A hyperextended elbow joint is an injury that happens very quickly and without any warning. This usually occurs among individuals who play contact sports such as football. The elbow joint includes bones of the upper and the lower arm. The elbow is a center joint and serves as a junction between the humerus, radius and the ulna bones. The humerus is the upper arm bone while the bones of the lower arms include the radius and the ulna. Remember that these three bones allow the elbow to bend and extend.
The ligaments, tendons and cartilage that connect to the elbow bones provide stability to the elbow joint. It helps the bones smoothly glide over each other during any hand movement. Once these structures such as the ligaments, tendons and cartilage are being stretched beyond their capacity, they end up damaged and weak, thus reducing the full range of motion.
Causes of a hyperextended elbow
A hyperextended elbow is an elbow joint that extends backwards beyond the limit of range of motion which causes damage to the tendons, cartilage and tissues that are connected to the bones of the elbow joint. It causes the ligaments and tendons to be stretched far beyond their limit.
In a normal situation, the person cannot hyperextend the elbow. It can only occur during an abrupt injury. It can also occur from a sudden fall from a height, playing contact sports such as football and volleyball. Remember that it is also common among those who are practicing martial arts.
Hyperextended elbow is a painful condition and there is difficulty in engaging in daily activities using the injured hand. This condition prevents full movement of the elbow joint.
Symptoms
- The injury on the elbow is evidently swollen and there is difficulty moving the hands freely
- Sometimes, there is a popping sound on the affected area.
- The pain is severe when the hand is in a straight position.
- Severe pain reduces to a lingering pain when the elbow joint is moved.
- The affected hand loses its strength and interferes with the daily activities of the individual.
- The elbow becomes deformed if the injury is very severe.
Treatment and home remedies
- Allow the affected elbow to rest by placing a support such as a brace or a strap. Rest the elbow for a few days to promote fast healing of the damaged structures of the elbow.
- Apply an ice pack for a few days in order to minimize the swelling or place a few ice cubes in a towel and place it over the affected area for 10-15 minutes and repeat a few times in a day.
- Use a compression bandage in order to maintain stability and strength of the elbow. Just remember to avoid wrapping tightly since it affects the circulation of blood.
- Take anti-inflammatory and pain medications in order to minimize the pain and swelling.
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