Limited Range Of Motion: Clinical Meaning

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, caused by the gradual breakdown of cartilage in joints. It primarily affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints. It causes chronic pain and stiffness in the lower back and can lead to fusion of spinal vertebrae. It is more common in men.

Bone Cancer (Osteosarcoma)

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone cancer, predominantly affecting adolescents. It presents as bone pain and swelling, most often around the knee; treatment involves surgery and chemotherapy.

Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis is a bone infection caused by bacteria or fungi, causing localized bone pain, fever, and tenderness. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common causative organism; treatment requires prolonged antibiotics and sometimes surgery.

Bursitis

Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa (fluid-filled sac cushioning bones and tendons), causing localized pain and swelling near joints. The shoulder, hip, elbow, and knee are commonly affected; rest, ice, and NSAIDs are initial treatments.

Tendinitis

Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon, most commonly affecting the shoulder (rotator cuff), elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow), Achilles tendon, and patellar tendon. It causes localized pain worsening with activity; eccentric exercises and load management are key treatments.

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Frozen shoulder is characterized by progressive pain and stiffness of the shoulder joint, eventually leading to severe restriction of movement. It goes through freezing, frozen, and thawing phases; physiotherapy, corticosteroid injections, and distension arthrography are treatments.

Meniscus Tear

A meniscus tear is damage to the fibrocartilage of the knee, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and clicking or locking. It commonly occurs during twisting injuries; treatment depends on tear type (conservative vs. surgical repair).

Rotator Cuff Tear

Rotator cuff tears involve damage to the muscles and tendons stabilizing the shoulder, causing shoulder pain, weakness, and restricted movement. They can be acute (traumatic) or chronic (degenerative); physiotherapy or surgical repair depending on severity.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, most commonly idiopathic and developing during adolescence. Mild curves are observed; progressive curves require bracing or surgical correction to prevent cardiopulmonary compromise.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is inflammatory arthritis affecting some people with psoriasis. It causes joint pain, stiffness and swelling ranging from mild to severe with potential for joint damage.