Contractures
In patients with muscular dystrophy, the flexibility of the body and muscles reduces with time. The impact of MD can be reduced if the body is kept flexible and mobile. Contracture is the fixation of joints, which, if not treated properly, can cause discomfort and restriction in flexibility.
Contractures affect several joints of the body, including knees, hips, elbow, fingers, and wrist. There are many methods to avoid and minimize contractions. The range of motion exercise helps to delay the contraption by keeping tendons from shortening permanently. The use of braces on legs helps to delay the onset of contractions and keep the limbs flexible. If contractures have become severe, then surgery is performed to relieve them. Heel-cord surgery can be performed to treat ankles and other contractures while the child can still walk.