What is characterized by an inability to move a joint freely due to muscle shortening?

The condition characterized by an inability to freely move a joint due to muscle shortening is called a contracture. Contractures occur when muscles or connective tissues (like tendons and ligaments) become shortened or thickened, leading to a restriction in the range of motion of a joint. This shortened state can result from various factors, including prolonged immobility, neurological conditions, or injuries, contributing to stiffness and discomfort.

Contractility refers to the ability of muscle tissue to shorten and generate force, but it does not specifically describe a condition of limited movement due to shortening. Spasticity is associated with increased muscle tone and stiffness, often seen in neurological disorders, but it is distinct from the contractile limitations imposed by contractures. Tendinosis is a chronic degeneration of a tendon due to aging or repeated stress, which can lead to pain and impaired movement but does not inherently define the joint restriction seen in contractures. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why contracture is the correct term for this specific limitation in joint mobility.