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What is hyperextension of the elbow?
Hyperextension injury of the elbow happens when the elbow is bent back too far the wrong way. This can cause pain and damage to ligaments in the elbow and cause dislocation (the bone slides or pops out of place). A ligament is a tough band that connects bones to bones where they come together (a joint).
What causes hyperextension of the elbow?
Hyperextension of the elbow usually happens because the elbow was suddenly forced back during an activity like gymnastics, football, or martial arts. It can also occur when someone falls with their arms stretched out in front.
Can a hyperextended elbow heal itself?
In most cases, it should heal within a month. You may need physical therapy to help regain your full strength and range of motion. If your elbow doesn’t heal properly or you injure it repeatedly, you might develop chronic elbow instability. Over time, this can raise your risk of arthritis.
How do you heal a hyperextended elbow?
Treatment
- Rest. Stop any stressful activity and immobilize the arm to avoid further damage.
- Ice. Apply ice on the injured arm to reduce pain and swelling.
- Compression. Apply moderate pressure on the injured area using wraps to reduce swelling.
- Elevation. Raise the injured arm above your heart level.
How do you know if you hyperextended your arm?
What are the symptoms of elbow hyperextension?
- dull to sharp pain when you move your elbow.
- pain when you touch your elbow.
- swelling around your injured elbow.
- stiffness in your elbow and arm.
- loss of elbow and arm strength.
- muscle spasms in your biceps when you try to straighten your arm.
How do you tell if you have a hyperextended elbow?
What causes a hyperextended elbow?
Pain and a popping sound at the moment of injury
How to identify and treat a hyperextended elbow?
Rest. Rest allows the elbow joint time to heal.
What to do about a hyperextended elbow?
– Compression and elevation. Wrapping the elbow in an elastic bandage helps prevent the joint from moving, while reducing swelling. – Rest and restrict movement. It is important to give your elbow the chance to heal. – Physical therapy and exercise.
What is a hyperextended elbow?
A hyperextended elbow occurs when your elbow joint bends backward more than it should. This condition mostly happens in individuals involved in weight-bearing activities or contact sports. This type of injury may occur in anyone during strenuous physical activity.