PHALANGITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Phalangitis is a medical term referring to the inflammation of the phalanges, which are the bones in the fingers or toes. This condition typically arises due to an infection, often caused by bacteria, that affects the soft tissues surrounding the phalanges. It is characterized by pain, swelling, tenderness, redness, and warmth in the affected area.
Phalangitis commonly occurs as a result of a skin wound, such as a cut, puncture, or bite, that introduces bacteria into the tissues. The infection can spread rapidly, leading to intense inflammation and potential complications if left untreated. In some cases, phalangitis may also arise due to an underlying condition like arthritis or an autoimmune disorder, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues.
Prompt medical attention is crucial to diagnose and treat phalangitis. Doctors often perform a physical examination, review the patient's medical history, and may order additional tests such as blood cultures or imaging studies to identify the causative organism. Treatment typically involves a combination of oral or intravenous antibiotics to eliminate the infection, along with pain management and measures to reduce inflammation.
If not effectively treated, phalangitis can lead to serious complications, such as abscess formation, osteomyelitis (bone infection), or the spread of infection to neighboring tissues. Therefore, it is essential to seek proper medical care as soon as symptoms of phalangitis arise.
Common Misspellings for PHALANGITIS
- ohalangitis
- lhalangitis
- -halangitis
- 0halangitis
- pgalangitis
- pbalangitis
- pnalangitis
- pjalangitis
- pualangitis
- pyalangitis
- phzlangitis
- phslangitis
- phwlangitis
- phqlangitis
- phakangitis
- phapangitis
- phaoangitis
- phalzngitis
- phalsngitis
Etymology of PHALANGITIS
The word "phalangitis" is derived from the combination of two Greek terms: "phalanx" (φάλανξ) and "itis" (-ῖτις).
1. "Phalanx" (φάλανξ) refers to a battle formation in ancient Greece, where soldiers would stand shoulder to shoulder in a closely packed formation. This term is also used to refer to the bones in the fingers or toes.
2. "Itis" (-ῖτις) is a Greek suffix that denotes inflammation or infection.
Therefore, "phalangitis" is a medical term used to describe the inflammation or infection of the bones in the fingers or toes.
Similar spelling words for PHALANGITIS
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