Overview

A hyperextended knee is when your knee bends too far backwards, more than it's meant to. This is common in sports and can range from a slight injury that improves with home care to a serious one needing a doctor's help or surgery. It's important to recognise the signs such as pain, swelling, and inability to move your knee properly. Understanding what causes it and how to treat it is key. Knowing what to do if this happens can help get your knee back to normal!

Hyperextended Knee

Symptoms Of A Hyperextended Knee

The symptoms of a hyperextended knee can include:

Pain in the knee.
Swelling around the joint.
Difficulty in moving the knee normally.
A feeling of instability or weakness in the knee.
Bruising or discolouration around the knee area.

If you experience a popping sensation during the injury, it might indicate a torn ligament, which can be extremely painful and may render the knee unusable.

Causes Of Hyperextended Knees

Hyperextended knees often occur during sports or physical activities. They can result from traumas such as falls or direct impacts that force the knee backwards. Common scenarios include a football player being tackled or a basketball player landing awkwardly after a jump.

Diagnosis Of A Hyperextended Knee

Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam and imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or a CT scan. These examinations assist medical professionals in evaluating the degree of harm and identifying any more severe injuries, such as torn ligaments.

Treatment For Hyperextended Knees

Treatment varies depending on the injury's severity. Mild cases usually respond well to home treatment, following the RICE method:

Rest: Avoid activities that strain the knee.
Ice: Apply ice to reduce swelling.
Compression: Use an elastic bandage for support.
Elevation: Keep the knee raised above heart level.
Medications: Non-prescription pain relievers such as NSAIDs are effective for managing pain and reducing swelling. However, it's necessary to speak with a healthcare professional before using NSAIDs for a prolonged duration. They may also recommend exercises to strengthen and increase flexibility in the muscles around your knee.

Hyperextended Knee Surgery is rare for a hyperextended knee unless there is damage to soft tissues such as the ACL or PCL. Most surgeries are outpatient procedures using a minimally invasive technique known as knee arthroscopy.

Recovery from A Hyperextended Knee

Recovery time varies depending on the injury's severity. Without surgery, recovery might take a few weeks to a month. If surgery is required for more severe injuries, it could take a few months to resume normal activities. Always discuss a specific recovery timeline with your healthcare provider or surgeon.

Preventing A Hyperextended Knee

To prevent hyperextended knees, especially during sports or physical activities:

Wear appropriate protective gear.
Avoid playing through knee pain.
Allow adequate rest and recovery after intense activities.
Always warm up before and cool down after exercise.
Stretch properly before and after physical activity.

General safety tips include:

Keeping home and workspaces clutter-free to prevent falls.
Using proper tools to reach high places instead of standing on unstable surfaces.
Use assistive tools such as canes or walkers if you have walking difficulties or fall risks.

Conclusion

Understanding the risks, signs, and ways to treat a hyperextended knee helps people be proactive in preventing it and know what to do if it happens. If you're aware of these things, you can take steps to stop the injury from happening in the first place, such as wearing the right gear for sports or doing warm-up exercises. And if you do hurt your knee, knowing what to look out for means you can get help quickly. It's really important not to ignore a hyperextended knee. Getting help early on can stop a small problem from turning into a big one. This knowledge is especially useful for athletes or anyone who is active, as it helps them stay safe and keep doing what they love without long breaks for injuries. Remember, taking care of your knees is taking care of your ability to move and enjoy life.

Reference:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22481-hyperextended-knee