A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

A

Abduction - Moving a limb away from the body.

Achilles Tendon - The tendon joining the calf muscles to the bone in the heel.

Achilles tendinitis - Inflammation of the Achilles tendon.

Acute - A condition that is temporary, but may be severe.

Adduction - Moving a limb toward the body.

Aerobic Exercise - Continuous exercise that causes marked increases in respiration and heart rate.

Anaerobic Exercise -Exercise that, no matter how strenuous, does not cause increases in respiration and heart rate. For example, many forms of weight training work the muscles, but not the heart and lungs.

Anemia - A condition where the blood is low in iron, in red blood cells, or in total volume. Athletes, especially women, should make sure to eat iron-rich foods.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury - A common ligament injury to the knee, treated with surgery and rehabilitative exercises.

Arthritis - Inflammation of joints.

Arthroscopy - An arthroscope is a complex tool, much like a camera, that allows the physician to see the inside of a joint (especially the knee). The surgeon is sometimes able to perform surgery through an arthroscope, which makes recovery faster and easier.

Association of Professional Team Physicians (PTP) - A leading sportcare organization composed of sports medicine specialists that treat the world's greatest athletes. Their vision: to share their expertise with athletes at all levels through education and communication campaigns.

Atrophy - A condition that results when a part of the body is not used (for example, a muscle or limb may atrophy). Atrophy can decrease the size and strength of the affected body part.

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B

Bilateral - A condition affecting both sides of the body. For example, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome occurs in both hands.

Bursa - A small serous sac between a tendon and a bone.

Bursitis - Inflammation of the bursa, especially of the shoulder or elbow

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C

Calcium Deposit - Usually the result of repeated injury, a calcium deposit is an abnormal hardening of soft tissue.

Capillaries - Capillaries, the smallest blood vessels in the body, form a network that allows blood and cells to exchange substances (such as oxygen).

Carbohydrates, Complex - Complex carbohydrates are the fiber and starches found in unprocessed food (such as fresh fruits and vegetables). Complex carbohydrates are better than simple carbohydrates at supplying nutrients to the body.

Carbohydrates, Simple - Simple carbohydrates are essentially the sugars found in foods. They are most common in highly refined and processed food (such as sweets and salty snacks). Although they provide a quick boost, by raising blood sugar, a sharp drop follows this.

Cardiorespiratory System - The lungs, and heart and blood vessels in the body.

Cardiovascular System - The heart and blood vessels in the body.

Carpal tunnel - The bony, narrow passage at the intersection of the hand and wrist on the same side of the palm of the hand. The median nerve and tendons pass through this tunnel to the thumb, index, and middle fingers.

Carpal tunnel syndrome - A compression of the median nerve caused by swelling tendons in the carpal tunnel. Symptoms include numbness, pain, and tingling in the thumb and middle fingers, weak grip and diminished strength in the hand.

Cartilage - Connective tissue, found between bones, that allow joints to move smoothly. Cartilage is also important in your nose and ear.

Cast - A casing that immobilizes parts of the body that have been damaged, allowing them to heal undisturbed. It's usually made of a hardening material, such as plaster of Paris or fiberglass.

Chondromalacia (Runner's Knee) - Softening of the chondrol (cartilagenous surface of the inner side of the patella).

Chronic - As opposed to acute, a chronic condition is not temporary. It may be prolonged, or slow to heal.

Circulatory System - The system that provides blood to the body, it includes the heart, arteries, arterioles, capillaries, veins, blood, plasma, and lymphatic vessels and fluid.

Collagen - The primary support of skin, tendon, bone, cartilage and connective tissue, collagen is a protein chemical substance. Also known as the "glue" that holds tissues together.

Compression - The act of pressing or squeezing together.

Contracture - The muscle has shortened and a joint has a diminished range of motion.

Contusion - A contusion is a bruise that doesn't break the skin.

Crepitus - Crackling or grating noise or sensation sometimes made by a joint.

Cryokinetics - The practice of using cold for physical therapy.

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D

Dehydration - Depletion of body fluids, to the point where the person can get seriously ill. The cure ranges from the mild (drink some water) to the severe (intravenous restoration of fluids).

Displacement - To take out of the normal position, such as a displaced shoulder. Dislocation - A displacement of one or more bones at a joint.

Dorsiflexion - Bending something backward, especially the hand or foot.

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E

Edema - A situation when fluid accumulates in spaces between cells, causing swelling in tissues.

Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow, Golfer's Elbow) - A repetitive strain injury (RSI). Symptoms include swelling and pain in tendons and muscles around the elbow joint.

Eversion - Turning outward.

Extension - Straightening a limb or a joint.

Extensor - A muscle that straightens a limb.

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F

Fibrositis - A condition that results in inflammation of connective tissue and muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including overuse, injury, or infection.

Flexion - Bending a limb at a joint.

Flexor - A muscle that bends a limb.

Fracture - A break in rigid body tissue, such as bone, cartilage, or tooth.

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H

Heel Spur - A hard bony shelf the width of the heel bone caused by repeated pulling away of periosteum from the heel bone.

Hemarthrosis - A condition where blood collects in a joint, resulting from broken blood vessels or capillaries.

Hematoma - A hematoma is the result of a broken blood vessel. It looks like a dome under the skin at any point on the body (commonly, the scalp or the abdomen).

Hydration - To restore the fluids in the body.

Hyper - Means above or excessive. For example, hypertension is extremely high blood pressure.

Hyperextension - To extend so that the angle between bones of a joint is greater than normal.

Hypo - Means below or deficient. For example, hypothermia is a subnormal body temperature.

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I

Iliotibial Band Syndrome - Condition, caused by injury to the iliotibial tract, that causes pain in the knee region, on the outside or lateral part of the knee. Usually from a repetitive strain injury (RSI).

Immobilize - To reduce or eliminate motion.

Inflammation - A reaction from an injury that may include redness, heat, pain, swelling, and loss of function.

Inversion - To turn inward.

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J

Joint - The spot in the musculoskeletal system where two bones meet.

Joint Capsule - The structure that protects a joint and allows it to move smoothly, the capsule is composed of fatty cartilage.

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K

Knee, Internal Derangement - The knee is particularly susceptible to injury, largely because of its internal structures. These include the meniscus (articular cartilage), ligaments, tendons, fat pad under the patella (kneecap), and the uppermost part of the tibia (the major bone in the lower leg).

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L

Lateral - On the side. Farther from the median or midsagittal plane.

Lateral Collateral Ligament - The ligament that runs from the lateral femoral condyle to the fibular head in the knee.

Lateral Epicondylitis - Tennis Elbow

Ligament - A tough band of tissue that connects bone to bone or cartilage to bone, it supports a joint.

Lumbar - Relating to the lower back region.

Luxation - Similar to dislocation, it refers to a situation where the bones in a joint are not in the correct position.

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M

Massage - Manipulation of muscles and skin (by kneading and stroking).

Medial - Positioned in the middle.

Medial Epicondylitis - Golfer's Elbow

Meniscus - The crescent shaped cartilage between the femur and tibia.

Moleskin - Used to reduce friction, moleskin is a soft material that protects skin. It is often used under casts or bandages or on the feet.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) - A technique that allows physicians to see images of tissues. It is often used to examine the brain or spine, although it is commonly used for diagnosing subtle injuries to joints.

Muscle - Body tissue, consisting of long cells, muscles allow movement as they contract when stimulated. There are two major kinds of muscles: voluntary (striated) and involuntary (non-striated). Striated muscles are under voluntary control and include most of the muscles of the body.

Muscle Cramp - Almost any physical activity can result in muscle cramps. A muscle can cramp when it's already in its most shortened position, and it then contracts. Many people get cramps in their legs. Other causes of cramps include low blood sugar, dehydration, and overexertion.

Musculoskeletal system - The bones and muscles in the body together form this system.

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O

Osgood-Schlatter Disease (Osteochronrosis) - "Growing pain" at the knee, a temporary condition affecting adolescents who exercise vigorously.

Overtraining - A condition that results from undertaking more physical activity than your body can reasonably do. Symptoms include fatigue, pain, loss of appetite, and more. Treatment is to rest.

Orthopedics - The branch of medicine that deals with bones and the skeleton.

Orthotics - The science and technology of braces, especially when supporting weak or injured joints and muscles.

Osteoarthritis -- also called OSTEOARTHROSIS, OR DEGENERATIVE JOINT DISEASE, a disorder of the joints, characterized by progressive deterioration of the articular cartilage. It is the most common joint disease, affecting more than 80 percent of those who reach the age of 70. Although its suffix indicates otherwise, osteoarthritis is not characterized by excessive joint inflammation as is the case with rheumatoid arthritis. The disease may be asymptomatic, especially in the early years of its onset. As it progresses, however, pain, stiffness, and a limitation in movement may develop. Common sites of discomfort are the vertebrae, knees, and hips--joints that bear much of the weight of the body.

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P

Pain - A relatively localized sensation of discomfort, distress, or agony, resulting from the stimulation of specialized nerve endings. When your body functions correctly, pain is a signal that makes you aware of a harmful effect on your body.

Patella - The triangular movable bone that protects the knee joint.

Patellar Tendinitis - Runner's Knee

Plantar Fasciitis - A painful condition that results from a tear in the connective tissue on the bottom of the foot. Walkers and runners often complain of pain just under the heel bone.

Podiatry - The branch of medical science that deals with the feet.

Popliteal Space - The space behind the knee joint, it contains soft tissue and is bounded by ligaments.

Pronation - Rotating your forearm so the palm is down, or your body is lying face down. Also, when your foot is rotated inward not.

Proprioception - Sensory awareness of a part of the body.

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Q

Quadricep Tendinitis - Jumper's Knee

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R

Rotation - Turning around on an axis.

Rotator Cuff - A supporting structure that is made up of the capsule of the shoulder joint, mixed with tendons and muscles.

Rheumatoid Arthritis - Chronic, progressive disease in which inflammatory changes occur throughout the connective tissue of the body. Most characteristically the process attacks joints of the hands, feet, wrists, knees, hips, or shoulders.

R.I.C.E Method The most common forms of sports injuries are sprains and strains of muscles and tendons. A basic treatment for these types of injuries is called "R.I.C.E. therapy":
Rest - Stop the Activity Immediately. Continued stress can increase the damage done to the tissue.
Ice - Apply an ACE® Cold Compress. Cold reduces the size of the blood vessels, thereby decreasing bleeding, reducing swelling, and easing pain.
Compression - Apply compression with an ACE® Bandage. Compression helps to reduce swelling.
Elevation - Elevate the injured limb above the level of the heart to help drain excess fluid from the area.

RSS - Repetitive stress syndrome that is caused by repetitive movement (causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome when occurs at wrist/hand)

Rupture - Tearing apart of a tissue.

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S

Sacroiliac - Refers to the area around where the sacrum and ilium are joined. The sacrum is the bottom of the spine, the ilium is largest bone in the pelvis.

Soft Tissue - Refers to all tissues in the body except bone.

Spasm - An involuntary and abnormal contraction of a muscle.

Splint - Meant to immobilize a damaged part of the body, a splint is rigid and hard.

Sprain - An injury where fibers of a ligament are overstretched or torn.

Strain - An injury where a muscle or tendon is overstretched or torn.

Subluxation - Similar to luxation, it refers to a less distinct dislocation, and is usually an injury to the ligaments.

Supination - Rotating your forearm so the palm is up, or your body is lying face up.

Synovial Fluid - A clear fluid that lubricates and protects a joint and its surface.

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T

Tendon - A cord of fibrous tissue that connects a muscle with another part (such as a bone), and transmits the force of the muscle.

Tendinitis -An inflammation of tendons or muscles around a joint.

Trauma - A wound or injury to living tissue.

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U

Ultrasound - Ultrasound refers to sound waves which are beyond the range of our hearing. Specially trained professional can use ultrasound equipment to apply deep heat to an injured area.

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V

Varicose Veins - Vein that is twisted--tortuous--and distended with blood. The term varix is also used for similar abnormalities in arteries and in lymphatic vessels. Varicose veins occur in a number of areas, including the legs; the esophagus, or gullet; the spermatic veins, which return blood from the testes.

Vertebrae - Bony segments that make up the spinal column.

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W

Whirlpool - A bath that produces powerfully turbulent water, a whirlpool is helpful for treating certain injuries.

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X

X-rays - A radiological procedure that takes a picture of internal structures that aren't visible from the outside.

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