What is frozen joint?

Answer

A frozen joint is a condition in which a joint becomes stiff, painful, and severely restricted in movement due to inflammation, thickening, or tightening of the joint capsule and surrounding tissues. It develops gradually and can significantly limit daily activities.

1. Most Common Example
The most well-known type is frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), but similar stiffness can occur in other joints like the knee or hip after injury, surgery, or prolonged immobilization.

2. Causes
Frozen joints often develop due to prolonged lack of movement, joint injury, surgery, arthritis, diabetes, or inflammatory conditions that cause the joint capsule to tighten.

3. Symptoms
Typical symptoms include progressive stiffness, deep aching pain, reduced range of motion, and difficulty performing routine movements such as lifting the arm or bending the joint.

4. Treatment
Management includes physiotherapy, stretching exercises, pain medications, anti-inflammatory treatment, and joint injections. Severe or resistant cases may require manipulation under anesthesia or arthroscopic release.