Types of Joints and Movements in the Human Body

Hinge Joint

Allows movement in one plane (flexion & extension)

Ball-and-Socket Joint

Allows movement in multiple directions, including rotation

Pivot Joint

Allows rotational movement around a single axis

Gliding (Plane) Joint

Allows bones to glide past each other in different directions

Saddle Joint

Allows movement similar to a hinge but with more range

Condyloid (Ellipsoid) Joint

Allows movement but prevents rotation

Flexion

Decreasing the angle of a joint

Extension

Increasing the angle of a joint

Abduction

Moving a limb away from the midline

Adduction

Moving a limb toward the midline

Rotation

Moving a bone around its axis

Circumduction

Circular movement of a limb

Supination

Rotating the forearm so the palm faces up

Pronation

Rotating the forearm so the palm faces down

Dorsiflexion

Lifting the foot towards the shin

Plantarflexion

Pointing the toes downward

Inversion

Turning the sole of the foot inward

Eversion

Turning the sole of the foot outward

Scapular Retraction

Pulling the shoulder blades together

Scapular Protraction

Moving the shoulder blades forward

Opposition

Thumb movement toward fingers for grasping

Hip Internal Rotation

Rotating the thigh inward

Hip External Rotation

Rotating the thigh outward

ACL Tear (Anterior Cruciate Ligament)/ Joint Affected:

Knee; Cause: Sudden stops or direction changes (common in sports)

Rotator Cuff Tear/ Joint Affected:

Shoulder; Cause: Overuse, aging, or trauma

Dislocation/ Joints Affected:

Shoulder, Finger, Hip; Cause: Forceful impact or fall

Sprain (Ligament injury)/ Joints Affected:

Ankle, Wrist, Knee; Cause: Stretching or tearing of ligaments

Strain (Muscle or tendon injury) /Joints Affected:

Lower back, Hamstring; Cause: Overstretching or sudden movement

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)/ Joint Affected:

Elbow; Cause: Overuse of forearm muscles

Osteoarthritis/ Joints Affected:

Knees, Hips, Hands; Cause: Wear and tear over time

Meniscus Tear/Joint Affected:

Knee; Cause: Twisting while bearing weight

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Joint Affected: Wrist; Cause: Repetitive hand movements, nerve compression

Bursitis

Joints Affected: Shoulder, Elbow, Hip; Cause: Inflammation of fluid-filled sacs due to repetitive movement