Limited range of motion

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Limited range of motion

The structure of a joint

Limited range of motion is a reduction in the normal distance and direction through which a joint can move.

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

Motion may be limited by a mechanical problem within the joint, by swelling of tissue around the joint, by stiffness 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.

• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Cerebral palsy
• Congenital torticollis
• Dislocation (of most joints)
• Fracture of elbow
• Fractures through most joints
• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
• Nursemaid's elbow, an injury to the elbow joint -- extremely common
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Septic joint (especially septic hip)
• Syphilis

Review Date: 08/03/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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