A contracture occurs when your muscles, tendons, joints, or other tissues tighten or shorten causing a deformity. Contracture symptoms include pain and loss of movement in the joint. If this occurs, you should seek treatment right away. Doctors can treat contractures with medicine, casts, and physical therapy.
As tissue that stretches becomes less flexible, you might:
Risk factors that may cause contractures include:
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Symptoms of contractures include:
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and perform an exam.
To help confirm a contracture diagnosis, your doctor may also order imaging tests, such as an:
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Doctors at UPMC Orthopaedic Care offer many contracture treatments to loosen and relax stiff areas.
Your doctor may use one or more of the following to treat your contracture:
If other treatments don't work, your doctor may suggest contracture surgery to:
The main goal of contracture surgery is to restore a full range of motion to the affected area.
Request an appointment with a UPMC orthopaedic surgeon:
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