Final answer:
Muscle imbalance is the condition where muscles surrounding a joint are weakened or overactive, limiting joint movement, whereas tendonitis involves tendon inflammation due to overuse, but does not describe muscle weakness or overactivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Muscle Imbalance and Its Effects on Joints
Among the options given, the term that refers to a condition where muscles surrounding a joint are abnormally weakened or overactive, thereby limiting a joint's movement, is muscle imbalance. This condition can lead to increased stress on the joint, altered joint movement patterns, and an increased risk of injury. While arthritis refers to the inflammation of joints leading to pain and restricted movement, tendonitis involves the inflammation of tendons due to overuse or repetitive motions, and bursitis is the inflammation of the bursae (fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints). On the other hand, muscle imbalance specifically describes a difference in the strength or flexibility between opposing muscle groups, which can compromise joint stability and motion.
In cases where repetitive movements or overuse of joints occur, such as in sports or occupational activities, it's not uncommon for individuals to develop tendonitis. Tendonitis can cause pain, tenderness, and impair function around the joint. However, the weakness or imbalance of muscles that control a joint contributes to a different set of mechanical problems, potentially impacting joint health indirectly by creating abnormal joint stresses.