Fear of the Immobility of a Joint

I will be honest in saying that when I put this article together I had a vested interest in its outcome. You see, I was born with two joints that are immobile. The top joint in each ring finger is fixed at about a 15 degree angle. I had to develop my own way of typing early on in order to compensate for two fingers that just do not work properly. I guess I have no personal fear of joint immobility because I never had the opportunity to experience life with these joints working. However, for those who struggle with this fear they may be diagnosed with Ankylophobia.

I do have a slightly different issue with the right index finger. In this case I have limited mobility from what appears to be too much time writing on my computer and using the mouse. I’ve made readjustments, but I felt compelled to let you know I can empathize with your concern.

What Causes Ankylophobia

Before advanced care in physical therapy most patients who had surgery following a broken bone were left to their own creativity in getting their body back into shape. In many cases limps and limited mobility were the common outcome of that approach. Today’s physical therapy provides an incredible array of tools a patient can use to return to normal or nearly normal levels of mobility.

That being said it is possible for an individual to feel as if any injury will ‘ruin’ them for life. They believe that such an injury will cause them to appear to others as deformed and less than whole. This may be their point of view based on observing how a family member or friend was treated early in life when they received an injury, but never experienced the restorative care needed to allow them to return to normal mobility.

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Symptoms of Ankylophobia

A person with this fear may be less likely to engage in physical activity or anything they might feel is dangerous. The reason this is true is that if they are concerned about mobility issues they will want to refrain from even the potential of physical harm that may increase the chances of immobility.

Other symptoms may also include…

• Air hunger
• Elevated heart rates
• Panic attacks
• Trembling
• Crying
• Screaming
• Nausea

Many professional athletes must wage a daily war in an effort to remain nimble after multiple injuries playing their sport. This is often why you never find a Ankylophobe playing sports.

How to Overcome Ankylophobia

When an Ankylophobe understands that there is help for those with injuries that result in limited mobility they may be encouraged to participate more fully in life, but rarely before the original fears are dealt with.

A qualified therapist can help identify past fears that may contribute to your present phobic response. This in tandem with knowledge can create an atmosphere that can lead to improved fear management.

The fear of the immobility of a joint is also referred to as:

• Joint immobility fear
• Ankylophobia