Arthrofibrosis: What It Is, How It Happens, and What You Can Do

When your arthrofibrosis, a condition where excessive scar tissue forms inside a joint, usually after surgery or trauma. Also known as stiff knee syndrome, it doesn’t just hurt—it stops you from moving. You might have had a knee replacement, ACL repair, or even a simple arthroscopy, and now you can’t fully bend or straighten your leg. That’s not normal healing. That’s arthrofibrosis.

This isn’t just about scar tissue. It’s about your body overreacting. After surgery, inflammation is normal. But in some people, the healing process goes haywire. Fibroblasts—cells that make connective tissue—don’t shut off. They keep building collagen like a construction crew that never got the memo to stop. The result? A joint that’s stuck. You can’t squat. You can’t sit cross-legged. You can’t walk without limping. And no, stretching harder won’t fix it. In fact, forcing it can make things worse.

Arthrofibrosis often shows up after knee surgery, a common procedure where joint replacement or ligament repair is performed. But it’s not limited to knees. Shoulders, hips, and even elbows can get it too. What makes it worse? Delayed physical therapy, infections, or going back to activity too fast. It’s not about being lazy—it’s about timing. Your body needs the right balance of rest and movement to heal without locking up.

Doctors often miss it early because it looks like "normal" stiffness. But if you’re still stiff after 6 to 8 weeks, it’s not normal. Blood tests won’t show it. X-rays won’t reveal it. You need a physical exam and sometimes an MRI to see the thickened tissue inside the joint. Treatment starts with physical therapy, a structured program to restore joint motion through controlled movement and manual techniques. But if that fails, you might need a manipulation under anesthesia—or even surgery to cut out the scar tissue. The key? Catch it fast. The longer you wait, the harder it is to reverse.

You’re not alone. Many people who’ve had orthopedic surgery face this silently, thinking they just need to "push through." But pushing through pain in a stiff joint can tear tissues, not fix them. The real work is in patience, precision, and the right guidance. The posts below cover what actually helps—what doesn’t, how to spot it early, and how to avoid the mistakes that turn a simple recovery into a long, painful struggle.