A stroke can damage the brain's "brakes" that normally tell your muscles to relax. Without these calming signals, your muscles stay continuously tight and clenched on the side affected by the stroke. This muscle stiffness causes noticeable posture changes. In the arm, it often leads to a tight fist, bent wrist, or an elbow pulled close to the chest. In the leg, it can cause a stiff knee or a foot turned downward, making walking difficult. Over time, this constant tightness ca