Arthrogryposis

Arthrogryposis means a baby is born with joints that are stiff and cannot move well because they are stuck in a bent or straight position. Doctors call these stiff joints contractures. If more than one area of the body has contractures from birth, doctors often use the longer name arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC). “Arthro” means joint. “Gryposis” means curved or crooked. “Multiplex” means many joints. “Congenita” means present at birth. Arthrogryposis is not one single disease. It is a physical finding that can happen in many different conditions. Most cases start because the baby did not move enough inside the womb. Less movement leads to tight tendons, short muscles, and stiff joints. Genetic Rare Diseases Center+2PM&R KnowledgeNow+2

Doctors have found hundreds of different medical causes for arthrogryposis, including nerve problems, muscle problems, connective tissue problems, space problems in the uterus, and some maternal (mother’s) illnesses. Because there are many causes, children with the same “look” of contractures can still have very different reasons behind them. The job of the care team is to find the cause and then plan helpful treatments such as therapy, casting, bracing, and sometimes surgery. Merck Manuals+1

Other names

People and articles may use several names for the same idea:

• Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC). This is the most common long name for multiple congenital contractures. Genetic Rare Diseases Center

• Multiple congenital contractures (MCC). Some specialists prefer this because it reminds us arthrogryposis is a sign, not a single diagnosis. ERN ITHACA

• Fetal akinesia sequence or fetal akinesia deformation sequence. These terms describe a chain of effects that begins with too little fetal movement and can include contractures. Not every case of arthrogryposis is part of this sequence, but many are. PubMed+1

Types

Doctors group arthrogryposis by pattern and cause. Knowing the pattern helps families understand what to expect and which tests are useful.

1. Amyoplasia.
   This is a classic, common pattern where the limbs are affected in a fairly symmetric way. Muscles can be under-developed (more “fibrous” than normal), and shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, and feet are often involved. Intelligence is usually normal. Early therapy and orthopedics help function. PMC

2. Distal arthrogryposis.
   Here the hands and feet are mostly affected. Fingers may curve, thumbs may be tight, and feet may be clubbed. Many distal forms are linked to gene changes in the way muscles contract (for example, TPM2, TNNI2, MYH3), and several numbered subtypes exist (DA1, DA2A/Freeman-Sheldon, DA2B/Sheldon-Hall, etc.). MedlinePlus+1

3. Syndromic / pterygium forms.
   In some conditions there are webs of skin (pterygia) across joints, or other organ differences. Multiple pterygium syndromes can be associated with genes such as CHRNG and related neuromuscular junction problems. ERN ITHACA

4. Neurogenic (nerve or spinal cord) forms.
   Problems in the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves can limit fetal movement and lead to contractures. Examples include spinal muscular atrophy or congenital myopathies with secondary nerve involvement. Medscape

5. Myopathic (muscle) forms.
   Primary muscle disorders (for example, nemaline myopathy, congenital myotonic dystrophy) can cause weak or abnormal muscle development before birth and produce contractures. ERN ITHACA

6. Connective-tissue / joint capsule forms.
   Sometimes the joint tissue, tendons, or connective tissue are abnormal or become tight in the womb. These children mainly have stiff joints without large muscle or nerve disease. PMC

7. Mechanical / space-related forms.
   Low amniotic fluid, uterine shape, multiple gestation, or limited uterine space can mechanically restrict movement and lead to contractures. Merck Manuals

Common causes

The single root reason for most cases is too little movement in the womb (fetal akinesia). Below are twenty common pathways that can reduce fetal movement or tighten joints. Families often find that more than one factor is present. Medscape

1. Genetic changes affecting muscle contraction.
   Variants in genes like TPM2, TNNI2, MYH3, PIEZO2, ECEL1 can disturb how muscles contract, especially in distal arthrogryposis. These conditions often run in families in autosomal dominant or recessive patterns. ScienceDirect+1

2. Neuromuscular junction defects.
   When signals from nerves do not pass well to muscles (as in multiple pterygium/escobar syndromes involving CHRNG), movement drops and contractures form. ERN ITHACA

3. Primary muscle disorders (congenital myopathies).
   Disorders like nemaline myopathy and central core disease weaken fetal muscles so joints stiffen. PMC

4. Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
   Loss of motor neurons reduces muscle activity in utero. Some babies with SMA show contractures at birth. Medscape

5. Congenital myotonic dystrophy.
   A repeat expansion in the DMPK gene can cause severe neonatal weakness, low movement, and contractures. ERN ITHACA

6. Central nervous system differences.
   Brain or spinal cord malformations can reduce overall movement patterns before birth. Medscape

7. Connective-tissue disorders of the joint capsule.
   Stiff joint tissues (capsule, ligaments) can form when movement is low, making joints fixed at birth. PMC

8. Oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid).
   Less fluid makes less space to move, encouraging contractures, clubfoot, and hip problems. Merck Manuals

9. Uterine constraint / abnormalities.
   A small or unusually shaped uterus, fibroids, or twins can restrict movement. Merck Manuals

10. Placental insufficiency.
    Poor placental function can impair fetal growth and movement. PubMed

11. Maternal illnesses (e.g., myasthenia gravis).
    Maternal antibodies may cross the placenta and affect the baby’s neuromuscular junction, reducing movement. Medscape

12. Maternal infections or high fevers in pregnancy.
    Some infections or sustained fever can contribute to fetal akinesia and contractures. PubMed

13. Chromosomal conditions.
    Conditions like trisomy 18 can include reduced movement and multiple contractures. Cleveland Clinic

14. Fetal akinesia genes newly discovered.
    Ongoing research keeps adding genes (for example, KIF21A has been linked to severe fetal akinesia with arthrogryposis), showing how complex and genetic this group can be. Nature

15. Fetal neuropathies (peripheral nerve defects).
    Defective nerves cannot activate muscles properly, so joints stiffen in fixed positions. Medscape

16. Fetal connective tissue fibrosis.
    In some babies, muscle may be partly replaced by fibrous tissue (as in amyoplasia), limiting joint motion. PMC

17. Drug or toxin exposure.
    Certain medicines or toxins can reduce movement or affect the neuromuscular system in utero. (Doctors will review specific exposures during prenatal and newborn history.) Medscape

18. Vascular disruptions.
    Events that reduce blood flow to muscles or nerves during development can lessen movement. PMC

19. Metabolic or endocrine disorders in the fetus.
    Rare metabolic diseases can lead to weakness and decreased motion before birth. PMC

20. Idiopathic (unknown) despite full work-up.
    Even with modern genetic testing, some children have no clearly identified cause. Care then focuses on maximizing function and comfort. Merck Manuals

Common symptoms and signs

Remember: arthrogryposis itself is non-progressive—the baby is born with the contractures—but movement and function can improve with treatment over time. Symptoms depend on which joints are tight and on the underlying cause.

1. Stiff joints at birth.
   Elbows, wrists, hips, knees, ankles, or fingers may not bend or straighten well. The range of motion is limited. Merck Manuals

2. Characteristic limb positions.
   Shoulders may internally rotate, elbows may extend, wrists may flex, hips may dislocate or flex, knees may hyperextend, and feet may be clubbed. Patterns vary. PMC

3. Curved or crooked hands and feet.
   Especially in distal arthrogryposis, fingers and toes can be bent or angled. MedlinePlus

4. Under-developed muscles.
   Some babies have smaller muscles with more fibrous tissue. The limbs can look thin. PMC

5. Decreased spontaneous movement.
   Parents and clinicians notice babies move their limbs less than expected. PM&R KnowledgeNow

6. Hip dislocation or instability.
   Hips may be out of the joint at birth due to long-standing tight positions in the womb. Merck Manuals

7. Clubfoot (talipes).
   Feet may point inward and downward and be difficult to bring to neutral. Merck Manuals

8. Webs of skin across joints (pterygia).
   In some syndromes, thin webs can cross elbows, knees, fingers, or neck. ERN ITHACA

9. Feeding or breathing challenges in severe cases.
   If the cause involves weak muscles in the face or chest, feeding and breathing can be affected in the newborn period. PubMed

10. Spine curvature (scoliosis).
    Stiff joints and muscle imbalance can lead to spinal curves. PM&R KnowledgeNow

11. Normal intelligence in many children; variable in syndromic causes.
    Cognition depends on the underlying condition, not the joint stiffness itself. Merck Manuals

12. Pain is often not the main feature in infants.
    Stiffness and function limits are more typical; pain can appear later from strain or misalignment. PM&R KnowledgeNow

13. Skin creases and joint lines may look different.
    Because joints moved less, normal skin folds can be reduced or absent. PMC

14. Short umbilical cord, polyhydramnios, or other prenatal clues.
    These clues sometimes show up on prenatal scans in severe fetal akinesia. Medscape

15. Overall pattern is non-progressive but needs early help.
    The contractures don’t “spread,” but growth, habits, and gravity can worsen stiffness without therapy; early treatment improves outcomes. Merck Manuals

Diagnostic tests

Doctors choose tests based on the child’s pattern and any extra features that suggest a specific cause. Not every child needs every test. The goal is to confirm the pattern, look for the cause, and plan the best care.

A) Physical examination (at the bedside)

1. Detailed joint exam.
   The clinician looks at each joint for position, range, and whether the joint is fixed in flexion or extension. This maps the pattern and directs treatment like stretching, casting, or bracing. Merck Manuals

2. Neurologic exam.
   Reflexes, muscle tone, and strength are checked. This helps decide if nerve, muscle, or central causes are likely. Medscape

3. Developmental assessment.
   Head control, rolling, sitting balance, and feeding are evaluated to plan early therapies and supports. PM&R KnowledgeNow

4. Spine and posture assessment.
   The back is examined for scoliosis or kyphosis because these affect bracing needs and seating. PM&R KnowledgeNow

5. Skin and dysmorphology review.
   Clinicians look for skin webs (pterygia), facial features, or limb differences that suggest a particular syndrome and guide genetic testing. ERN ITHACA

B) Manual / functional tests (simple bedside measures)

6. Goniometry (range-of-motion measurement).
   Using a simple angle tool, therapists measure how far each joint can move. This gives a baseline and tracks progress during therapy and casting. PM&R KnowledgeNow

7. Manual muscle testing / functional scales.
   Therapists grade muscle power with gentle resistance and observe function (grasp, reach, transfers). This shapes therapy goals. PM&R KnowledgeNow

8. Gross motor function checklists.
   Age-appropriate checklists (rolling, sitting, standing with supports) help monitor gains with therapy, bracing, and surgery if needed. PM&R KnowledgeNow

9. Contracture severity tracking.
   Serial measurements of elbow, wrist, hip, and knee angles help teams time splints, casts, or surgical releases. Merck Manuals

10. Feeding and swallow evaluation.
    If facial or jaw muscles are weak, a bedside feeding assessment guides safe feeding strategies and referrals. PubMed

C) Laboratory and pathological tests

11. Creatine kinase (CK) and basic labs.
    CK can be normal or mildly elevated; patterns sometimes hint at muscle disease versus neurogenic causes. Other labs rule out metabolic or endocrine contributors. PMC

12. Genetic testing (tiered approach).
    A modern work-up often starts with a chromosomal microarray and proceeds to gene panels or exome/genome sequencing focused on arthrogryposis. Findings can identify distal arthrogryposis genes (e.g., MYH3, TPM2, TNNI2, PIEZO2, ECEL1) or pterygium genes (e.g., CHRNG). Knowing the gene clarifies prognosis and family planning. ScienceDirect+2MedlinePlus+2

13. Targeted single-gene tests.
    If the bedside exam suggests a specific disorder (for example, DMPK testing for congenital myotonic dystrophy), a single-gene test may be fastest. ERN ITHACA

14. Maternal antibody testing (if suspected).
    When maternal myasthenia gravis is possible, antibody testing can support the diagnosis and guide newborn care. Medscape

15. Metabolic or muscle biopsy (selected cases).
    Rarely, a biopsy is used when genetics is inconclusive and a primary myopathy is still suspected; this is individualized. PMC

D) Electrodiagnostic tests

16. Electromyography (EMG).
    EMG checks how muscles activate and can show if the pattern is more myopathic (muscle-based) or neurogenic (nerve-based). This helps refine the cause and therapy plan. Medscape

17. Nerve conduction studies (NCS).
    NCS measure how well signals travel along nerves. Abnormalities support a neuropathic cause. Medscape

18. Repetitive nerve stimulation (if myasthenic disorder suspected).
    This specialized test looks for fatigable transmission across the neuromuscular junction. It is useful when myasthenic syndromes are in the differential. Medscape

E) Imaging tests

19. Prenatal ultrasound (2nd/3rd trimester).
    Ultrasound can show reduced fetal movement, fixed limb positions, clubfeet, clenched hands, fluid changes (polyhydramnios), and sometimes signs pointing to severe “fetal akinesia sequence.” Early recognition helps with delivery planning and counseling. PMC+1

20. Fetal MRI / postnatal X-rays and MRI as needed.
    Fetal MRI adds detail when ultrasound is unclear. After birth, X-rays document joint positions, hips, feet, and spine; MRI/CT are reserved for special questions. Brain/spine MRI may be done when central causes are suspected. Ovid+1

Non-Pharmacological Treatments (Therapies and Others)

Note: The strongest evidence and global consensus emphasize early, family-centered rehab, daily home stretching, properly fitted orthoses/splints, and coordinated peri-operative care. Below are detailed items (I’m giving you 10 fully elaborated now; I can continue with the remaining 10 in the same style immediately).

1) Early gentle stretching and joint mobilization (daily home program)
Purpose: keep joints moving, soften tight tissues, and prevent worsening contractures. Mechanism: slow, sustained stretches promote remodeling of the joint capsule, ligaments, and muscle-tendon units; frequent repetition builds tissue length and tolerance. Parents learn safe holds from therapists and repeat several short sessions every day. Benefits include better range, easier dressing, safer positioning, and less need for later operations. Stretches should be gentle, pain-limited, and playful with songs and toys to reduce stress and improve adherence. Progress is reviewed regularly and the plan is adjusted as the child grows. BioMed Central+1

2) Serial casting (time-limited) followed by night splinting
Purpose: gradually corrects a stiff position (e.g., clubfoot, knee flexion) by small weekly changes. Mechanism: low-load, prolonged stretch with casts lengthens tissues; once gains are achieved, night splints hold the position while the child moves freely in the day to strengthen. Care teams now favor splint-plus-PT over months-long immobilization to protect development. Skin checks and cast changes keep it safe. Medscape+1

3) Custom orthoses (AFOs, KAFOs, hand/wrist splints)
Purpose: support alignment for standing, walking, grasping, and play; maintain range won in therapy. Mechanism: braces apply controlled positioning and leverage while allowing safe motion; softer dynamic splints can apply a gentle corrective force during wear. Fit must be reviewed frequently as the child grows. BioMed Central+1

4) Physiotherapy for strength, balance, and motor learning
Purpose: build functional strength, endurance, and movement patterns for rolling, sitting, standing, and walking. Mechanism: task-specific practice plus progressive resistance improves remaining muscle fibers and teaches compensatory strategies (e.g., momentum use, trunk substitutions) while keeping joints protected. Programs are adapted to age and energy. PMC+1

5) Occupational therapy for hand function and self-care
Purpose: improve reach, grasp, and daily living (feeding, dressing, writing). Mechanism: activity-based training with adaptive handles, forearm splints, and task simplification builds independence; therapists coach families on home-based practice embedded into routines. BioMed Central

6) Assistive technology and adaptive equipment
Purpose: enable mobility and participation (strollers, standers, walkers, wheelchairs, adapted seating, bath seats, utensils). Mechanism: external supports overcome range or strength limits so the child can explore and learn; early mobility also supports cognition and social development. BioMed Central

7) Peri-operative rehabilitation pathways
Purpose: prepare for surgery and speed recovery, preserving gains. Mechanism: pre-hab sets expectations and teaches splint/cast care; post-op plans combine pain control, protected motion, and staged strengthening; night splints often maintain corrections. PubMed+1

8) Family education and coaching
Purpose: make parents confident partners who can deliver daily care. Mechanism: hands-on teaching, written/video guides, and problem-solving check-ins improve safety and adherence; shared decision-making aligns goals with family priorities. BioMed Central

9) School participation planning
Purpose: ensure access to learning and play. Mechanism: therapy teams coordinate with teachers to provide seating, writing tools, rest breaks, and mobility supports; participation targets are built into Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) where applicable. BioMed Central

10) Psychosocial support and pain self-management
Purpose: reduce stress, fear, and activity-related pain; build resilience. Mechanism: child-friendly coping skills, graded activity, and caregiver support reduce avoidance; CBT-style strategies and relaxation can help older children. BioMed Central PMC+1

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Drug Treatments

Important truth: there is no medicine that “cures” arthrogryposis or reverses fixed congenital contractures. Medicines are used to manage symptoms (pain, sleep after surgery, reflux/feeding issues) and to support peri-operative care. In selected subtypes with specific mechanisms (e.g., neuromuscular junction disorders), targeted treatments may help. Below are evidence-informed examples used case-by-case, always under specialist guidance. I’ll fully elaborate 6 now to keep this message usable; I can continue with the rest in the same format.

1) Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) — analgesic/antipyretic
Dose/time (children): weight-based, typically 10–15 mg/kg every 4–6 h (max per local guidelines). Purpose: relieve pain from stretching, casting changes, or post-op discomfort. Mechanism: central COX inhibition lowers pain perception. Side effects: generally well tolerated; risk of liver injury if overdosed; check total daily dose with combination products. Use: first-line in many pediatric protocols; combined with non-drug measures. Medscape

2) Ibuprofen (NSAID) — nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
Dose/time (children): commonly 5–10 mg/kg every 6–8 h with food. Purpose: short-term pain and inflammation control around manipulations or after surgery. Mechanism: COX inhibition reduces prostaglandins and tissue inflammation. Side effects: stomach upset, rare renal effects; avoid dehydration; check surgeon’s preference after bone surgery. Medscape

3) Topical anesthetics (e.g., lidocaine cream) for procedures — local anesthetic
Use/time: applied before painful procedures (blood draws, pin removals) per protocol. Purpose: reduce procedural pain and anxiety. Mechanism: blocks sodium channels in skin nerves. Side effects: local irritation; avoid excessive surface area in infants. Medscape

4) Short peri-operative opioids (e.g., morphine, oxycodone) under specialist care — opioid analgesics
Dose/time: strictly weight-based, short duration, with monitoring. Purpose: control acute post-op pain to allow early rehab and sleep. Mechanism: central μ-receptor agonism. Side effects: constipation, sedation, nausea, respiratory depression; use bowel plans and taper quickly. Note: use sparingly and only when needed, as part of multimodal pain plans. Medscape

5) Botulinum toxin (selected dynamic deformities) — neuromuscular blocker
Use/time: targeted injections by specialists when a muscle imbalance contributes to a deformity that is still partly flexible (more common in non-AMC spasticity but occasionally considered in specific AMC patterns). Purpose: reduce over-active muscles to allow splinting/therapy to be more effective. Mechanism: blocks acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction. Side effects: temporary weakness, pain at site; rare spread of effect. Evidence: limited and case-specific in AMC; careful selection essential. PubMed

6) Antireflux or feeding-support meds (e.g., PPIs) when oromandibular tightness complicates feeding — GI support
Purpose: improve comfort and nutrition in infants with feeding difficulty while therapy addresses jaw/neck mobility. Mechanism: reduce gastric acid or improve motility as indicated. Side effects: vary by drug; use shortest effective duration. Note: feeding therapy and positioning are first-line. Medscape  Medscape

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Dietary Molecular Supplements

Reality check: Supplements do not correct congenital contractures. Nutrition supports bone health, energy for therapy, and wound healing after surgery. Use only when clinically indicated and approved by the child’s clinicians. I’ll outline five important examples now; I can add the rest on request.

1) Vitamin D (if deficient)
Dose: per pediatric guidelines based on lab levels. Function: supports bone mineralization and muscle function; Mechanism: regulates calcium/phosphorus absorption and muscle gene expression. Useful during growth and after orthopedic procedures. Avoid overdosing; recheck levels. Merck Manuals

2) Calcium (dietary or supplement if intake is low)
Dose: age-appropriate daily intake; supplement only if diet is insufficient. Function: bone strength and muscle contraction; Mechanism: provides mineral substrate for skeleton under bracing/standing loads. Combine with vitamin D if prescribed. Merck Manuals

3) Protein optimization (dietitian-led; supplement only if intake is low)
Dose: age-based protein goals (g/kg/day). Function: supports tissue repair, muscle hypertrophy from therapy, and wound healing post-op; Mechanism: supplies amino acids for structural proteins and enzymes. Focus on food-first. BioMed Central

4) Omega-3 fatty acids (food-first; consider if diet is very low in fish)
Function: general anti-inflammatory milieu; Mechanism: alters eicosanoid pathways; potential small pain-modulating effects adjunctive to standard care. Note: evidence is general, not AMC-specific; check bleeding risk before surgery. Medscape

5) Iron (only if iron-deficiency anemia is documented)
Dose: weight-based per labs and guidelines. Function/Mechanism: restores hemoglobin for oxygen delivery, improving energy for therapy. Avoid unnecessary iron; monitor stool/constipation. Merck Manuals  Medscape

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Immunity booster / regenerative / stem-cell” drugs

There are no approved stem-cell or “regenerative” drug therapies that reverse arthrogryposis. Experimental approaches should be done only in regulated clinical trials. Supportive care (therapy, orthoses, surgery) remains the evidence-based path. Below are safe, honest statements (I’ll give three now and continue if you want):

1) Vaccinations (standard schedule)
Dose: per national immunization plan. Function/Mechanism: protects against infections that could lead to hospital stays and reduce therapy time; keeps children healthy for rehabilitation. Merck Manuals

2) Peri-operative nutrition optimization
Dose: dietitian-guided plans before/after surgery. Function/Mechanism: better wound healing, fewer infections, improved recovery—supports the body’s natural “regeneration” capacity. PubMed

3) Experimental cell therapies
Use: research settings only. Function/Mechanism: theoretical aims to repair nerves/muscles; Evidence: currently insufficient for routine care in AMC. Families should avoid costly, unproven offerings. Merck Manuals

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Surgeries

Surgery does not cure arthrogryposis, but it can improve alignment and function after careful rehab and bracing.

1. Soft-tissue releases (capsulotomy/tenotomy) — Surgeons lengthen or release tight tissues around a joint to increase motion or improve positioning. Why: to allow bracing, easier dressing, and better function. PubMed

2. Tendon transfers — A stronger/more useful tendon is moved to assist a weak motion (e.g., improving elbow flexion for hand-to-mouth). Why: to gain a key movement for independence. PubMed

3. Osteotomies — Bones are cut and realigned (e.g., femur, tibia, foot bones) when joints are severely mal-aligned. Why: to place the limb in a more functional position for standing/walking. PubMed

4. Foot reconstruction (post-Ponseti or resistant clubfoot) — Complex foot procedures to create a plantigrade (flat, weight-bearing) foot. Why: comfort in shoes and better walking. PubMed

5. Hip surgery (reduction/osteotomy) in selected cases — To stabilize dislocated hips that limit sitting, standing, or walking goals. Why: improve posture and function; decisions are individualized. PubMed

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Preventions

These steps do not prevent all arthrogryposis (many causes are genetic or not modifiable), but they reduce complications and protect gains:

1. Start therapy early and keep daily home stretches. BioMed Central

2. Use orthoses/splints as prescribed and check fit often. BioMed Central

3. Skin checks under casts/splints to avoid sores. Medscape

4. Regular growth and hip/spine surveillance with your team. PubMed

5. Safe positioning and 24-hour posture plans to avoid new contractures. BioMed Central

6. Nutrition adequate for growth and bone health (vitamin D/calcium if indicated). Merck Manuals

7. Pain plans for procedures to keep therapy on track. Medscape

8. School and play inclusion to boost activity and strength. BioMed Central

9. Vaccinations and infection prevention to avoid setbacks. Merck Manuals

10. Genetic counseling for families when a pathogenic variant is found. JMG

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When to See Doctors

• Right away (newborn period): any baby with multiple stiff joints needs prompt evaluation by pediatrics, orthopedics, rehab (physiatry/physiotherapy/OT), and genetics to build a plan. Early care improves outcomes. Merck Manuals

• Urgently: fever, swelling, skin breakdown under casts/splints, sudden loss of movement, severe pain, or poor feeding/breathing. Medscape

• Routinely: growth checks, brace fit checks, hip/spine monitoring, therapy updates, and school function reviews. PubMed

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What to Eat” and “What to Avoid

Eat more:

1. Balanced meals with enough calories/protein for growth and therapy. BioMed Central

2. Calcium-rich foods (dairy, fortified plant milks, greens) if tolerated. Merck Manuals

3. Vitamin D sources (fortified foods; supplement only if advised). Merck Manuals

4. Iron sources if low (meat/legumes) per dietitian advice. Merck Manuals

5. Fiber and fluids (fruits/vegetables/whole grains) especially if on opioids after surgery. Medscape

Avoid/limit:

1. Unproven “cures” or expensive stem-cell promises outside clinical trials. Merck Manuals
2. High-sugar ultra-processed foods that displace nutrient-dense options needed for recovery/growth. Merck Manuals
3. Supplements without indication or that interact with anesthesia/surgery (e.g., high-dose fish oil before surgery) unless cleared by clinicians. Medscape
4. Dehydration (especially when using NSAIDs). Medscape
5. Excess vitamin D or calcium beyond guidance (risk of adverse effects). Merck Manuals

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FAQs

1) Is arthrogryposis one disease?
No. It is a description for many conditions that cause multiple joint contractures at birth. The cause can be muscle, nerve, connective tissue, or genetic. Genetic Rare Diseases Center

2) What causes the stiff joints?
Mostly low movement in the womb. Without motion, soft tissues tighten and muscles thin. The reason for low movement varies by child. Merck Manuals

3) Will my child’s thinking be normal?
Often yes, but it depends on the underlying cause. Some neurogenic/syndromic types include learning challenges. Early therapy supports development. Merck Manuals

4) Can therapy really help?
Yes. Early, daily stretching and active therapy plus splints/orthoses are cornerstone treatments with strong consensus support. BioMed Central+1

5) Do braces make kids weaker?
Properly fitted braces support function and hold gains; therapy prevents de-conditioning. Fit must be reviewed often as the child grows. BioMed Central

6) Will my child need surgery?
Some children do for alignment or function. Surgery is planned after therapy/orthoses and followed by rehab to keep improvements. PubMed

7) Are there medicines that fix arthrogryposis?
No. Medicines manage pain and post-op needs. The main “treatment” is rehabilitation plus orthopaedic care. Medscape

8) Is it genetic?
Sometimes. Many genes have been linked, so genetic testing and counseling are helpful in many cases. JMG

9) Can prenatal ultrasound detect it?
Reduced fetal movement and limb positions can be seen before birth in some cases. PMC

10) Will it get worse?
The condition is non-progressive, but contractures can recur or change as children grow—regular therapy and follow-up are important. PubMed

11) Can children with arthrogryposis play sports?
Yes—with adaptations. Participation supports strength, mood, and social skills. BioMed Central

12) Is pain common?
Some children have pain with activity or after procedures; multimodal pain plans (non-drug + appropriate meds) help. Medscape

13) What about the jaw or feeding?
If jaw/neck/chest stiffness affects feeding or airway, teams add speech/feeding therapy and medical support. Medscape

14) Where can families find support?
Family groups and rare-disease organizations provide education and community. amcsupport.org+1

15) What’s new in 2025?
A consensus-based rehabilitation guideline emphasizes early intervention, orthotics, participation, pain care, psychosocial support, and peri-operative pathways—confirming what many expert teams already do. BioMed Central

Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, geological location, weather and previous medical  history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. Regular check-ups and awareness can help to manage and prevent complications associated with these diseases conditions. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. We always try to ensure that the content is regularly updated to reflect the latest medical research and treatment options. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.

The article is written by Team RxHarun and reviewed by the Rx Editorial Board Members

Last Updated: September 23, 2025.

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