Knee Extension After Surgery

Recovering from knee surgery requires dedication and consistency to restore full function. One of the most critical aspects of recovery is regaining full knee extension, or the ability to completely straighten your leg. Failure to achieve this range of motion can lead to long-term complications, including stiffness, muscle weakness, and impaired mobility.

Why Full Knee Extension Matters

1. Restores Proper Walking Mechanics – A fully extended knee is essential for normal gait patterns. If the knee remains slightly bent, it can cause limping and place additional strain on the hip and lower back.

2. Prevents Stiffness & Scar Tissue Formation – Lack of full extension increases the risk of arthrofibrosis, a condition where excessive scar tissue forms and restricts movement.

3. Optimizes Muscle Function – The quadriceps muscle functions best when the knee can fully straighten, improving strength and stability.

4. Reduces Joint Pain & Prevents Future Problems – A knee that does not fully extend places excessive stress on the joint, potentially leading to pain and arthritis over time.

Exercises to Regain Knee Extension

Incorporating the following exercises into your rehabilitation routine can help you regain full extension effectively:

1. Heel Prop Stretch

• Sit with your leg extended on a flat surface.

• Place a rolled towel under your ankle, allowing the knee to relax into full extension.

• Hold for 5-10 minutes, allowing gravity to gently straighten the knee.

2. Prone Hang Exercise

• Lie on your stomach on a bed or table with your legs hanging off the edge.

• Let the surgical leg relax and hang freely to encourage extension.

• Hold for 2-5 minutes, increasing time as tolerated.

3. Quad Sets

• Sit with your leg extended straight in front of you.

• Tighten the quadriceps muscle by pressing the back of your knee down into the floor.

• Hold for 5 seconds, then relax.

• Repeat 10-15 times.

4. Passive Knee Extension with Assistance

• Sit in a chair and place your heel on another chair in front of you.

• Apply gentle downward pressure on your thigh to encourage full extension.

• Hold for 30 seconds and repeat several times.