Arthritis related impairments to ROM include which of the following?

• A. Joint swelling reduces ROM temporarily
• B. Increased ROM with arthritis
• C. Muscle hypertrophy increases ROM
• D. Limits ROM, stiffness, capsular restriction, joint pain limiting motion

Answer: (D)

Arthritis-related limitations in range of motion come from a combination of joint pain, stiffness, and structural changes inside the joint. Inflammation makes movement painful, so muscles may guard and ROM decreases. Over time, stiffness develops and the joint capsule can become thick or scarred, producing capsular restriction that physically limits how far the joint can move. These factors affect both active and passive movement, leading to a reduced ROM. While swelling can temporarily limit motion, the persistent and more global restrictions from stiffness and capsular changes are the typical pattern in arthritis. Increased ROM isn’t characteristic of arthritis, and muscle hypertrophy isn’t the usual driver of ROM impairment in this condition.