Genu Recurvatum

Genu recurvatum is defined by excessive knee hyperextension in which the joint is pushed backward into an end-range extension position. A muscle held in a tonically active end-range state is poorly positioned to generate useful dynamic force, which explains why genu recurvatum can look like poor quadriceps function without being simple weakness. In genu recurvatum, the quadriceps are proposed to be overactive as tonic postural stabilizers rather than simply weak or inactive. Plantarflexion from the gastrocnemius and soleus contributes to knee hyperextension by shortening the distal muscle complex and allowing greater length proximally. Hamstring emphasis is used in treatment partly because hamstring activity may reciprocally inhibit the quadriceps and reduce excessive calf contribution, though this is presented as a theoretical model rather than a proven mechanism. Chronic end-range knee hyperextension may produce capsular and tissue adaptations that make the pattern more persistent. Teaching individuals to squat with knees moving forward improves gastrocnemius excursion and helps shift them away from the hyperextended knee position. Maintaining heel contact when rising from the b…