Arthritis Glossary – S, T, U, V, & W

Sarcoidosis

An inflammatory disease characterized by small rounded growths (granulomas) that can develop almost anywhere in the body, usually affecting the skin, lungs, eyes, or joints. These growths are made up of blood vessels, cells, and connective tissue.

Scoliosis

A condition causing a lateral (toward the side) curvature in the normally straight vertical line of the spine

Sjogren's syndrome

A chronic disorder that causes insufficient moisture production in certain glands of the body. It occurs when a person's normally protective immune system attacks and destroys moisture-producing glands, including salivary glands and lacrimal (tear-producing) glands. The lungs, bowel, and other organs are less often affected.

Spondylitis

A type of arthritis that affects the spinal column and sacroiliac joints, and may cause inflammation and stiffness in the neck, lower back, spinal vertebrae, or sacroiliac region (pelvic area), making motion difficult. Spondylitis also may attack connective tissue, such as ligaments, or cause arthritic disease in the joints of the arms, hips, legs, or feet.

Steroids (short for corticosteroids)

Synthetic drugs that closely resemble cortisol, a hormone that your adrenal glands produce naturally. Steroids work by decreasing inflammation and reducing the activity of the immune system. Steroids are used to treat a variety of inflammatory diseases and conditions.

Strengthening exercises

Exercises that target specific muscle groups. When performed properly, strengthening exercises can maintain or increase muscle tissue without aggravating the joints.

Supportive (assistive) devices — Devices that have been developed to make activities easier and less stressful for the joints and muscles. These devices also may help to stabilize the ligaments and tendons, and decrease pain. Examples of assistive devices include canes, knee supports, crutches, and bathtub grab bars.

Synovial fluid

Fluid found in joints. Among other functions, synovial fluid provides lubrication that allows for movement.

Synovium

The lining of a joint

Synvisc

A type of medication, given as a series of 3 to 5 weekly injections, that can relieve pain in some people with osteoarthritis

Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus)

A disease in which the immune system inappropriately attacks tissues and blood components in various parts of the body, leading to tissue damage and illness

Takayasu's arthritis (TA)

An uncommon condition in which a characteristic type of inflammation involving "giant cells" damages large and medium-sized blood vessels

Tender points

Specific areas of the body that are tender to the touch in people with fibromyalgia. They also are called trigger points.

Tendinitis

Inflammation or irritation of a tendon, a thick cord that attaches bone to muscle

Tendon

A thick cord of tissue that attaches bone to muscle

Tenosynovitis

Inflammation of the sheath around a tendon

Tennis elbow

A common term for a condition caused by overuse of arm and forearm muscles that results in elbow pain. Tennis elbow is caused by abrupt or subtle tearing of the muscle and tendon area around the outside of the elbow. Tennis elbow specifically involves the area where the muscles and tendons of the forearm attach to the outside bony area (called the epicondyle) of the elbow.

Thrombocytopenia

A low platelet count. This condition may cause impaired blood clotting.

Thrombosis

Blood clots in the arms or legs

Tinel maneuver

A test for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome that involves tapping on the palm side of the wrist. Tingling sensations in the fingers caused by the tapping indicates carpal tunnel syndrome.

Tophi

Gritty nodules that form just under the skin from an accumulation of uric acid crystals

Training range

A calculation based on maximum heart rate—220 minus age—and exercise at a level of intensity between 60 percent and 80 percent of your maximum heart rate. This also is called the target heart rate.

Trigger finger and thumb

Painful conditions that cause the fingers or thumb to catch or lock in a bent position. The problems often stem from inflammation of tendons located within a protective covering called the tendon sheath.

Trigger points

Specific areas of the body that are tender to the touch in people with fibromyalgia. They also are called tender points.

Uric acid

A substance created by the natural breakdown of the genetic material in cells—RNA (ribonucleic acid) and DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). Some foods contain large amounts of uric acid, especially red meats and organ meats (such as liver and kidneys), some shellfish, and anchovies.

Vertebrae

The bones of the spine

Vasculitis

Inflammation of blood vessels, including veins and/or arteries

Wegener's granulomatosis

A rare but potentially deadly disease of uncertain cause. It is characterized by inflammation of small and medium-sized blood vessels (vasculitis). This inflammation can damage many organs. Wegener's granulomatosis primarily affects the upper respiratory tract (nasal sinuses, nose and trachea, the upper airway), lungs, and kidneys.