A hyper-extended knee injury happens when the knee expands past it’s usual range of motion. The knee bends back on itself. This dislocation is considered a mild injury and normally heals in 2 to 4 weeks. In extreme and severe cases surgery may be required to repair the damage. There are some symptoms that can be observed at the moment the injury is sustained. An individual may feel or hear a pop in or around the knee. It may also feel as if your knee has been jolted out of it’s normal position. You will also experience pain at the sides and back of your knee and swelling within the first few hours of injury.
Any activity should be stopped immediately if you suspect you are suffering from a hyperextended knee. The knee becomes unstable, but this may be masked by the swelling. People who suffer from hyper-extended knee can walk, but it can be extremely painful for them. If you’ve been injured enough that your knees feel unstable, are swelling or there is impaired motion, it is very important to seek medical attention. Don’t diagnose and try or even treat knee injuries on your own. Your knee is a compound joint and has many possible unusual injuries. Proper diagnoses as well as treatments of those injuries are very important for full recovery.
Inflammation and pain are both the most common symptoms of hyper-extended knee and such symptoms may begin to show at the time of injury. There might be also an observable pop sound coming from the knee section especially if tendons or ligaments were severely damaged and this could show a more serious injury. A person who suffers from hyperextension may have a gimp in his step, may have trouble walking on the injured leg and might feel lack coordination or unbalance to walk straightly. Pain in the back of the knee is the most common symptom.
A mild hyperextension requires only 2 to 4 weeks of healing. Physical therapy and rest will are the best forms of treatment. Knee pain medications may be prescribed by your health care provider. A knee that has a ligament tear experienced during the injury may need surgery, physical therapy and 6 to 9 months of convalescence prior to returning to play. Immediate treatment should include elevating it when you’re sitting, crutches and applying ice on your injury. Acetaminophen can also help in reducing pain and swelling. Knee pain medication will depend on the intensity of the injury. Physical therapy and rest are required for mild hyperextension. Moreover, if an athlete suffers from this kind of injury, she or he might need to wear a knee brace to support his or her knee and this can be required for a couple of years after the injury occurred.
