Contracture is a condition in which a muscle becomes permanently shortened, leading to an inability to move the affected joint fully. It is a common complication of stroke, trauma, paralysis, and other conditions that impair normal muscle function. The most common sites of contracture are the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle (Kosashvili et al., 2018).
The exact cause of contracture is not known; however, it is thought to be related to a decrease in the muscle’s ability to stretch, resulting in a decrease in the range of motion of the joint (Kosashvili et al., 2018). The most common risk factors for contracture are prolonged immobility, prolonged bed rest, aging, and medical conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy (Kosashvili et al., 2018).
Contracture can lead to pain and discomfort, impaired ability to perform activities of daily living, and decreased self-esteem (Kosashvili et al., 2018). Treatment of contracture typically involves physical therapy and stretching exercises to improve joint mobility. In more severe cases, surgery or botulinum toxin injections may be required (Kosashvili et al., 2018).
The prevention of contracture can be achieved by maintaining good posture and regular exercise. Proper positioning of the affected joint is also important, as immobility can lead to contracture (Kosashvili et al., 2018).
In conclusion, contracture is a common and potentially disabling condition that can lead to pain and difficulty performing daily tasks. Physical therapy and stretching exercises are the mainstays of treatment, but surgery or botulinum toxin injections may be required in more severe cases. With proper preventive measures, contracture can be avoided or minimized.
References
Kosashvili, Y., Soudry, M., Cohen, L., Liebergall, M., & Palmanovich, E. (2018). Contracture: Pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnosis, and management. International Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 6(7). doi: 10.4172/2329-9096.1000379