Algodystrophy is a clinical syndrome characterised by severe locoregional pain, vasomotor and trophic changes and delayed recovery, most commonly following trauma or surgery. The diversity of nomenclature reflects the range of clinical presentations and the uncertain pathophysiology. Definition of the pathology
Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation in the joints and ligaments of the spine. It can also affect peripheral joints such as the knees, ankles and hips. Normally, the joints and ligaments in the spine help us move and bend. Definition of the pathology
Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which tend to get worse with age. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Definition of the pathology
Bunions occur when something puts extra pressure on your big toe, pushing it out of its natural position and towards your other toes. See a healthcare professional if you notice a bump at the base of your big toe. Treating bunions is usually a combination of wearing properly fitting shoes and treating any symptoms such as pain and stiffness. Definition of the pathology
Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa, which is a closed, fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion and sliding surface to reduce friction between tissues in the body. The most common causes of bursitis are injury or overuse, but it can also be caused by infection. Definition of the pathology
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common neurological condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm into the palm of your hand, is compressed or pinched at the wrist. You may feel numbness, weakness and pain in your hand and wrist, and your fingers may become swollen and useless. Definition of the pathology
Cervical spondylosis is a general term for age-related wear and tear of the intervertebral discs in the neck. As the discs dry out and shrink, signs of osteoarthritis develop, including bony projections along the edges of the bones (bone spurs). Cervical spondylosis is very common and gets worse with age. Definition of the pathology
Decalcification is a significant reduction in the calcium content of the body. Definition of the pathology
Dupuytren's contracture is an abnormal thickening of the tissue in the palm of the hand. The thickened tissue can develop into a hard lump. Over time, it can cause 1 or more fingers to curl up (contract) or pull in towards the palm. Definition of the pathology
Fibromyalgia is a chronic (long-lasting) condition that causes pain and tenderness throughout the body, as well as fatigue and sleep problems. Scientists do not fully understand what causes it, but people with the condition have an increased sensitivity to pain. Definition of the pathology
Gonarthrosis (knee osteoarthritis) is a disease of the knee joint caused by wear and tear of the cartilage between the thigh and lower leg. The cartilage stabilises the knee and protects it from damage caused by friction against the bone. The loss of cartilage can cause limited movement and severe pain. Definition of the pathology
Gout occurs when urate, a substance in your body, builds up and forms needle-shaped crystals in your joints. This causes pain, swelling, redness and changes in the movement and use of the affected joint. However, not everyone with high urate levels will develop gout. Definition of the pathology
A herniated disc is a problem with one of the rubbery cushions called discs that sit between the bones that stack up to make up the spine. These bones are called vertebrae. Definition of the pathology
Low back pain (LBP) is pain between the lower edge of the ribs and the buttocks. It can last for a short time (acute), a little longer (subacute) or for a long time (chronic). It can affect anyone. LBP makes it difficult to move and can affect quality of life and mental wellbeing. Definition of the pathology
Muscular dystrophy is a group of diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. In muscular dystrophy, abnormal genes (mutations) interfere with the production of proteins needed to make healthy muscle. There are many types of muscular dystrophy. Definition of the pathology
Osteoarthritis (OA) used to be thought of as a 'wear and tear' condition, generally associated with ageing. But we now know that it is a disease of the whole joint, including bone, cartilage, ligaments, fat and the tissue that lines the joint (the synovium). Osteoarthritis can break down cartilage, change the shape of bone and cause inflammation, leading to pain, stiffness and loss of mobility. Definition of the pathology
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that develops when bone mineral density and bone mass decrease, or when the structure and strength of the bones change. This can lead to a decrease in bone strength, which can increase the risk of fractures (broken bones). Definition of the pathology
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It is inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs down the bottom of each foot and connects the heel bone to the toes, known as the plantar fascia. Definition of the pathology
A sports hernia is a painful soft tissue injury that occurs in the groin area. It most commonly occurs during sports that require sudden changes of direction or intense twisting movements. Definition of the pathology
Rheumatic fever (acute rheumatic fever) is a condition that can affect the heart, joints, brain and skin. Rheumatic fever can develop if strep throat, scarlet fever and streptococcal skin infections are not treated properly. Definition of the pathology
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease, which means that your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in your body, causing inflammation (painful swelling) in the affected parts of the body. RA mainly affects the joints, usually many joints at once. Definition of the pathology
Sciatica is pain, weakness, numbness or tingling in the leg. It is caused by injury to or pressure on the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is a symptom of a medical problem. It is not a medical condition in itself. Definition of the pathology
Tendinitis is when a tendon becomes inflamed. It can happen to any tendon in the body. When a tendon becomes inflamed, it can cause swelling, pain and discomfort. Another problem called tenosynovitis is related to tendonitis. This is inflammation of the lining of the tendon sheath around a tendon. Definition of the pathology
