What is a contracture?

A contracture refers specifically to a condition characterized by a lack of joint mobility that results from the shortening or tightening of muscles, tendons, or ligaments. This shortened state restricts the range of motion in the affected joint, which can be caused by prolonged inactivity, immobilization, or neurological conditions. Understanding contractures is key in fields like physical therapy and personal support work, as recognizing and preventing them is critical for maintaining mobility and quality of life for individuals, particularly those with mobility issues or disabilities.

The other choices describe different health-related issues, but do not accurately define a contracture. An injury to ligaments involves trauma that can lead to instability in a joint, while a type of skin abrasion refers to damage to the skin surface and does not affect muscle or joint function. Chronic illnesses related to movement affect broader systemic functions but do not specifically denote the shortening of muscle or joint restrictions as is seen in contractures.