Contracture deformity
Contents
Causes
Home Care
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Treatment
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
A contracture develops when the normally stretchy (elastic) tissues are replaced by nonstretchy (inelastic) fiber-like tissue. this makes it hard to stretch the area and prevents normal movement.
Contractures mostly occur in the skin, the tissues underneath, and the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joint areas.
They affect range of motion and function in a certain body part. There is usually also pain.
A contracture is a fixed tightening of muscle, tendons, ligaments, or skin. It prevents normal movement of the associated body part. An injury such as a severe burn can cause contracture of the skin. The skin becomes scarred and nonelastic which limits the range of movement of the affected area.
- Brain and nervous system disorders, such as cerebral palsy or stroke
- Inherited disorders (such as muscular dystrophy)
- Nerve damage
- Reduced use (for example, from lack of mobility)
- Scarring after traumatic injury or burns
Home Care
- Home care involves the care your health care provider prescribes, such as:
- Performing exercises and stretches
- Using braces
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if:
- A contracture seems to be developing.
- You notice a decreased ability to move a joint.
- What to Expect at Your Office Visit
Treatment
Depending on the cause and type of contracture, you may need diagnostic testing (such as an x-ray).
Physical therapy, medicines, orthopedic braces, or surgery may be helpful for some types of contractures.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
Depending on the cause and type of contracture, you may need diagnostic testing (such as an x-ray).
Physical therapy, medicines, orthopedic braces, or surgery may be helpful for some types of contractures.
Source: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000869.htm