Terms Used to Describe Joints and Muscles

Some important terms

Arthritis - refers to inflammation of joint(s) and is characterised by pain, swelling, warmth, tenderness and limited movement.

Enthesitis - refers to inflammation at sites of insertion of tendon, muscle or fascia. Common sites of enthesitis are shown below; 

Arthralgia - refers to painful joints without overt swelling.

Myalgia - refers to muscle pain but usually without tenderness or weakness.

Myositis - refers to muscle pain and tenderness, often with weakness.

It is important to have a knowledge of surface anatomy and terminology to describe ranges of joint movement and posture.   More information is available in the pREMS section for each joint.

Joint count - a homunculus can be used. Swollen joints can be marked with an x and restricted joints can be circled.