Medical terms for the week

Herpes Zoster:  (HUR peez ZAH-stur) – An acute, painful rash characterized as a group of vesicles (blisters)  caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus.   Also known as shingles. It mainly affects older adults.

Tendinitis (or Tendonitis):  (ten din EYE tis) – Inflammation of a tendon.  A tendon is a tough, yet flexible band of fibrous tissue that connects muscle to a bone.

Renal failure: (ren/o=kidney; -al= pertaining to) – Also known as renal insufficiency, it is the inability of the kidneys to filter waste products from the blood.

Metacarpal: (meh tuh KAR pul) – One of the five bones that form the middle part of the hand.

Metatarsal:  (meh tuh TAR suhl) – One of the five foot bones that extends from the ankles to the toes.