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 muscles, or pain.

Causes of Limited range of motion

A sudden loss of range of motion may be due to:

• Dislocation of a joint
• Fracture of an elbow or other joint
• Septic or infected joint (hip is most common in children)
• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease  (in boys 4 to 10 years old)
• Nursemaid's elbow, an injury to the elbow joint (in young children)

Loss of motion may occur if you damage to the bones within a joint. This may happen if you have:

• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Broken a joint bone in the past
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Brain, nerve, or muscle disorders can damage the nerves, tendons and muscles, and cause loss of motion. Some include:

• Cerebral palsy
• Congenital torticollis
• Muscular dystrophy 
• Stroke or brain injury 

Home Care

Your doctor or nurse may suggest exercises to increase muscle strength and flexibility.

When to Contact a Health Professional

Make an appointment with your doctor or nurse if you have difficulty moving or extending a joint.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

The doctor or nurse will examine you and ask you 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.

References

Dudek N, Trudel G. Joint contractures. In: Frontera, WR, Silver JK, Rizzo TD Jr, eds. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 117.

Comeau D, Heaton K, Gordon A. Rheumatology and musculoskeletal problems. In: Rakel RE, ed. Textbook of Family Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 32.

Arend WP, Lawry GV. Approach to the patient with rheumatic disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 264.

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