Edema can impact joint and soft tissue function by which mechanism?

• A. Distorts positioning which can lead to long-term ligament/tendon shortening
• B. Increases bone density
• C. Improves tendon elasticity
• D. Accelerates muscle growth

Answer: (A)

Edema alters how joints and soft tissues move by changing the local environment around them. Swelling pushes tissues out of their normal alignment and increases interstitial pressure, which disrupts the sliding and gliding of tendons and the relative positioning of ligaments around a joint. When movement is limited or painful during swelling, periarticular tissues adapt to the altered mechanics by shortening and becoming fibrotic over time. This adaptive shortening of ligaments and tendons can lead to persistent changes in joint position and reduced range of motion.

The other options don’t fit because edema does not increase bone density, does not improve tendon elasticity, and does not promote muscle growth. In fact, swelling tends to impair function and mobility rather than enhance it.