Introduction
Athletes frequently sustain injuries to their hyperextended knees. Surgery is not required for mild hyperextensions, and people can recover with rest, ice, and other home treatments. However, do not ignore or play through pain; this can aggravate a minor injury and result in more severe injuries like torn ligaments. Hyperextension movement of the knee joint in a forward direction caused by injury to the anterior cruciate ligament, which passively moves the shin bone, or "tibia," of the lower leg, or by the weakness of the quadriceps muscle, which is responsible for actively extending the knee and flexing the hip. This is common in stroke, cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy patients, ACL reconstruction, and knee replacement patients who have had surgery. They have difficulty walking because of their knee hyperextension and are more likely to fall because their knees buckle when they bear weight on their affected leg.
What Is a Knee That Is Overextended?
An injury known as a hyperextended knee occurs when the knee is bent backward beyond its normal limit. The knee's connective tissue (the tendons, ligaments, and cartilage) that keep it in place and enable it to move is subjected to a significant amount of force during sports injuries and other traumas. A hyperextension injury can result from any force that pushes the knee further back than its normal limit. When people try to put weight on their hyperextended knee, it may feel unsteady. Knee hyperextensions can be mild or severe, and people can treat them at home or have surgery to fix them.
How to Prevent Knee Hyperextension?
When participating in sports or other physical activities:
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Wear the appropriate safety gear.
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If the knee hurts during or after physical activity, do not "play through the pain."
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After intense activity, give some time to the body to rest and recover.
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Before participating in sports or working out, stretch and warm up.
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Stretch and cool down after the activity.
To reduce the risk of injury, follow these general safety rules precautions:
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At home, always use the right tools or equipment to reach things.
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Never stand on countertops, chairs, or tables.
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If someone has trouble walking or is more likely to fall, use a walker, cane, or crutches.
The following exercises are helpful in the prevention of knee hyperextension:
1. Isometric Quadriceps Strengthening - This is the easiest way to strengthen the quadriceps muscle, especially if someone is still too weak to do hard exercises. Place a towel that has been rolled up in the space behind the knee. After that, lie down and use the knees to press it backward. Hold for six seconds, then do it 10 to 20 times. While performing this exercise, do not forget to breathe. While performing each repetition, count from one to six to avoid holding the breath.
2. Short Arc Quads - Place a larger towel behind the knee and roll it up. Try this time to lift the lower leg upwards so that the thighs and knees are in line. Then slowly lower the leg until the heel returns to the ground. Repeat this 10 to 20 times. As a progress, add ankle weights of one to two pounds.
3. Straight Leg Raises - Lift the entire leg while lying down and hold that position for six seconds. Make sure to slowly lower the leg toward the ground after each repetition. People can start by using the body weight as resistance, and as they get stronger, they can add ankle weights. Ten to twenty times.
4. Squats - If people do not feel confident doing this exercise without support, they can do it with their backs flat against the wall. Place the feet shoulder-width apart when standing. After that, shift all the weight onto the feet by bending the knees and lowering the entire body. Check to see that the knees do not extend beyond the toes. After six seconds in the squatting position, slowly return to the starting position. Repeat this 10 to 20 times.
5. Step-Ups - Step-ups are a good option if people have good balance and need a harder workout. Use the right leg to step onto a block and lift the body until the left foot reaches the block's top. Lower the body with the left foot when getting back to the ground. Repeat this ten to twenty times for each leg. As a next step, people could put ankle weights on both legs.
6. Using Counter's Joint Angle Feedback - A biofeedback device can improve knee hyperextension. It informs people in real time if they are activating the appropriate muscles and performing the appropriate movements. In addition, they will be able to determine the knee's range of motion and whether or not the exercises are reducing hyperextension. Simply attach the Velcro strap to the device and place it on the knee that is hurting.
What Is the Treatment of Knee Hyperextension?
The treatment people receive for their hyperextended knee depends on the severity of their injury. People should be able to treat their hyperextended knee at home using RICE therapy if they only have mild symptoms and do not injure their knee.
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Rest - Stay away from the activity that led to the injury. While the knee heals, do not overuse it.
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Ice - Four times a day, apply a cold compress to the knees for 15 minutes.
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Compression - To help reduce swelling, wrap an elastic bandage around the knees.
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Elevation - Raise the knee and leg above the heart level as often as possible.
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Medication - Aspirin and Ibuprofen, two over-the-counter NSAIDs, can lessen pain and inflammation. However, consult a doctor before taking NSAIDs for more than ten days. To avoid future injuries, the physician may recommend strengthening and flexibility-enhancing exercises for the muscles surrounding the knee.
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Surgery for Hyperextended Knees - It is uncommon to require surgery. However, if an injury causes hyperextension to the ACL or PCL, people may need surgery to repair those tears.
Most of the time, knee repair surgery is a minor procedure so that people can go home on the same day. The surgeon will carry out a knee arthroscopy, which involves repairing the knee's ligaments with minimal surgical intervention.
Conclusion
In the case of knee hyperextension, people should anticipate completing the recovery. It is a short-term injury that should not affect the health or ability to play favorite sports in the long run. However, if people sustain a severe injury that necessitates surgery, people should anticipate being out of the sport or activity that caused their hyperextension for at least a few months.
