Limited range of motion

Definition:

A reduction in the natural distance and direction through which a joint can move.

Considerations:

Range of motion is the natural distance and direction of movement of a joint. Limited range of motion is a relative term indicating that a specific joint or body part cannot move through its normal and full range of motion.

Motion may be limited by a mechanical problem within the joint that prevents it from moving beyond a certain point, by swelling of tissue around the joint, by spasticity of the muscles, or by pain.

Diseases that prevent a joint from fully extending may, over time, produce contracture deformities, causing permanent inability to extend the joint beyond a certain fixed position.

Common causes:

• rheumatoid arthritis
• juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
• ankylosing spondylitis
• cerebral palsy
• fracture of elbow (olecranon process)
• fractures through most joint
• dislocation (most joints)
• radial head dislocation (nursemaids elbow), extremely common
• congenital torticollis
• septic joint (especially septic hip)
• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
• syphilis
• mucopolysaccharide storage diseases
  • Hurler syndrome
  • Scheie syndrome
  • Hunter syndrome
  • Morquio syndrome

• progeria
• Ellis-van Creveld syndrome

Note: There may be other causes of limited range of motion. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for limited range of motion, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.