Medicine has its own language. When you leave a visit not fully understanding what you have, you’re at a disadvantage. Here’s how to fix that.
Five Questions That Cut Through Jargon
- What is wrong, in plain English?
- What is causing it?
- What are my options?
- What happens if I do nothing?
- What would you do if you were in my position?
Words You’ll Hear and What They Mean
- Tendinopathy / tendinosis: Degenerative changes in a tendon, not just inflammation
- Osteoarthritis: Wear-and-tear arthritis (vs. inflammatory or autoimmune arthritis)
- Conservative care: Non-surgical treatment
- Operative / surgical care: Surgery
- Idiopathic: We don’t know exactly why
- Pathognomonic: A finding that’s diagnostic of a specific condition
- Bilateral: Both sides
- Distal: Farther from the body’s center; proximal: closer
Reading Your Imaging Report
Imaging reports describe everything they see - including normal age-related changes that may have nothing to do with your symptoms. A finding on imaging is not necessarily the cause of your pain. Always discuss the report with the doctor who ordered it.
A Final Note
If you ever leave my office not fully understanding what’s happening - call. A two-minute clarification phone call is far better than a month of confusion or worry.
