Joint contracture
Brief description of the disease
Translated from Latin, contracture means "contraction". In principle, this definition is quite suitable for this disease. It sharply limits the mobility of the joints (tightens them) by changing the nearby soft tissues. This process is accompanied by severe pain, and ultimately joint contracture leads to complete immobility of the limbs.
Causes of joint contracture
- inflammation and trauma, provoking the onset of a destructive process;
- deformation of the bones that make up the joint, under the influence of arthrosis or arthritis;
- loss of elasticity of the ligaments and joint capsule;
- reducing the length of the muscles that provide movement of the constituent elements of the joint
Consequences of the disease
In the absence of adequate, balanced treatment, contracture of the knee or elbow joint leads to complete immobility of the limb (ankylosis). If the disease has developed to this stage, then only surgery will help, so do not neglect a visit to the doctor at the first unpleasant symptoms.
Note that all contractures are subdivided into congenital (appear as a result of hereditary defects of the musculoskeletal system) and acquired, which are formed as a result of the adverse effects of the external environment. Any of these forms can lead to the most dire consequences, for example, functional disorders. In particular, contracture of the ankle joint does not allow a person to move normally, leads to flat feet and deformities of the limbs. Knee contracture has a similar effect.
Deformities in the upper body are no less dangerous. Suffice it to say that contracture of the elbow joint makes the hand completely non-functional, reduces a person's life to banal self-service and the simplest work activity.
Diagnosis of the disease
The main sign of adverse processes in the joints is severe pain with subsequent disruption of the normal functioning of the limbs. The severity of symptoms depends on the nature of the process (acute or chronic), the reasons for the appearance of contracture, its location and the patient's age. To make an accurate diagnosis, a complete examination of the patient and the use of modern medical technologies such as MRI, CT and radiography are necessary.
Joint contracture treatment
Currently, both conservative and surgical treatment of contracture are used in domestic and foreign clinics. In the first case, doctors use the following measures:
- gymnastics;
- massotherapy;
- physiotherapy procedures (exposure to hydrocarbons, electrophoresis);
- drug therapy (hormones, analgesics);
- manual therapy (joint and muscle techniques);
- medical blockade.
The essence of the blockade is the introduction of special drugs into the joint cavity. Due to this, joint contracture develops much more slowly. Pain syndrome is also less pronounced.
In general, conservative methods are aimed at restoring the normal range of motion of the limb. When using them, the contracture of the knee joint proceeds with the least complications, in particular, pain symptoms are relieved, restrictions in the joint almost completely disappear, the tone of previously weakened muscles and the supply of nutrients to the joints are improved.
The main goal of physicians is to eliminate puffiness, relieve symptoms of inflammation, and restore joint mobility. In general, modern medicine copes well with these tasks, but remember that successful treatment of contracture is possible only if you see a doctor on time.
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The information is generalized and provided for informational purposes only. At the first sign of illness, see your doctor. Self-medication is hazardous to health!
