The hyperextended knee is a common sports injury that occurs due to unusual knee bending. In this type of injury, the trauma is applied to ligaments, tendons, bones and cartilage of the knee. In minor cases, the symptoms can be resolved by simply RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation), physiotherapy, and mild painkillers. However, some major cases may require surgery to recover faster. In this blog, we will discuss in detail about hyperextended knee and its treatment options.
What Is a Hyperextended Knee?
A hyperextended knee is a sports injury that is caused by to knee bending backwards to an unnatural extent. When the knee is bent beyond its limit, all the soft tissues like ligaments, tendons and cartilages are affected by the force and overstretching. This type of injury is very common in contact sports like football, rugby, boxing, wrestling, etc. It might leave you feeling like the knee is falling out or feel unstable.
Don’t try to ignore or walk it off; instead, visit the best orthopedic doctor in Vadodara– Dr Uday Meghnathi. He is an exceptional and trusted doctor who has a deep experience in treating knee-related health concerns. He is a very compassionate doctor who makes sure all his patients feel heard and cared for appropriately. His facility is also equipped with modern medical advancements and comfortable amenities. To receive the most effective treatment for your symptoms, book an appointment now!
Symptoms of a Hyperextended Knee
- Pain
- Swelling
- Redness
- Trouble in balancing
- Instability and feeling weak in the knees
- Bruises and discolouration
- A pop sound in the knee indicated a serious ligament injury
Diagnosis of a Hyperextended Knee
- Physical examination
- X-ray
- Magnetic Imaging Resonance
- A CT Scan
Treatment for Hyperextended Knee Injury
- RICE Therapy: The RICE therapy is the most recommended non-surgical treatment option. In addition to rest and leg elevation, the patient is periodically provided ice therapy for 20 minutes 2 to 4 times a day, and the injured part is wrapped tightly with compression bands. Elevation of the leg above the heart level is done to deal with swelling and inflammation.
- Pain Killers: Over-the-counter pain killers like aspirin and ibuprofen are recommended to manage pain from the injury for a short period of time.
- Surgery: If the ligaments, like ACL, MCL, PCL, etc, are damaged due to hyperextension, then your orthopedic doctor might recommend a minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, also known as knee arthroscopy.
How Long Does It Take for a Hyperextended Knee to Repair
For a minor injury, it might take somewhere between a few weeks to a month to completely get relieved of the injury. For a laparoscopic knee surgery, it will take a few months to recover adequately.
Conclusion
The hyperextended knee injury is often considered a minor injury; however, if ignored, it can cause damage to ligaments, tendons and cartilage of the knee. The knee joint is the largest joint in our body, which is responsible for all the daily activities and enhances mobility. To avoid future injuries and disorders, it is important to treat an injury at the earliest. Consult Dr Uday Meghnathi, the best knee specialist in Vadodara. He holds rich experience in all orthopedic concerns. He has dealt with hundreds of cases involving with knee joint and has gained a proven track record for the cases. His other services include fracture management, sports injury, pediatric orthopedics, spine, hip, knee, elbow, joint replacement, etc. Discuss your symptoms today. Give a call to book an appointment.
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