How Do You Spell CARPOPEDAL CONTRACTION?

Pronunciation: [kˈɑːpə͡ʊpdə͡l kəntɹˈakʃən] (IPA)

Carpopedal contraction is a medical condition that causes involuntary contractions of the muscles in the hands and feet. The word's spelling reflects its pronunciation, which is typically rendered as kahr-poh-PEE-dahl kuhn-TRAK-shun in IPA phonetic transcription. The word is derived from Greek, with "carpo" meaning "wrist" and "pedal" meaning "foot." The challenging spelling of carpopedal contraction can be associated with its complex origin, but it is an essential term for doctors to use when diagnosing this condition.

CARPOPEDAL CONTRACTION Meaning and Definition

1. Carpopedal contraction refers to a medical condition characterized by the involuntary tightening or spasm of the muscles in the hands and feet, resulting in a distinctive posture resembling a "claw-like" appearance. The term is composed of two components: "carpo" referring to the wrist or hand, and "pedal" pertaining to the foot or lower leg.

   This condition is commonly associated with hypocalcemia, a condition characterized by abnormally low levels of calcium in the blood. Hypocalcemia can be caused by various factors such as vitamin D deficiency, kidney dysfunction, or certain medications. When calcium levels are low, the body tries to compensate by increasing the excitability of nerve cells, leading to muscle spasms and contractions.

   Carpopedal contraction is often accompanied by other symptoms including numbness or tingling sensations in the hands, feet, or lips, muscle cramps, and twitching. In severe cases, it can progress to more generalized muscle spasms and even seizures if left untreated.

   Treatment for carpopedal contraction primarily focuses on correcting the underlying cause, such as replenishing calcium levels through oral or intravenous supplementation. Additionally, treating the root cause of hypocalcemia is crucial in preventing recurring episodes. In some instances, addressing the underlying condition might require other interventions like hormone therapy, improving kidney function, or managing drug-induced side effects.

   Overall, carpopedal contraction is a symptom that signifies an imbalance in calcium levels, and timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial to alleviate symptoms and prevent further complications.

2. Carpopedal spasm.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for CARPOPEDAL CONTRACTION

• xarpopedal contraction
• varpopedal contraction
• farpopedal contraction
• darpopedal contraction
• czrpopedal contraction
• csrpopedal contraction
• cwrpopedal contraction
• cqrpopedal contraction
• caepopedal contraction
• cadpopedal contraction
• cafpopedal contraction
• catpopedal contraction
• ca5popedal contraction
• ca4popedal contraction
• caroopedal contraction
• carlopedal contraction
• car-opedal contraction
• car0opedal contraction
• carpipedal contraction
• carpkpedal contraction

Etymology of CARPOPEDAL CONTRACTION

The term "carpopedal contraction" is derived from Greek and Latin roots.

The word "carpo-" is derived from the Greek word "karpos" meaning "wrist". It is commonly used in scientific and medical terminology to refer to the wrist or carpal bones.

The second part of the term, "pedal", is derived from the Latin word "pes" meaning "foot". It is used to refer to the foot or pedal extremities.

"Contraction" refers to the shortening or tightening of a muscle.

Therefore, "carpopedal contraction" describes the involuntary spasm or contraction of muscles in the wrists and feet, often associated with specific medical conditions such as tetany or hypocalcemia.

Plural form of CARPOPEDAL CONTRACTION is CARPOPEDAL CONTRACTIONS