Are you wondering if you lack the range of motion?
Assessing your full range of motion is an essential fundamental health practice. Your ability to move greatly impacts your quality of life. Maximizing your range of motion involves reflection, guidance, and action.
For this reason, we’re here to walk you through the most common signs that you don’t have a full range of motion. That way, you can eliminate different factors that may be contributing to your limited mobility.
Read on to learn more.
1. Difficulty Bending or Straightening
A decrease in range of motion is often identified as difficulty in bending or straightening. This is a common sign of an underlying problem in different joints of the body. This includes the ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, or wrist.
This could be due to an injury and joint health conditions such as arthritis. It is important to have it checked out by a healthcare provider.
It may require physical therapy or medication to improve your range of motion and quality of life. Check out these benefits of physical therapy to help reduce pain and promote greater mobility.
Ignoring it can lead to a further decline in mobility and further disability in the affected joint. It can also cause other problems as the body compensates by utilizing other muscles and joints more to make up for the discrepancy.
2. Stiffness When Trying to Move
Stiffness can range from a small amount of pain or pressure when trying to move. It can also be an inability to move at all without experiencing extreme discomfort. It starts as a feeling of tension and can range from a minor nuisance to quite painful depending on the severity of the issue.
Common symptoms include feeling like your body feels “stuck” and tight, especially when you move certain joints or muscles. This can limit your ability to do certain activities or engage in recreational activities. Ignoring stiffness could lead to further injury and serious health risks.
It is important to pay attention to any changes in the way your body moves. These can indicate other health issues that need to be addressed. It is important to talk with your doctor and to make sure you follow their instructions for recovery.
3. Joint Swelling
When a joint is swollen, it typically means that inflammation or fluid buildup is present. Depending on what type of body movement you are requiring from the joint, it can result in pain and a decreased range of motion. Some pre-existing conditions that can cause joint swelling are arthritis or gout.
Common symptoms that joint swelling can present with would be tenderness, warmth, and limited mobility. If a certain joint is swollen and not responding to any treatment, it may be a sign that more trauma has occurred than initially thought. It is important to consult a medical professional for guidance.
4. Muscle Weakness
When muscles become weak, they cannot function to their fullest capacity. Those with chronic muscle weakness may also experience reduced flexibility in joints and muscles.
They may also experience difficulty lifting or carrying heavy objects. This also includes tingling or numbness in their limbs and pain when standing for long periods of time.
They may not be able to perform typical physical activities or movements as before. It can be caused by different factors, such as injury, illness, or exposure to toxins.
A physician can help to diagnose the cause of this muscle weakness. They can help you to complete the necessary rehabilitation to get your full range of motion back.
5. Joint Noises
One of the signs you have a limited range of motion is joint noises. This could be a creaking, grinding, or popping sound. This occurs when you try and move your joint too far, and it can’t move further.
They’re caused by the release of small bubbles of gas that form within the joint. This creates a popping or cracking sound. This is typically harmless and just a sign of the muscles or joint tissue adjusting.
If the joint noise is accompanied by swelling and pain, it could be a sign of injury or arthritis. These noises can suggest instability or a lack of lubrication in the joint.
Do not try to self-treat joint noises as this can worsen the condition and lead to permanent joint damage. It’s important to seek professional help to properly diagnose the issue and start a treatment plan to restore full mobility.
6. Increased Fatigue During Physical Activities
Lack of range of motion can be problematic during physical activities and often lead to increased fatigue. This is because you’re using extra effort to complete the movement. This can limit performance and increase your risk for potential injuries if not properly addressed.
To regain a complete range of motion, it is important to identify the limitations that are present. Then include corrective exercises and stretches into your workouts. This can ensure that you’re able to perform movements at an optimal level while ensuring your safety.
7. Decreased Coordination and Balance
Signs of decreased coordination and balance often signify that you have a bad range of motion. Some of these signs include clumsiness, frequent tripping, and difficulty in maintaining equilibrium. It can also include difficulty with walking up and down stairs, and difficulty catching and throwing objects.
Depending on the severity, one may require support when taking a few steps. There could be a painful sensation, which further limits the range of motion for that person.
These can result in unsteady movements and poor posture. It can also include frequent trips and falls. It is important to consult a qualified healthcare provider to identify the cause and to receive appropriate treatment.
Knowing the Signs Full Range of Motion
Having a lack of full range of motion can limit your mobility and ability to do everyday activities. If you are experiencing a limited range of motion, it is important to consult your doctor for treatment options.
Taking proper steps to restore and maintain your range of motion can help keep you active and healthy. Get help solving your mobility issues today!
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