Limited range of motion
Limited range of motion is a term meaning that a joint or body part cannot move through its normal range of motion.
Considerations
Motion may be limited because of a problem within the joint, swelling of tissue around the joint, stiffness of the ligaments and muscles, or pain.
Swelling
Swelling is the enlargement of organs, skin, or other body parts. It is caused by a buildup of fluid in the tissues. The extra fluid can lead to a ...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleCauses
A sudden loss of range of motion may be due to:
- Dislocation of a joint
Dislocation
A dislocation is a separation of two ends of the bones where they meet at a joint. A joint is the place where two bones connect, which allows moveme...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Fracture of an elbow or other joint
Fracture
If more pressure is put on a bone than it can stand, it will split or break. A break of any size is called a fracture. If the broken bone punctures...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Infected joint (hip is most common in children)
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (in boys 4 to 10 years old)
- Nursemaid elbow, an injury to the elbow joint in young children
Nursemaid elbow
Nursemaid's elbow is a dislocation of a bone in the elbow called the radius. Dislocation means the bone slips out of its normal position. The injury...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Tearing of certain structures within the joint, such as the meniscus or cartilage
- Lose bodies which have become stuck in the joint
Loss of motion may occur if you damage the bones within a joint. This may happen if you have:
- Broken a joint bone in the past
- Frozen shoulder
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis (chronic form of arthritis)
Brain, nerve, or muscle disorders can damage the nerves, tendons, and muscles, and can cause loss of motion. Some of these disorders include:
- Cerebral palsy (group of disorders that involve brain and nervous system functions)
Cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that involve the brain. This affects nervous system functions, such as movement, learning, hearing, seei...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Congenital torticollis (wry neck)
- Muscular dystrophy (group of inherited disorders that cause muscle weakness)
Muscular dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy is a group of inherited disorders that cause muscle weakness and loss of muscle tissue, which get worse over time.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Stroke or brain injury
- Volkmann contracture (deformity of the hand, fingers, and wrist caused by injury to the muscles of the forearm)
Home Care
Your health care provider may suggest exercises to increase muscle strength and flexibility.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Make an appointment with your provider if you have difficulty moving or extending a joint.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
The provider will examine you and ask about your medical history and symptoms.
You may need joint x-rays and spine x-rays. Laboratory tests may be done.
Physical therapy may be recommended.
Reviewed By
C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Debski RE, Patel NK, Shearn JT. Basic concepts in biomechanics. In: Miller MD, Thompson SR, eds. DeLee, Drez, & Miller's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 2.
Magee DJ, Manske RC. Primary care assessment. Magee DJ, Manske RC, eds. Orthopedic Physical Assessment. 7th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2021:chap 17.