A normal movement can turn into an unexpected injury when our bodies are stretched beyond their normal range. An elbow hyperextension, while common among athletes and those engaging in physical activities, can happen to anyone. This injury occurs when the elbow joint is bent past its normal range of motion, causing discomfort, pain, and sometimes more serious complications. In this blog post, we will dive deep into everything you need to know about hyperextended elbow pain and how to keep your elbow joint healthy and functioning at its best.
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What Is Hyperextended Elbow Pain?
Hyperextended elbow pain refers to the discomfort and aches that result from an elbow joint being extended beyond its normal range of motion. This is a common type of injury among athletes. Particularly those involved in contact sports or activities that require a lot of arm use. Such as basketball, volleyball, and gymnastics. However, it can also occur in everyday situations like falling onto an outstretched arm or bearing a heavy load that overwhelms the joint’s capacity.
The pain from a hyperextended elbow can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the injury. The symptoms are the result of strain or damage to the various tissues in the elbow joint. If left untreated, a hyperextended elbow can lead to long-term complications. This is making it crucial to seek medical attention and appropriate treatment.
What Does A Hyperextended Elbow Feel Like?
A hyperextended elbow can cause a range of symptoms, each contributing to a unique sensation that’s often immediately noticeable.
- Pain: Pain is the most common and immediate symptom. This can range from a sharp, intense pain at the time of injury to a dull, persistent ache that worsens with movement or pressure.
- Swelling and Inflammation: Following the injury, the elbow may become swollen and inflamed. This can add a throbbing sensation to the pain.
- Restricted Motion: You might experience a feeling of stiffness and find it challenging to fully extend or bend your elbow. The range of motion could be limited, and any movement might cause discomfort.
- A feeling of Instability: The elbow joint may feel loose or unstable. As though it may not be able to support weight or maintain strength during certain movements.
- Numbness or Tingling: In some instances, a hyperextended elbow can lead to numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles sensation in the forearm, wrist, or hand. This is usually due to the impact of the injury on nearby nerves.
- Audible Pop or Snap: Some individuals report a popping or snapping sound at the time of injury, accompanied by a sharp pain.
Remember, these symptoms can vary based on the severity of the injury, and not everyone will experience all of them. If you suspect a hyperextended elbow, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly to mitigate further damage and start appropriate treatment.
Why Do I Feel Hyperextended Elbow Pain?
Hyperextended elbow pain is typically caused by an injury where the elbow joint is extended beyond its normal range of motion. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as:
- Falling on an Outstretched Arm: If you fall onto your hand while your arm is outstretched, the force of the impact can push your elbow joint into hyperextension. This is one of the most common ways this type of injury occurs.
- Sports Injuries: Sports that involve a lot of arm movements, like basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, or contact sports such as rugby and football. This can put you at a higher risk for elbow hyperextension. For instance, a basketball player may hyperextend their elbow while attempting to make a long pass, or a gymnast might do so during a landing.
- Accidents or Trauma: Accidents that involve a forceful blow to the arm, such as car crashes or work-related accidents. It can result in a hyperextended elbow.
When the elbow is hyperextended, the ligaments, muscles, and sometimes even the bones in the elbow joint can become strained or damaged. This damage triggers an inflammatory response from your body. Ultimately, leading to symptoms like pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. The severity of your symptoms and the degree of pain you experience generally depend on how much damage has been inflicted on the tissues within your elbow joint.
How Do You Fix a Hyperextended Elbow Naturally?
While it’s important to see a healthcare professional for an evaluation if you suspect you have a hyperextended elbow, there are some natural methods you can use to aid in recovery. These are generally most effective for mild to moderate injuries. For severe injuries, or if symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention immediately.
Here are some natural remedies and practices to help heal a hyperextended elbow:
Rest
The body has a remarkable ability to heal itself, and one of the best things you can do to support this healing process is to simply rest. Resting means reducing or even completely avoiding using the injured arm to prevent further strain or damage. This gives the affected tissues in the elbow—the ligaments, tendons, and possibly muscles and bones—the time they need to repair and recover. Keep in mind that the duration of rest required can vary depending on the severity of the injury. So it’s best to follow the advice of a healthcare professional.
Ice
Cold therapy, or cryotherapy, is a time-tested method of reducing inflammation and numbing acute pain. Applying an ice pack to the injured elbow can constrict the blood vessels in the area, reducing blood flow and hence swelling. To do this, wrap ice or an ice pack in a thin towel (to protect your skin from direct contact with the ice, which could cause ice burn) and place it on the affected area. It’s typically recommended to ice the injury for 15-20 minutes at a time, repeating this every 2-3 hours during the first 24-48 hours after the injury.
Compression
Compression helps limit and reduce swelling, which in turn can help alleviate pain and facilitate healing. Using a compression bandage or an elbow brace can provide gentle, consistent pressure on the affected area. When wrapping the bandage, start farthest away from your heart and wrap it towards your heart to encourage blood flow back towards the heart. Be sure not to wrap the bandage too tightly. As this could interfere with circulation and potentially cause more harm than good.
Elevation
Elevation works in conjunction with rest, ice, and compression to further reduce swelling. By elevating the injured elbow above the level of your heart, you encourage the return of fluid that has leaked into the tissues back into the bloodstream, which can help decrease swelling. Elevation can be easily achieved by propping your arm up on pillows, whether you’re sitting up or lying down. Try to keep the elbow elevated as much as possible, especially in the first 48 hours after the injury.
Pain Relief
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can be an effective method for managing pain and reducing inflammation associated with a hyperextended elbow. NSAIDs work by blocking the production of certain chemicals in the body that cause inflammation. They can be purchased over the counter at most pharmacies. However, it’s important to follow the package instructions and not exceed the recommended dosage unless advised by a healthcare professional. It’s also worth noting that while NSAIDs can help manage the symptoms of an injury, they do not treat the injury itself.
Exercise and Rehabilitation
Once the initial pain and swelling have reduced, rehabilitation exercises can be essential in restoring strength and flexibility to the elbow joint. Gentle range-of-motion exercises can help prevent stiffness and maintain joint mobility during the healing process. Strengthening exercises can gradually rebuild the strength of the muscles around the elbow, providing more support to the joint and reducing the risk of future injuries. It’s important that these exercises be carried out under the guidance of a physical therapist or healthcare professional to ensure they are done correctly and safely. Starting an exercise program too early or doing exercises incorrectly can lead to further injury.
Healthy Nutrition
Consuming a balanced diet is key to supporting your body’s natural healing processes. Certain nutrients play a crucial role in tissue repair and recovery. For example, protein is vital for the repair of bodily tissues, while vitamin C supports collagen production, which is important for the healing of ligaments and skin. Calcium and vitamin D are important for bone health. Incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy (or dairy alternatives fortified with calcium and vitamin D) into your diet can contribute to faster recovery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a hyperextended elbow can be a painful and debilitating condition. But with proper care, rest, and treatment, recovery is entirely achievable. Employing natural methods can greatly aid in the healing process, especially in the initial stages of injury. As the healing progresses, incorporating rehabilitative exercises under professional guidance can help restore strength and mobility to the elbow joint. A nutritious diet will support your body’s natural healing process, giving it the necessary tools to repair damaged tissues effectively.
However, it’s crucial to remember that these natural strategies do not replace professional medical advice and treatment. If you suspect you have a hyperextended elbow, or if your symptoms worsen or persist, seek immediate medical attention. Understanding and addressing a hyperextended elbow promptly can ensure a successful recovery and prevent long-term complications.
By being proactive about your elbow health, you can return to your usual activities with confidence and ease. If you’re experiencing Elbow pain, physical therapy for elbow pain at PhysioMantra can help: Book an online physical therapy session.
