Limited range of motion is a reduction in the normal distance and direction through which a joint can move.

Range of motion is the distance and direction of movement of a joint. Limited range of motion is a term meaning that a specific joint or body part cannot move through its normal range of motion.

Motion may be limited by a mechanical problem within the joint, by swelling of tissue around the joint, by stiffness of the muscles, or by pain.

Diseases that prevent a joint from fully extending may, over time, produce contracture deformities, causing permanent inability to extend the joint beyond a certain fixed position.

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Cerebral palsy
• Fracture of elbow
• Fractures through most joints
• Dislocation (of most joints)
• Nursemaid's elbow, an injury to the elbow joint -- extremely common
• Congenital torticollis
• Septic joint (especially septic hip)
• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
• Syphilis
• Mucopolysaccharide storage diseases
  • Hurler syndrome
  • Scheie syndrome
  • Hunter syndrome
  • Morquio syndrome

Your health care provider may recommend range of motion exercises, designed to increase muscle strength and flexibility. Continue these exercises at home.