Limited Range Of Motion

Possible Causes Of Limited Mobility

Several factors can contribute to joint stiffness and restricted movement, ranging from injuries and inflammation to chronic health conditions. In many cases, these causes interact, worsening mobility challenges over time. Below are some common reasons why movement may become impaired.

Muscle Inflammation

Inflammation within the muscles, known as myositis, can lead to pain, swelling, and stiffness, making movement difficult. Conditions such as polymyositis or dermatomyositis weaken muscles over time, while chronic inflammation from overuse or autoimmune disorders may gradually reduce mobility.

Fractures

A broken bone near or within a joint can significantly affect movement. Immobilization during healing often leads to stiffness, and improper healing may result in malunion, where the bone heals incorrectly, restricting the joint’s function. Some individuals also develop post-traumatic arthritis, causing further limitations even after the fracture heals.

Infection

Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections within a joint, known as septic arthritis, can cause severe inflammation, pain, and swelling. If not treated promptly, infections may lead to permanent joint damage and restricted movement. Systemic infections, such as Lyme disease, may also contribute to ongoing joint stiffness.

Joint Dislocation

When a joint is forced out of its normal position, surrounding ligaments, tendons, and muscles can be overstretched or damaged. Even after the joint is repositioned, lingering instability, pain, or stiffness may persist, particularly if nerve involvement or repeated dislocations occur.

Hypertrophy

Abnormal tissue growth around a joint, such as bone spurs or thickened synovial membranes, can reduce flexibility and increase stiffness. This is particularly common in osteoarthritis, where extra bone growth interferes with normal joint motion.

Underlying Health Conditions

Chronic diseases affecting the joints, muscles, nerves, or connective tissues often contribute to progressive stiffness and reduced mobility.

• Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder): Causes shoulder joint stiffness and pain, gradually limiting movement.
• Gout: A buildup of uric acid crystals leads to painful joint swelling and restricted mobility.
• Osteogenesis imperfecta: A genetic disorder that results in fragile bones, increasing the risk of fractures and mobility limitations.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disease that inflames joints, causing pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion.
• Ankylosing spondylitis: A chronic inflammatory condition primarily affecting the spine, leading to rigidity and loss of flexibility.
• Lupus: An autoimmune disorder that causes joint pain, swelling, and restricted movement due to persistent inflammation.
• Neurogenic claudication: Nerve compression in the spine leads to leg pain, weakness, and difficulty walking, often linked to spinal stenosis.
• Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: A connective tissue disorder that weakens ligaments, making joints unstable and prone to dislocation.
• Avascular necrosis: Bone tissue death due to poor blood supply, leading to joint pain and stiffness, particularly in the hips.
• Fibromyalgia: A chronic pain condition characterized by muscle stiffness, tenderness, and fatigue, which can make movement uncomfortable.
• Scleroderma: A connective tissue disease that thickens the skin and affects joints, reducing flexibility.
• Osteomalacia: Softened bones due to vitamin D deficiency, resulting in discomfort and difficulty with movement.
• Brachial plexus injury: Nerve damage affecting the shoulder, arm, and hand, causing weakness and restricted motion.