Glossary of terms: A

A condition that differs from the normal physical or mental state.

Is the tendon that joinis the calf muscles to the bone in the heel.
It is the thickest and strongest tendon in the body. In an adult the achilles tendon it is approximately 15cm long.

A disease with a rapid onset and/or a short course as opposed to Chronic which is a persistent and lasting disease or medical condition or one that has developed slowly

is a protein produced in the liver which increases during inflammation, e.g., C reactive protein

is the insertion of very fine needles into the skin at particular points on the body, to prevent or treat ill health or maintain good health.
This procedure is thought to stimulate the body’s ability to heal.

is when a patient follows their advised treatment programme

A youth in their teenage years

The period in development between the onset of puberty and adulthood. It usually begins between 11 and 13 years of age with the appearance of secondary sex characteristics and spans the teen years terminating at 18 to 20 years of age with the completion of the development of adulthood.

Is the part of medical science dealing with causes of disease

is a blood protein which falls in severe inflammation, malnutrition and some kinds of kidney disease.

can be used to help you to identify and prevent the harmful postural habits that aggravate, or may be the cause of, stress and or pain.

liver enzyme monitored in patients who are taking methotrexate or azathioprine

are an over reaction by the immune system to certain substances. In non allergic people these substances are seen as harmless but in allergic people the substance is mistakenly identified as foreign and part of the immune system is turned on which in turn causes symptoms rather than protection. The most common site for allergic reactions is the skin. Uncomplicated reactions can be treated with an antihistamine drug which blocks the effects of histamine on the skin.

are drugs that resemble male hormones such as testosterone . Athletes sometimes take them to try and increase their weight, strength, speed and endurance.

is when there is a decrease of haemoglobin in the blood to levels below the normal range. Anaemia may be caused by a decrease in red cell production, an increase in red cell destruction, or a loss of blood.

There are number of ways psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are assessed by doctors and healthcare providers, these include:

• The psoriasis area and severity index (PASI)
• The dermatology life quality index (DLQI)
• The disability index of health assessment questionnaire (HAQ)
• The nail psoriasis severity index (NAPSI)
• The short form 36 health survey (SF-36)

The use of these and other assessment tools help guide treatment decisions and can show whether a treatment is working (showing benefit).

drug called chloroquine is a known aggravator of psoriasis. Consult your doctor or healthcare provider before travelling.

an antibody is a protein produced by immune system cells that binds to antigens on foreign particles/bodies allowing other elements of the immune system to attack, destroy or remove them

is a substance that prevents or delays coagulation of the blood.

are the fingerprints detected by the immune system that are found on every potentially harmful organism that enters the body.

is a sensitive screening test used to detect autoimmune diseases. Antinuclear Antibody (ANAs) are found in people whose immune system may be predisposed to cause inflammation against their own body tissues.

pertaining to a substance or procedure that tends to relieve or prevent itching.

is the use of plant oils for preventative care, healing and general well-being. Essential oils can be used in different ways, including massage, bathing and inhalation. When essential oils are inhaled, the part of the brain that is connected to smell is stimulated and the impulse is transmitted to the emotional centre of the brain.

is a pain in a joint

(pronounced as ar throp ath e) - Any disease affecting a joint such as arthritis

is a surgical procedure used to inspect and treat problems inside a joint, allowing a surgeon to look inside a joint to determine what is wrong. The procedure is carried out using an arthroscope, which is a narrow tube with a light source attached to a small video camera, this enters via a small incision in the skin (keyhole) and then transmits pictures back to a TV monitor.

is to take or aspirate a joint by taking fluid out of a joint with a needle attached to a syringe.

is a liver enzyme - see alkaline phosphatase

is the traditional medicine of India.It emphasises creating balance in the body through diet, lifestyle, exercise, and body cleansing, and on the health of the mind, body, and spirit.

is a complementary therapy system which involves detoxification, diet, exercise, the use of herbs and other techniques to improve mental and emotional health.