Arthritis is a term that refers to a host of conditions that cause inflammation and pain in the joints.

C-reactive protein is a compound found in higher concentrations in the blood when there is inflammation occurring somewhere in the body. Gout, a condition characterized by pain and inflammation in the joints, can often be partially diagnosed by testing the C-reactive protein level.

Tendons are bands of connective tissue that connect muscles to bones. The tendons in the ankle allow muscles in the leg (such as the calf muscles) to move the foot. Torn tendons are a common sports injury and, aside from being painful, can cause weakness or loss of function of some motions within the ankle.

Calcium deposits, also known as calcinosis, are hardened deposits of calcium that are lodged in fatty tissue or muscles. According to the Myositis Foundation, calcium deposits affect 30 percent of children who have juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM), a rare condition characterized by muscle weakness and rashes.

The inside of the knee is known as the medial side, and the band of tissue on that side is called the medial collateral ligament, or MCL. Pain on the inside of your knee most likely means you have aggravated your MCL.

The medical collateral ligament, or MCL, is the piece of connective tissue that joins the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone). It is one of four ligaments that stabilize the knee, and is prone to injury especially for those who engage in impact sports. Injury to the MCL includes strain, sprain, tear or rupture.

Diazepam belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Commonly used for the relief of anxiety and in alcohol withdrawal, diazepam is also used to treat some seizure disorders, help relax muscles and relieve muscle spasms. Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants; they slow down the nervous system.

Many diseases can cause both muscle spasms and dizziness or vertigo. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health or NIH, muscle spasms are involuntary muscle contractions that can manifest in any muscle in the body.

Tendinitis and arthritis both result from inflammation of the tissues at joints, causing pain and hampering the ability of the joints to move smoothly and easily. However, they affect different tissues at the joints, result from different factors and have different treatments.

Wearing copper bracelets for medicinal benefits has a long history, all the way back to ancient Egypt, reports the "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine." You may find copper bracelets in health food stores and holistic healing centers today.

Discover the common causes of foot cramps and learn how to prevent muscle spasms in your feet. Understand the reasons behind exercise-related cramps, including obesity, swimming, and new activities.

Tennis elbow is a term given to a condition that develops in the outer portion of the elbow, affecting the nerves, tendons, ligaments and muscle of the arm. Although identified more than 100 years ago, tennis players account for only a small percentage of patients suffering from this condition.