odyn-, odyno-, -odynia, -odynic,-odyne, -odyn, -dyne, -dynia +

Pain in the Achilles tendon or in its bursa; achillobursitis: Nigel couldn't take part in the long-distance competition because he suffered from achillodynia, which was extremely sore and tender.

The Achilles tendon is one of the better-known anatomic features in sports medicine because of the nature of some unexpected injuries to this tendon. It is in the back of the lower leg and connects the calf muscle (the "triceps surae") with the calcaneus bone in the heel.

This tendon is so named for the hero whose heel, according to Greek mythology, was the only part of his body where he was unprotected from harm.

1. A disease characterized by pain, swelling, and pink coloration of the fingers and toes: Acrodynia is a syndrome caused almost exclusively by mercury poisoning in children, and causes gastrointestinal symptoms in adults in addition to anorexia, photophobia, sweating, and tachycardia (fast heart beat).
2. Etymology: from Greek acro, "extreme, top" + Greek odyne, "pain"; literally a ain in an extremity; such as, the hands or the feet.

Pain, sensory loss, paresthesia, and trophic changes affecting the distal extremities: Acrontrophodynia usually affects the feet and can be a result of prolonged exposure of the limbs to cold and moisture:

A painful gland; adenalgia: Adenodynia is an old-fashioned word referring to an irritation, tenderness, or soreness in a gland or glands.

Dental pain associated with the reduction in atmospheric pressure in high-altitude flying: Aero-odontodynia results from the difference in pressure that exacerbates existing pulpitis, particularly in connection with caries and restorations.

The condition in which an ordinarily painless stimulus, once perceived, is experienced as being painful: Mrs. Nice told her doctor that any light contact on her skin, or just the thought of being touched, caused her suffering which she found out was termed allodynia.

Allodynia can be a pain from a stimulus which is not normally painful.

A condition of allodynia may occur somewhere other than in the area stimulated.

Outdated, pain in a blood vessel; vascular pain: High blood pressure, a high cholesterol level, or even smoking can produce a condition of angiodynia.

A medicine or remedy that soothes or relieves pain: The doctor told Saul that there were several safe anodynes from which to choose to relieve the pain in his foot.
© ALL rights are reserved.

Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index
so you can see more of Mickey Bach's cartoons.

Relating to something that can soothe or put an end to pain: The ointment that Dr. Smart gave Jill was very anodyne and relieved the painful spot on her leg.

Outdated, the cessation or absence of pain, especially in a previously painful region: Janet told her doctor that she didn't feel any pain in her any longer, which Dr. Smith said had reached the stage of anodynia.

Obsolete, pain in the region of the maxillary sinus: Antrodynia can be caused by dental infections or by diseases caused by bacteria, viruses or even fungi.

A malady or discomfort in a joint that is not caused by disease: The arthrodynia which Mark was complaining about in his feet seemed to be related to the fact that his shoes were too small and too tight.

Referring to pain in the joints: John, the old farmer, felt the arthrodynic pain in the links between his bones most severely in the morning when it felt like every bone in his body was aching.

Outdated, a painful heel: There are various reasons for calcaneodynia including obesity, an injury, an abnormal walking style, and ill-fitting shoes.

Pain in the heel when standing or walking: The elderly Mrs. Hathaway wanted to sit a lot during the day because she suffered from a condition of calcanodynia, so she ordered meals to be delivered to her home so she wouldn't have to stand in the kitchen to prepare them!