DACTYLITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Dactylitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation and swelling of the fingers or toes. The term is derived from the Latin word "dactylus," meaning finger or toe, and "itis," referring to inflammation. It is often associated with certain diseases or infections, particularly those that cause chronic inflammation in the joints, such as psoriatic arthritis, sickle cell disease, and some types of autoimmune disorders.
The main symptom of dactylitis is the enlargement and swelling of one or more entire fingers or toes. The affected digit(s) may appear sausage-like, given the inflammation and swelling extending throughout the digit. This condition can be accompanied by pain, tenderness, and difficulty in moving the affected fingers or toes. In severe cases, the swelling might impede normal functioning, limiting the individual's ability to perform everyday tasks or gripping objects.
The underlying cause of dactylitis is usually the result of inflammation occurring in the joints, tendons, or soft tissues of the fingers or toes. As a result, the condition is often seen in individuals with an existing inflammatory disorder or infection. Proper diagnosis of the underlying condition is crucial for appropriate treatment and management of dactylitis. Treatment options typically involve the management of the underlying condition, which may include anti-inflammatory medications, pain relief, physical therapy, or disease-modifying drugs depending on the specific cause and severity of the condition.
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Inflammation of one or more fingers.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for DACTYLITIS
- sactylitis
- xactylitis
- cactylitis
- factylitis
- ractylitis
- eactylitis
- dzctylitis
- dsctylitis
- dwctylitis
- dqctylitis
- daxtylitis
- davtylitis
- daftylitis
- dadtylitis
- dacrylitis
- dacfylitis
- dacgylitis
- dacyylitis
- dac6ylitis
Etymology of DACTYLITIS
The word "dactylitis" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "daktylos" meaning "finger" and "itis" meaning "inflammation".
"Daktylos" (δάκτυλος) refers to a finger or a toe in Greek. This root is commonly used in various medical terms related to fingers or toes.
The suffix "itis" (-ίτις) is derived from Greek and denotes inflammation or a pathology in medical terminology. It is often added to the end of a word to indicate a condition or inflammation of a specific body part or organ. Therefore, when combined, "dactylitis" literally means "inflammation of the finger(s)".
In medical terms, dactylitis typically refers to the inflammation and swelling of the fingers or toes, often associated with conditions like psoriatic arthritis or sickle cell disease.
Similar spelling words for DACTYLITIS
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