Common signs of Spasticity after a Brain Stroke

When a stroke causes spasticity, muscle stiffness usually locks one side of the body into awkward, tight positions. In the arm, this shows up as a tight fist, a bent wrist, or an elbow pulled inward against the chest. In the leg, it causes a stiff knee or a foot pointing down and inward, making it hard to walk without tripping. Over time, these locked muscles lead to painful spasms and stiff, aching joints.

Muscle stiffness after a stroke—medically known as spasticity—occurs when damaged brain pathways lose the ability to send normal "relax" signals to your muscles. Instead of contracting and relaxing on command, affected muscles stay in a constant, high-tension state.

Left unmanaged, permanently stiff muscles can lead to contractures—where the muscles and tendons shorten and harden, permanently locking joints into place. Early treatment using physical therapy stretching, splints, oral muscle relaxants, or targeted injections (like Botox) helps keep muscles flexible and restores movement.