What health issue may arise from chronic contractures?

Prepare for your Osteopathic Medicine Foundations Exam with detailed multiple choice questions and comprehensive explanations. Enhance your study with flashcards and insights to boost your readiness and confidence!

Chronic contractures refer to the permanent shortening of muscles or tendons, which can significantly limit the mobility of a joint. This condition results primarily from prolonged immobilization, injury, or certain diseases that affect muscle tone and function.

Decreased range of motion is the direct consequence of chronic contractures, as the affected muscles and tendons become less pliable, restricting the ability to move the joint through its full range. This limitation can lead to further complications, such as joint stiffness, pain, and a decrease in overall physical functioning.

In contrast, increased cardiovascular health, improved flexibility, and enhanced muscle endurance do not typically arise from chronic contractures. Instead, these healthy attributes would generally be found with regular movement, stretching, and exercise, which are inhibited by the presence of contractures.

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