Hyperextended elbow pain arises when the elbow joint is forced beyond its normal range of motion, often bending backwards too far. This type of injury can result from various incidents, including falls, sports-related activities, or car accidents.
The pain associated with a hyperextended elbow typically stems from damage to the ligaments and tendons that support the joint. Such injuries can lead to discomfort, swelling, and a decreased ability to move the elbow, impacting daily activities and athletic performance.
Causes of Hyperextended elbow
Hyperextended elbow is a condition that occurs when the elbow joint is bent back too far. This can happen from a fall, a sports injury, or a car accident. Certain medical conditions like arthritis or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can also cause hyperextended elbow.
Here are some of the most common causes of hyperextended elbow:
- Falls: Hyperextended elbow is a common injury in people who fall on their outstretched hands. This can happen while walking, running, or playing sports.
- Sports injuries: Hyperextended elbow can also occur during sports that involve contact with other players or the ground, such as football, rugby, and basketball.
- Car accidents: Hyperextended elbow can also occur in car accidents, especially if the driver or passenger is thrown forward.
- Medical conditions: Certain conditions, such as arthritis and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, can weaken the ligaments and tendons in the elbow joint, making it more likely to hyperextend.
Symptoms of Hyperextended Elbow
The symptoms of hyperextended elbow pain can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Some people may have mild symptoms, while others may have severe symptoms that interfere with their daily activities.
Common symptoms of hyperextended elbow pain include:
- Pain in the front of the elbow joint, especially when straightening the arm
- Swelling in the elbow joint
- Stiffness in the elbow joint
- Loss of strength in the elbow joint
- Difficulty moving the elbow joint
- Muscle spasms in the biceps muscle
Best Ways to Treat Hyperextended Elbow Pain
Treatment for elbow hyperextension can be started at home using efficient and cost-effective options such as rest and Ice. However, in some cases, when the injury is serious enough, patients require medical attention. We will discuss the options available for at-home care, medical treatment, and surgical procedures. Learn more about each and how it can improve your health faster.
Home Care
Treating a hyperextension injury begins by taking care of it at home. There are many treatment options you can treat quickly and cheaply. Check them out below.
RICE Method
It helps in healing by allowing your body to rest and ease the pain. We will walk you through each step of RICE in complete detail.
Rest
Relieving your elbow after an injury to the elbow prevents the injury from worsening and gives your body time to heal from the injury. In the initial few days following your injury, try not to bend your elbow as often as possible.
Cold therapy
Cold therapy helps reduce pain and inflammation. Cold therapy packs can constrict blood vessels, decreasing blood supply to the region and reducing swelling. It also blocks the pain signal and provides relief from pain. Utilize a cold therapy pack or submerge your wrist in cool water. Keep the cold pack for 20 minutes before you take a break.
SACKSY THYME Cold Therapy pack for Hyperextended Elbow Pain:
The Sacksy Thyme Cold Therapy pack is a remarkable solution for individuals experiencing hyperextended elbow pain. This innovative product provides targeted relief and comfort, making it an ideal choice for those seeking effective pain management.
Compression and Support
Like how elastic bandages work, an elbow brace or sleeve can aid in reducing the swelling of the elbow. Decrease the chance of swelling. An elbow brace limits movement, while an elbow sleeve gives a more uniform compression.
Elevation
The elevation of your elbow hyperextension injury reduces swelling by limiting blood flow. It also prevents fluids from building up within the joint. If you're less swollen and have less pain, you'll experience less discomfort. Lay down on your back with your elbow, resting with a pillow or two pillows.
Stretches and Exercises
When swelling and pain have gone away, stretching and exercising are excellent methods to strengthen your elbow. Stretching will help to restore your normal range of motion, and exercises will build up the muscles around it. In addition, a physical therapy appointment might be helpful for some individuals to get back on the right path to rehabilitation.
Pain Relief Medication
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen help to decrease the amount of pain and inflammation; they are usually inexpensive and readily available, which makes them an excellent choice for treatment at home. Combine pain relief medications with other treatments, such as RICE and physical therapy, to treat the hyperextension of the elbow.
"Make sure to consult your doctor before using any new medication."
Taping
Taping is an at-home treatment that can help prevent hyperextension when working out. The tape is wrapped around the elbow and helps support the strained ligaments during exercise.
Medical Treatment
Sometimes, home remedies aren't enough to heal the elbow injury. The advice and treatment provided by doctors and physical therapists will help you decide on the precise treatment needed to treat your elbow.
Physical Therapy
A physical therapist is trained professionally to treat a variety of injuries, including elbow hyperextension. They'll assess the injury and help you with exercises and stretching. In addition, the physical therapist will give you plenty of information about how to avoid injuries and manage your hyperextension at home. Finally, when your appointment is complete, He will advise you when to make another appointment.
Surgery
This procedure for a hyperextended elbow is not usually required and is usually only performed when there's an injury to ligaments, nerves, bones, or soft tissue. The doctor will remove the damaged tissue during the operation and restore the elbow's stability.
Surgery can be done arthroscopically or in open surgery. Arthroscopic surgery is less dangerous, offers a faster healing time, and lowers the risk of complications. A more significant incision area is required for Open surgery. However, it may give the surgeon a clearer perspective of the area of injury. The two options don't require an overnight hospital stay and can be efficient.
Prevention
Achieving a less-extended elbow is the most effective treatment option. However, preventing it is best accomplished by being healthy and practicing the correct body mechanics while exercising and playing sports. Find more tips below.
- Warm up before participating in sports or activities that put your elbows at risk. Warming up helps to prepare your muscles and ligaments for activity, making them less likely to be injured.
- Wear protective gear, such as elbow pads, when participating in sports or activities that put your elbows at risk. Elbow pads can help to absorb impact and protect your elbow joints from injury.
- Be careful when using tools or equipment that could hit your elbows. Wear safety glasses and gloves when using tools such as hammers or saws. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid working where objects could hit your elbows.
- Avoid overuse. If you experience pain in your elbow, stop the activity and rest. Continuing the activity could make the injury worse.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight puts additional stress on your joints, including your elbow joints.
- Exercise regularly. Exercise helps to strengthen the muscles around your elbow joints and reduce stress on your joints.
- Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet gives your body the necessary nutrients to build and repair tissues.
When to See a Doctor
If the injury is sustained, you could hear a popping sound immediately followed by discomfort. Do your best to stop your elbow and use the RICE technique. However, more is needed. Consult a doctor for some of the symptoms listed below:
- Elbow deformity
- A loss of strength in your arm or hand
- Tingling or feeling of numbness
- Elbow deformity
- A poor blood flow in your hand
Safe Treatment for an Elbow Hyperextension Injury
The elbow hyperextension injury is a condition that occurs whenever the elbow has been stretched over its natural movement. The ligaments could be damaged, causing swelling and pain. It is a good solution for minor injuries.
However, more severe injuries could require surgical intervention or medical treatment. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis and to establish the most appropriate treatment to treat your injuries.