Stroke Leg Recovery

Damage to the brain or spinal cord can make controlling leg movement difficult.  Movement problems happen when there is not good communication between the brain and the leg muscles.  This lack of communication can cause the leg muscle to become either overactive (high tone) or underactive (low tone or flaccid).  

Overactive or High Tone Leg Muscles

When muscles are overactive, the leg may move involuntarily. In most cases, we call this spasticity.  The most common muscles to demonstrate spasticity are the muscles that point the foot down and turn the foot inward.  In the knee, the most common muscle to exhibit spasticity is the muscles that extend the knee.  Quick movements can make these muscles even more overactive. 

Underactive or Low Tone Leg Muscles

A stroke can cause a variety of leg problems that can make walking and standing difficult. The majority of walking problems are a direct result of spasticity, where the muscles in the leg become over active. Less common, are walking problems due to a flaccid leg which is when the muscles don’t “turn on”.   It is super valuable to know what “type” of leg problem you are experiencing. In order to help you with this, here are some of the most common stroke leg problems.