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 disruption of the normal position of the ends of two or more bones where they meet at a joint. A joint is the place where two bon...
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)
Infected joint
Septic arthritis is inflammation of a joint due to a bacterial or fungal infection. Septic arthritis that is due to the bacteria that cause gonorrhe...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article -
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (in boys 4 to 10 years old)
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease occurs when the ball of the thigh bone in the hip does not get enough blood, causing the bone to die.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article -
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
Frozen shoulder
Frozen shoulder is a condition in which the shoulder is painful and loses motion because of inflammation.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article -
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder. It is due to aging and wear and tear on a joint.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article -
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It is a long-term disease. It can also aff...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article -
Ankylosing spondylitis (chronic form of arthritis)
Ankylosing spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic form of arthritis. It mostly affects the bones and joints at the base of the spine where it connects with t...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article
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)
Torticollis
Torticollis is a condition in which the neck muscles cause the head to tilt, turn or rotate to the side.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article -
Muscular dystrophy (group of inherited disorders that cause muscle weakness)
Muscular dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy (MD) 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)
Volkmann contracture
Volkmann contracture is a deformity of the hand, fingers, and wrist caused by injury to the muscles of the forearm. The condition is also called Vol...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article
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.
Joint x-rays
This test is an x-ray of a knee, shoulder, hip, wrist, ankle, or other joint.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleSpine x-rays
A thoracic spine x-ray is an x-ray of the 12 chest (thoracic) bones (vertebrae) of the spine. The vertebrae are separated by flat pads of cartilage ...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticlePhysical therapy may be recommended.
References
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.
-
The structure of a joint - illustration
Joints, particularly hinge joints like the elbow and the knee, are complex structures made up of bone, muscles, synovium, cartilage, and ligaments that are designed to bear weight and move the body through space. The knee consists of the femur (thigh bone) above, and the tibia (shin bone) and fibula below. The kneecap (patella) glides through a shallow groove on the front part of the lower thigh bone. Ligaments and tendons connect the three bones of the knee, which are contained in the joint capsule (synovium) and are cushioned by cartilage.
The structure of a joint
illustration
-
Limited range of motion - illustration
When a joint does not move fully and easily in its normal manner it is considered to have a limited range of motion. Motion may be limited by a mechanical problem within the joint, swelling of tissue around the joint, spasticity of the muscles, pain or disease.
Limited range of motion
illustration
-
The structure of a joint - illustration
Joints, particularly hinge joints like the elbow and the knee, are complex structures made up of bone, muscles, synovium, cartilage, and ligaments that are designed to bear weight and move the body through space. The knee consists of the femur (thigh bone) above, and the tibia (shin bone) and fibula below. The kneecap (patella) glides through a shallow groove on the front part of the lower thigh bone. Ligaments and tendons connect the three bones of the knee, which are contained in the joint capsule (synovium) and are cushioned by cartilage.
The structure of a joint
illustration
-
Limited range of motion - illustration
When a joint does not move fully and easily in its normal manner it is considered to have a limited range of motion. Motion may be limited by a mechanical problem within the joint, swelling of tissue around the joint, spasticity of the muscles, pain or disease.
Limited range of motion
illustration
Review Date: 9/20/2022
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.