating arthritis and other joint, muscle, and bone diseases.

Rheumatoid Arthritis – A type of arthritis where the immune system attacks the joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness, often in both hands or wrists at the same time.

Spina Bifida – A condition where the spine doesn’t fully develop, which can cause nerve problems in the legs.

Synovium – The lining inside a joint that produces fluid to keep it lubricated. In arthritis, this lining can become swollen and produce too much fluid, causing joint swelling.

Tendons – Strong cords that connect muscles to bones, helping with movement.