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.
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.
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.
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.
Causes
A sudden loss of range of motion may be due to:
- Dislocation of a joint
- Fracture of an elbow or other joint
- 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
- 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)
- Congenital torticollis (wry neck)
- Muscular dystrophy (group of inherited disorders that cause muscle weakness)
- 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.
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.
Version Info
Last reviewed on: 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.
