Meaning of the Word
Arthritis refers to a group of conditions that cause inflammation and pain in the joints, leading to stiffness and difficulty in movement.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- A medical condition involving inflammation in one or more joints.
- A disease characterized by pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints.
- A condition that results in the gradual wear and tear of joint cartilage, often causing disability.
- A term used to describe over 100 types of inflammatory joint disorders.
- The breakdown of joint tissue, leading to pain and reduced mobility.
History and Origin
The word “arthritis” comes from the Greek word “arthron” (joint) and the suffix “-itis” (inflammation). The term was first used in medical literature in the early 19th century to describe joint inflammation conditions, although such diseases have been documented since ancient times. Various forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, have been recognized for centuries.
Detailed Explanation
Arthritis is a broad term that covers various types of joint diseases. The most common form, osteoarthritis, occurs when the protective cartilage at the ends of the bones wears down over time. Rheumatoid arthritis, another common type, is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks healthy joint tissues, leading to inflammation. Symptoms of arthritis typically include pain, swelling, reduced range of motion, and stiffness. While arthritis can affect any joint, it commonly impacts weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and spine.
Example Sentences
- She was diagnosed with arthritis and prescribed medication to reduce the pain.
- Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis that affects older adults.
- His arthritis caused severe pain in his hands, making it difficult to hold objects.
- The doctor recommended physical therapy to manage the symptoms of her arthritis.
- Arthritis can make it challenging for individuals to perform daily activities.
- Inflammation caused by arthritis can lead to long-term joint damage if left untreated.
- Regular exercise and weight management can help reduce arthritis symptoms.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in women and often starts in middle age.
- The arthritis in his knees worsened after years of wear and tear.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Joint inflammation: Inflammation in the joints, often used interchangeably with arthritis.
- Osteoarthritis: A type of arthritis caused by the wear and tear of joint cartilage.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune form of arthritis where the immune system attacks joint tissues.
- Arthropathy: A general term for any disease affecting the joints.
- Degenerative joint disease: A term for conditions where joint tissues deteriorate over time, often synonymous with osteoarthritis.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Cartilage: The flexible tissue at the ends of bones, often affected by arthritis.
- Inflammation: The body’s response to injury or infection, often causing swelling and pain in arthritis.
- Autoimmune disease: A condition where the immune system attacks the body’s tissues, such as in rheumatoid arthritis.
- Swelling: The enlargement of a joint, a common symptom of arthritis.
- Pain: A symptom often associated with arthritis, particularly during movement or activity.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Gout: A form of arthritis caused by uric acid crystal buildup in the joints.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, often affecting joints and resembling arthritis symptoms.
- Spondylitis: Inflammation of the spine’s joints, a type of arthritis affecting the back.
- Lupus: An autoimmune disease that can cause arthritis-like symptoms in the joints.
- Fibromyalgia: A condition that causes widespread muscle and joint pain, sometimes mistaken for arthritis.
Antonyms
- Health: A state of being free from disease, the opposite of having arthritis.
- Strength: The opposite of joint pain and weakness caused by arthritis.
- Mobility: The ability to move freely, often impaired by arthritis.
- Flexibility: The ability to bend and move joints, which is reduced in arthritis.
- Wellness: A state of physical well-being, contrary to the symptoms of arthritis.
