Synovial Joint Movements; Anatomy and Disorders

Flexion

Bending a joint to decrease the angle between two bones.

Extention

Straightening a joint to increase the angle between two bones.

Hyperextention

Extending a joint beyond its normal range.

Dorsiflexion

Lifting the foot upward toward the shin.

Plantar flexion

Pointing the foot downward, away from the shin.

Abduction

Moving a limb away from the body’s midline.

Adduction

Moving a limb toward the body’s midline.

Rotation

Turning a body part around it’s axis.

Circumduction

Circular movement of a limb of a combining flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction.

Supination

Rotating the palm upward (or foot outward).

Pronation

Rotating the palm downward (or foot inward).

Inversion

Turning the sole of the foot inward.

Eversion

Turning the sole of the foot outward.

Elevation

Lifting a body part upward.

Depression

Lowering a body part downward.

Bursitis

Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion joints.

Osteoarthritis

Wear-and-tear arthritis causing joint degeneration. Starts at the hands (ends of the fingers).

Rheumatoid arthritis

Autoimmune disease attacking joint linings. Often starts in the small joints of the hands and feet, particularly the fingers, wrists, and ankles

Spondyloarthritis

Inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine and joints.

Gout

Arthritis caused by uric acid buildup in joints. (found mostly in the big toe)

Juvenile arthritis

Arthritis in children, often autoimmune.

Scleroderma

Disease causing skin and connective tissue hardening.

Systemic Lupus Erythmatosis (SLE)

Autoimmune disease affecting multiple organs.

Lyme disease

Tick-borne bacterial infection that can cause joint inflammation.