The straight leg raise is a thigh-strengthening exercise for knee pain. Lying face up with one knee bent, you lock the thigh of the straight leg and raise it until it is level with the bent knee. You hold for two seconds, lower slowly, and repeat ten times.
This is one of the home exercises in our physician-directed physiotherapy program. Only do it if it is marked on the home exercise sheet your physician gave you. Unless your sheet says otherwise, do your checked exercises twice a day, every day.
How do you do the straight leg raise?
- Get set: Lie on your back. Bend the knee you are not exercising and keep that foot flat.
- Move: Lock the thigh of the straight leg tight, then lift that leg until it is level with your other knee. Lower it slowly.
- Repeat: Hold two seconds at the top. Repeat ten times.
Why does the straight leg raise help knee pain?
It builds the front thigh muscle while the painful knee stays straight. Because the joint does not bend, it is a safe way to start building strength while the knee is still sore.
How does it fit with your pain procedures?
After a knee injection, a genicular nerve block or genicular radiofrequency ablation, your physician tells you when to restart. Less pain makes it possible to rebuild the thigh muscle that protects the joint.
What mistakes should you avoid?
- Letting the knee bend as the leg comes up.
- Lifting too high or too fast.
- Arching your lower back off the floor.
When should you stop and call us?
Feeling a light stretch, some effort, or mild soreness the next morning is expected. Stop the exercise and call (314) 481-5000 if you notice:
- Pain that is sharp or stabbing
- Pain that climbs two or more points above your usual level and stays up for over an hour
- Numbness, tingling or weakness that is new
- Dizziness or any change in your eyesight
Chest pain, trouble breathing or fainting is an emergency: call 911.
Why keep an exercise log?
Mark one check each time you finish your exercises, and write down one pain number a day. Bring the log to each visit. Your technician tallies the days and has you show one exercise, so any form problem gets caught early.
What to remember
- Tighten the thigh before you lift.
- Only as high as the other knee.
- Slow on the way down.
Show us you have it: Show your technician one straight leg raise and how slowly you lower it. If any part is unclear, ask, and we will walk through it again at your next visit.
Other knee exercises in the program
Related reading: knee pain we treat, thigh muscle and knee arthritis, where knee arthritis pain comes from.