LEARN THE LINGO OF OSTEOARTHRITIS

Understand common terms and health jargon relevant to this bone disease.

JANUARY 2008—We all know what a joint is—or do we? When a condition like osteoarthritis makes it difficult to walk, grasp, or exercise easily, we suddenly have a new appreciation for how our joints make fluid movement possible, and may question what's going on now to make it so difficult. Whether you're seeing a physician to determine what's causing your aching knees or just want to know more about how your joints work, you'll want to be familiar with these common terms.
Bouchard's Nodes
These are bony knobs that develop on the middle joints of fingers affected with osteoarthritis, causing them to ache and become gnarled.

Cartilage
A firm, slippery rubber-like material covering the ends of bones that reduces joint friction and absorbs shock

Chondroitin Sulfate
A substance found in cartilage that is thought to draw fluid into the cartilage. (Chondroitin supplements are sometimes taken with glucosamine to treat osteoarthritis symptoms—make sure to talk to your doctor before beginning a supplement regimen.)

Glucosamine
This is a substance in the body that contributes to the formation and repair of cartilage (it's Ssometimes taken by people with osteoarthritis as a nutritional supplement to help rebuild cartilage and relieve pain—-the research to support their use is mixed so make sure to talk to your doctor before taking).

Heberden's Nodes
Similar to Bouchard's nodes, these bony knobs form on the joints of fingers closest to the nails in hands affected with osteoarthritis.

Hyaluronic Acid
A substance occurring naturally in the body that makes joint fluid slippery.

Joint
An area where two bones meet, which may include a cavity lined by the synovium and filled with a small amount of synovial fluid.

Joint Capsule
A tough membrane that encloses the bones and other parts of a joint in a sac.

Osteophytes (also Bone Spurs)
Small bony growths that can develop on the edges of a joint affected by osteoarthritis.

Synovial Fluid
A slippery fluid that lubricates joints to facilitate movement and keep the cartilage smooth and healthy.

Synovium
A thin membrane that lines a joint and secretes synovial fluid.

On the Move
These are some common terms you'll hear when you and your doctor plan an exercise regimen to lesson the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Aerobic Exercises
Exercises that improve cardiovascular fitness and the body's overall functioning.

Aquatherapy (also Hydrotherapy or Water Therapy)
A program of specialized exercises done in a pool, which reduces the amount of weight supported by joints affected with osteoarthritis.

Isometrics
Strengthening exercises that flex and relax muscles without bending joints.

Isotonics
Strengthening exercises that include moving the joints and incorporate repetition and resistance.

Range-of-motion Exercises (also Stretching or Flexibility Exercises)
Exercises in which joints are gently bent and straightened to maintain and increase joint mobility and flexibility.

Strengthening Exercises
Exercises that maintain or increase muscle strength, which in turn helps to support and protect joints affected by osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis Procedures and Medicines
Besides losing weight and undertaking a regular exercise program, there are a number of ways to combat osteoarthritis. Expect to hear some of these terms when talking with your doctor about more intensive treatment options.

Acetaminophen
A common pain-relief medication available without a prescription that is often used to counter the pain associated with osteoarthritis.

Arthrocentesis (also Joint Aspiration)
A procedure in which a syringe draws fluid from an inflamed joint to help diagnose the condition and diminish pain by reducing pressure within the joint.

Arthroplasty
Surgery that removes the diseased portions of a joint.

Corticosteroids (also Steroids)
Anti-inflammatory drugs that are similar to hydrocortisone, a hormone occurring naturally in the body, and that temporarily reduce inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis when injected into affected joints.

Cortisone
An anti-inflammatory corticosteroid .

COX-2 Inhibitors
A new class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used to relieve inflammation and pain that are available only with a prescription.

Hyaluronic Acid Substitutes (also Viscosupplements)
Thick fluids injected into a knee affected with osteoarthritis to increase lubrication, thereby improving joint mobility and reducing pain.

Joint Replacement Surgery
Surgery that replaces natural joints with synthetic ones to restore function in a joint severely affected by osteoarthritis.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
A class of medications common in osteoarthritis treatment that ease pain and inflammation, many of which—ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), ketoprofen (Orudis, Oruvail), and naproxen sodium (Aleve)—are available over the counter.