Hyperextension Knee Injuries: Causes and Symptoms

What is Hyperextension Knee Injury?

Hyperextension knee injuries can really hurt, making it hard to do daily tasks, sports and etc. Knowing what causes them and spotting the signs early is important for getting help quickly and getting better. In this blog, we talk about why hyperextension knee injuries happen and what signs to look for.

Causes of Hyperextension Knee Injury

1. Traumatic Events: Sudden impacts or falls can force the knee joint beyond its normal range of motion, leading to hyperextension.
2. Athletic Activities: Sports that involve sudden stops, pivots, or jumps, such as basketball or gymnastics, can increase the risk of hyperextension injuries.
3. Muscle Imbalance: Weakness or tightness in certain muscle groups, particularly the quadriceps and hamstrings, can predispose individuals to hyperextension.
4. Poor Technique: Improper landing mechanics or executing movements with improper form can strain the knee joint and contribute to hyperextension injuries.

Symptoms of Hyperextension Knee Injury

1. Pain: Individuals may experience pain at the front or back of the knee joint, particularly during movements that extend the knee.
2. Swelling: Swelling around the knee joint, accompanied by warmth and tenderness, may indicate tissue inflammation due to hyperextension.
3. Instability: A feeling of instability or “giving way” in the knee joint, especially during weight-bearing activities, can signal ligamentous damage from hyperextension.
4. Limited Range of Motion: Hyperextension injuries may restrict the ability to fully bend or straighten the knee, leading to decreased range of motion.
5. Popping Sensation: Some individuals may hear or feel a popping sensation at the time of injury, indicative of ligament or tendon damage.

How does a knee getting hyperextended affect my body?

After hyperextending your knee, besides pain and swelling, you might find it difficult to use your knee normally. This can happen if you’ve injured other parts like tendons, ligaments, or the meniscus. Your knee might feel weak or unstable and it might be hard to put weight on it.

It’s important not to ignore the pain or try to keep moving if your knee hurts. Ignoring symptoms could make a minor injury worse and cause more damage inside your knee. If you’re in pain or struggling to move your knee, it’s best to see your healthcare provider.

Treatment

*Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (RICE) for pain and swelling
*Over-the-counter pain relievers
*Physical therapy for muscle strengthening and flexibility
*Surgery for severe cases or torn ligaments
*Durable Knee braces (post surgery and during recovery)
*Consult healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment options

What is the recovery time for a hyperextended knee?

It depends on how bad it is and your own body. Small injuries might take a few weeks to a few months, while serious ones might need more time. It’s important to listen to your doctor and do the exercises they recommend to help you heal and avoid hurting your knee again.

Prevention

They say that prevention is better than cure, we’ll give you some helpful insights to prevent getting your knee hyperextended.

During sports or physical activities:

*Use appropriate protective gear.
*Stop if your knee hurts and rest.
*Allow time for your body to recover after intense activity.
*Warm up before exercising.
*Cool down and stretch after activity.

General safety tips:

*Keep your home and workspace clear of clutter.
*Use proper equipment for reaching items.
*If needed, use assistive devices like canes or walkers for mobility.

Conclusion:

If you need a sturdy knee brace to support your knee injuries, Daphco Medical Equipment has what you need. Browse our selection for braces that ease pain, offer support, and aid healing. Visit our store or complete our contact form for Medicare insurance details!