Genu Recurvatum: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments
Genu recurvatum, also known as knee recurvatum or hyperextension of the knee, occurs when the knee extends beyond its normal range. When standing, the joint bends too far backward, which can alter leg alignment, cause instability and lead to knee pain.
What Is Genu Recurvatum?
Genu recurvatum is a deformity of the knee joint that allows the leg to extend beyond its normal range. The knee forms an angle that opens toward the front, while the lower leg appears to bend backward.
Knee hyperextension may be mild, moderate or more pronounced. In some children, familial genu recurvatum is associated with ligamentous laxity. It is often noticeable when the child begins walking and may naturally become less pronounced with growth.
In adults, a hyperextended knee may become more problematic when it causes pain, a feeling of instability, muscle fatigue or excessive stress on the joint. Over time, changes in how forces are distributed across the knee may also contribute to stiffness or knee osteoarthritis.
Causes of Genu Recurvatum
Genu recurvatum can have several causes. In some cases, it is related to ligamentous laxity present since childhood. This excessive flexibility allows the joint to open too far during extension, creating a backward curvature of the leg.
Genu recurvatum may also be congenital. In this case, it may be associated with a malformation or dislocation of the knee joint. This situation is less common and requires appropriate medical care.
An acquired form may also develop following trauma, an improperly healed fracture, a ligament injury or muscle atrophy. When the muscles surrounding the knee, particularly the quadriceps, no longer provide sufficient support to the joint, the hyperextension may become more noticeable while walking.
Certain knee conditions may also affect joint balance, including knee osteoarthritis, ligament instability, lower-limb alignment disorders or a condition that alters knee mobility.
What Are the Symptoms of Genu Recurvatum?
The symptoms of genu recurvatum vary depending on age, the cause of the condition and the severity of the hyperextension. In children, the deformity is often minimally painful and may lessen over time. In adults, it may become more troublesome if it causes excessive stress or instability.
The most common signs include:
- a knee that bends too far backward when standing;
- a feeling of knee instability;
- knee pain while walking or participating in activities;
- joint stiffness or discomfort during movement;
- muscle fatigue around the knee;
- a feeling of reduced control during knee extension;
- difficulty maintaining proper lower-limb alignment.
When genu recurvatum persists, the joint may be exposed to repeated stress. Pressure points shift, which may contribute to pain, cartilage wear or discomfort during knee flexion and extension.
How Is Genu Recurvatum Treated?
Treatment for genu recurvatum depends on its cause, severity, associated pain and impact on walking. A physician or healthcare professional may perform a physical examination and joint assessment and, if necessary, request a lateral knee X-ray to confirm the diagnosis.
Using Foot Orthotics
In some cases of mild genu recurvatum, a foot orthotic with a heel lift may help correct lower-limb alignment. It can help limit excessive knee extension and distribute pressure more evenly while walking.
Wearing a Knee Brace
For genu recurvatum, a knee brace may help provide better control of the joint’s range of motion. It limits hyperextension while supporting the knee during flexion and extension.
Improving Mobility and Strength
Rehabilitation and exercise may also form part of the treatment plan for genu recurvatum. Muscle-strengthening exercises, particularly for the quadriceps and the muscles surrounding the knee, may help improve joint support.
Mobility exercises should be introduced gradually and adapted to your condition. The goal is to improve control of knee extension, reduce compensatory movements and relieve pain when hyperextension places excessive stress on the joint.
When Should You Seek Care for Genu Recurvatum?
It is recommended that you consult a healthcare professional if the knee appears to bend backward, if pain persists, if instability increases or if walking becomes less comfortable. A consultation is also important following trauma, a fracture or a ligament injury, or when the deformity appears to be worsening.
Médicus, Your Trusted Partner for Genu Recurvatum
Genu recurvatum can affect posture, walking, stability and everyday activities. At one of our locations, our orthotists will help you better understand your needs and recommend an orthopaedic solution suited to your condition.
