What are contractures primarily characterized by?

Contractures are primarily characterized by a permanent shortening of muscles. This condition occurs when muscles, tendons, or other soft tissues become stiff and shortened, leading to a reduced range of motion in the affected joint. This can result from prolonged immobility, injury, or neurological conditions, which hinder the normal elasticity of the muscle fibers.

When muscles shorten abnormally, they cannot stretch back to their original length, leading to functional limitations and discomfort for the individual. Understanding that contractures represent a permanent change highlights the importance of early intervention, such as therapeutic exercises or stretching regimens, to prevent or manage their development.

The other options, while related to joint and muscle functionality, do not accurately describe contractures. Temporary stiffness of joints, increased flexibility of tendons, and strengthening of ligaments do not encapsulate the permanent aspect of muscle shortening that defines contractures.