What Is a Burn Contracture?
A burn contracture is the tightening of skin, muscles, tendons, or other tissues that can occur as a burn heals. As scar tissue forms, it may lose flexibility and pull the surrounding tissue together, limiting movement in nearby joints. Burn contractures are more likely to develop after deep burns or burns that take a long time to heal.
Early rehabilitation plays an important role in preventing or minimizing burn contractures.
Why Burn Contractures Matter
Contractures can reduce flexibility, limit range of motion, interfere with daily activities, and affect a person’s ability to walk, dress, eat, or perform other routine tasks.
Who Is at Risk?
- People with deep burns
- Individuals with burns over joints
- People with extensive scar tissue
- Individuals who do not perform recommended stretching exercises
- People with delayed wound healing
Common Symptoms
- Tight, thick scar tissue
- Reduced joint movement
- Difficulty straightening or bending a limb
- Pain or stiffness with movement
- Changes in posture or body position
How Are Burn Contractures Treated?
Treatment may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, stretching exercises, splints, compression garments, scar management techniques, or reconstructive surgery in severe cases.
How Home Care Can Help
Home care professionals encourage prescribed exercises, assist with safe mobility, reinforce rehabilitation plans, monitor skin and scar healing, and help individuals remain as independent as possible during recovery.
Home Care Tip
Perform stretching and range-of-motion exercises exactly as instructed by your rehabilitation team to help reduce the risk of contractures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Burn Contractures
Can burn contractures be prevented?
While not all contractures can be prevented, early wound care, rehabilitation, stretching, and scar management can significantly reduce the risk.
Do all burns cause contractures?
No. Contractures are most common after deep burns, especially those involving joints or requiring prolonged healing.
Can home care professionals help with burn contractures?
Yes. Home care professionals reinforce rehabilitation exercises, assist with mobility, monitor healing, and support recovery according to the prescribed treatment plan.
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
Contact your healthcare provider if you notice increasing stiffness, reduced joint movement, worsening scar tightness, or difficulty performing everyday activities during your recovery.