About this topic
A contracture is the tightening of muscles, tendons, ligaments, or skin. This stops normal movement. Contractures last for a long time. They are not the same as spasticity. Spasticity happens when a muscle has a spasm or tightens and you cannot control it. This may lead to a contracture if it is not relieved over time. ‚
Braces, therapy, and stretching may help with some contractures. Others may need surgery to fix them. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- If your doctor tells you to use heat, put a heating pad on the painful part for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Never go to sleep with a heating pad on as this can cause burns. Heat before stretching can help make stretching work better.
- Do stretching exercises that your therapist or doctor suggests. Be sure to hold each stretch for at least 20 to 30 seconds. Do not bounce when stretching.
- Use braces, casts, or splints that your doctor tells you to use.
- Use a walker, wheelchair, or other tool to help you getting around safely. Your doctor or therapist can teach you how to use these.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor may send you to physical therapy (PT) or occupational therapy (OT) for treatments and exercise to help your problem.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Relax tight muscles
Will physical activity be limited?
Based on where your contracture is, you may not be able to do certain activities. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Long-lasting deformity
- Disability
- Trouble doing tasks or walking
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- After a surgery or injury, start movement as soon as your doctor lets you move.
- Do range of motion and stretching regularly if you are at risk for contractures.
When do I need to call the doctor?
Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse ‚
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my activities.
Where can I learn more?
Amputee Coalition ‚
http://www.amputee-coalition.org/inmotion/may_jun_11/preventing_contractures.pdf ‚
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/667/viewAbstract ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚