Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsJoint TypesWhat Is a Hinge Joint?FunctionAssociated ConditionsRehabilitation
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Joint Types
What Is a Hinge Joint?
Function
Associated Conditions
Rehabilitation
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Synovial joints are further classified into different types depending on differences in joint structure and the number of planes they allow movement in. These include hinge, ball and socket, planar, pivot, saddle, and ellipsoid joints.
A hinge joint is a synovial joint that allows movement in one plane of motion similar to how a door hinge moves forward and backward. The end of one bone within the joint is typically convex, or pointed outward, vs. concave, or rounded inward, to allow the ends to fit together smoothly.
Because hinge joints only move through one plane of movement, they are generally more stable than other types of synovial joints.
Examples of hinge joints include:
What is an example of a complex joint?The knee is an example of a complex joint. Complex joints are made from various articulation surfaces that work together.
What is an example of a complex joint?
The knee is an example of a complex joint. Complex joints are made from various articulation surfaces that work together.
Osteoarthritisand inflammatory forms of arthritis can affect any joint.Autoimmune inflammatory forms of arthritis, includingrheumatoid arthritisandpsoriatic arthritis, that cause the body to attack its own joints also commonly affect the knees and fingers, resulting in swelling, stiffness, and pain.
Gout, while not an autoimmune condition, is also an inflammatory form of arthritis that develops from elevated levels of uric acid in the blood and most commonly affects the hinge joint of the big toe.
Other conditions that affect hinge joints include injuries to the cartilage within the joints or ligaments that stabilize the outside of the joints. Ligament sprains or tears can result from jamming the fingers or toes, rolling the ankles, and twisting injuries or direct impact to the knee.
These types of injuries to the knee may also cause injury to themeniscus, a C-shaped portion of tougher cartilage within the knee joint that helps cushion and absorb shock.
Conditions that affect hinge joints often cause inflammation and swelling, resulting in pain and limited joint movement.
After injuries or during flare-ups of inflammatory conditions, limiting active movement and resting the affected hinge joint is beneficial at first to reduce increased stress and pain to the joint. Applying ice and using pain-relieving medications likenonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)can also help reduce pain.
Once your pain and swelling start to subside, physical therapy or occupational therapy can be used to help rehabilitate your affected hinge joints. Your physical or occupational therapist will provide you with stretches and exercises to help improve the range of motion of your joints and the strength of surrounding muscles to support your joints.
If you experience hinge joint pain from an autoimmune condition like rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis,biologic medicationsto decrease your body’s autoimmune activity are often administered through infusions delivered every several weeks or months.Cortisone injections may also be used to decrease inflammation within your painful joints.
Summary
Hinge joints are a type of synovial joint that moves throughout one plane of motion into flexion and extension. Hinge joints are found in the knees, elbows, ankles, fingers, and toes, and control movement essential for all daily functions.
Injuries, osteoarthritis, and autoimmune conditions can all affect hinge joints while rest, medication, ice, and physical therapy can help reduce pain and improve your strength and range of motion.
5 Sources
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Gupton M, Munjal A, Terreberry RR.Anatomy, Hinge Joints. [Updated 2023 Jul 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK518967/
Juneja P, Munjal A, Hubbard JB.Anatomy, Joints.[Updated 2024 Apr 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507893/
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