10 Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
Symptom #10: Joint Contractures
Muscles usually work in pairs where one relaxes and the other contracts. In children with cerebral palsy, hypertonic spasticity can cause shortening or tightening of the joint. When the muscles are shortened, the joint can become fixed in one position. Joint contractures are mostly seen among patients with spastic cerebral palsy.
Some of the affected parts of the body include the shoulders, hips, hands, wrists, elbows, feet, back, and jaw. Left untreated, it can result in extreme pain and even bone fractures. To prevent joint contractures, joint mobilization and stretching can be performed with the guidance of a qualified therapist.
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