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5 Problems with incomplete knee extension after injury or surgery:
1. Swelling around the knee - incomplete knee extension means asymmetric gait, which in turn means asymmetric mobilization of lymph in the involved limb resulting in increased swelling over the day.
5 Problems with incomplete knee extension after injury or surgery:
1. Swelling around the knee - incomplete knee extension means asymmetric gait, which in turn means asymmetric mobilization of lymph in the involved limb resulting in increased swelling over the day.
2. Ipsilateral (same side) calf pain - incomplete knee extension changes the "working length" of the affected limb. To keep the pelvis level during ambulation, adaptations are made to increase the working length. 
3. Another adaptation to this apparent shortening, is to drop the ipsilateral hip. This can cause hip pain on the ipsilateral side as abductors work to stabilize pelvis below level.....
or on the contralateral side as the abductors on that side are lengthened to allow the opposite side of pelvis to drop.
4. Low back pain - incomplete knee ext causes additional mvmt at the lumbosacral junction as another adaptation to the LLD. This increased mvmt of the pelvis causes additional stress on the lumbar spinal stabilizers and can cause low back or gluteal discomfort.
5. Additonal knee pain - incomplete knee ext creates mid-gait “instability” (bent knee less stable than straight knee). Dynamic stabilizers work extra hard to stabilize bent knee, leading to tendon-related pain around the knee as muscles work to stabilize the unstable platform.
Dr. Son Shelbourne has studied the importance of full knee extension in over 35,000 patients. Full knee extension (extension that is symmetrical to the unaffected side) is of paramount importance following knee injury or surgery. Neglect it at your peril.
For tips on how to assess knee extension or how to obtain knee extension check this: or this:
