Contracture Deformity: What is it?

Contracture deformities are a lot easier to obtain than most would think; it doesn’t matter the age, body type, or diet, nearly everyone is at risk when you are constantly inactive. A contracture develops when the normally stretchy (elastic) tissues are replaced by non-stretchy (inelastic) fiber-like tissue.1 It causes an unbearable amount of stiffness in almost any component that has to do with human movement, it causes your normally pliable connective tissue to become more rigid, and less flexible. This of course will drastically affect your range of movement anywhere that contracture deformity has taken place. It normally affects the hands, fingers, and legs, but contractures can occur at many different places on the body. Muscle contractures involve shortening/ tightening of any specific muscles, or group of muscles. Joint contractures will cause you to experience a limited range of motion in any area of your body where bones connect. Contractures can also take a toll on the skin by scarring, burning, or contracting.

Common Causes

http://tinyurl.com/zv3bs3t

The most common contributing factors of contracture are physical inactivity, and scarring from a previous injury or severe burn. Individuals who are unable to stay physically active caused by other health conditions are at high risk of contracture deformity in their muscles, joints, ligaments, etc. For example, patients that have endured lengthy stays in the hospital or intensive care units are at high risk of joint contractures after being released. There are other diseases that can lead to the onset of contracture deformity, which include muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, polio, and diseases that are inherited or that develop in early childhood. Muscular dystrophy is a disease that causes weak muscles, decay of muscle tissue, and muscle tightness. Cerebral palsy also limits range of motion and causes the human musculature to become rigid. Polio is a disease of the central nervous system that also contributes to the likeliness of contracture deformity. Other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, that cause swelling and inflammation in joints also put you at risk.

Treatment

Contracture deformity is a relatively easy disease to treat, the best treatment for the affected joint(s) is exercise. You must keep the afflicted joint moving. This can be done through a combination of passive stretching, therapeutic exercise, and deep tissue massage if needed. Splinting or bracing the affected area can also be useful when treating contracture deformity. The most important things to focus on when treating is repetitive movement of the joint/muscles. With repetition and consistency, the affected areas will become more pliable over time.

References:

1Benjamin, C. M. (2014, September 8). Contracture deformity: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Retrieved September 22, 2016, from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003185.htm

2Bahdi, C. (n.d.). What causes muscle contracture? 5 possible conditions. Retrieved September 26, 2016, from http://www.healthline.com/symptom/muscle-contracture

3Scripps Health - Contracture deformity. (2015). Retrieved September 26, 2016, from https://www.scripps.org/articles/1323-contracture-deformity