Hyperextended Knee

Knee hyperextension refers to a condition wherein, the knee is forced to bend backwards. This is caused by tremendous pressure that extends the knee's normal range of motion and dislocates it. Although it is a common injury endured by most athletes, in sports it is less damaging than what may occur in an accident; car crash being a common example.

Knee ligaments serve as a bridge connecting the upper portion of the leg to the bottom. When a knee hyperextends, it can tear one of these ligaments and this may cause serious complications.

Knee hyperextension is easily noticeable as its symptoms become apparent immediately after the injury.

» The first apparent symptom is the knee bending abnormally backwards. This is followed by extreme pain. The pain may be felt at the back and sides of the knee, and it may be accompanied by a swelling in the injured area within the few first hours of the injury.

» The hyperextended knee severely impairs motion and interferes with stability. Therefore, the affected person may be unable to continue playing, running and perform other similar activities. Walking may still be possible, but not without causing pain.

» In some cases however, a condition of hyperextended knee may not be easily diagnosable. If the knee appears deformed, pain continues or if the knee gets locked in one position or does not straightens, then it is most likely that the person's knee has hyperextended.

A knee that has been hyperextended must be immediately treated with rest, ice, compression and elevation. This treatment plan is commonly referred to as RICE, and it aims towards alleviating the unnatural stress, swelling and pain.

» As soon as injury occurs, stop any physical activity, and settle down in a comfortable place to ensure that the knee is not subjected to any kind of weight or pressure.

» Apply ice to the injured area. It helps reduce swelling and the pain which might be radiating throughout the leg. Never apply ice directly to the damaged area, as it might trigger nerve damage. Use a towel or something similar to wrap around the ice. Generally, it is recommended to ice the injured area 10-15 minutes three to four times daily or until the swelling improves.

» Compression refers to wrapping the swollen area with an elastic bandage. Even this helps in reducing swelling. Wrap the bandage firmly but not so tightly that it may worsen the pain.

» Keep the injured knee elevated at a level higher than that of the heart. While you are sitting or sleeping, prop your knee on a soft pillow. This decreases swelling, and returns blood that may have accumulated in the swollen area back to the heart.

» After treating the injury with RICE, it is important to seek medical help. To manage the pain and swelling, anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers may be prescribed. If the injury is mild, then complete rest from activity and physical therapy is required for the knee to regain its lost strength and stability. Crutches and other walking aids may also be used to reduce strain or any weight on the injured knee.

» Treatment of a hyperextended knee with a torn ligament usually involves surgery. In case of a child with a hyperextended knee, doctors usually recommend surgery once the child's bones have stopped growing.

» Physical therapy is an important part of the treatment of knee hyperextension. It encompasses exercises designed to restore strength, flexibility, stability and normal range of motion of the injured knee. These exercises may include performing physical activities in water, stationary biking, muscle stretching, and other kinds of knee strengthening exercises, depending on what the doctor might consider best for a particular individual.

A hyperextended knee may take about six to nine months to heal. This is the time a patient must wait before returning to sports, especially if he/she has undergone a surgery. Mild cases may take an average of 1-2 weeks for recuperation, but by far it all depends upon the extent and severity of the injury.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this story is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.