Elbow hyperextension is a painful injury that can result from a fall or direct blow. It is common among athletes and can cause swelling and stiffness. Minor injuries can be treated at home, while severe cases may require medical attention, including surgery and physical therapy.
Elbow hyperextension is an injury that usually results from a fall or a direct blow to the elbow that causes the arm to bend backwards, beyond its normal range of motion. Hyperextension is usually very painful and the joint tends to swell and stiffen shortly after the accident. Most cases can be treated at home and do not cause permanent tissue damage to the elbow. However, severe pain and swelling should be evaluated by a doctor to check for serious damage to ligaments, tendons, or bones.
Hyperextension injuries are more common among athletes who play fast-paced contact sports, such as football, soccer, and hockey. When the arm is forced back, the ligaments and tendons that connect bones, cartilage, and muscles can be strained or torn. Elbow hyperextension is immediately apparent in most cases, although a more minor injury may not cause debilitating pain right away. Over the course of several hours, an injured elbow tends to swell, stiffen and become red. Some people experience numbness due to pressure on nearby nerves and blood vessels.
A person who believes they have suffered a minor elbow hyperextension injury can reduce pain and swelling by resting the joint, applying an ice pack, and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. It’s important to avoid strenuous physical activity for several days after an elbow hyperextension injury to give the joint time to heal. Once the elbow begins to feel better in a week or two, an individual can engage in light stretching and grip exercises to rebuild strength and flexibility. Many people invest in braces or wraps to provide extra support during the recovery phase.
Severe elbow hyperextension usually requires a trip to the emergency room. Upon admission to the hospital, a doctor may conduct a physical exam, ask about symptoms, and take x-rays of the joint. Diagnostic tests may reveal torn cartilage, ligaments, or tendons. Injuries from direct blows can also lead to bone fractures. Depending on the nature and severity of the injury, a doctor may decide to inject anti-inflammatory drugs into the joint, place the arm in a sling or cast, or consider surgery.
Surgical procedures to repair ligaments or tendons may involve suturing existing tissue together or grafting tissue from another part of the body into the elbow joint. After surgery, an individual usually needs to participate in physical therapy for several months to regain full use of the elbow. Doctors emphasize the importance of full stretching and wearing protective equipment during sports to help prevent future elbow injuries.
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