Hyperextended Knee Symptoms & Treatments
Symptoms of Hyperextended Knee: Symptoms, Treatment, Recovery Time:
The symptoms of hyperextended knee are varied and include pain, swelling, stiffness and discomfort. There may be other problems such as weakness or numbness in your leg. You might experience any one or all of these symptoms at the same time.
Pain – Pain is the most common symptom of hyperextended knee. The pain usually starts in your lower back and then moves up your legs. It feels like someone is squeezing your leg or kicking it hard. You might feel a burning sensation when you get the pain. Sometimes the pain gets worse during activity and sometimes it goes away after exercise.
Swelling – Swelling is another common symptom of hyperextended knee. Your calf muscles and ligaments will probably swell because they have been stretched too far. This swelling may cause them to hurt when you walk, run or even sit down. Some people with hyperextended knee don’t notice any swelling at all.
Stiffness – Stiffness occurs if the joint capsule (joint) around your kneecap is not tight enough. The capsule is a soft tissue that holds the knee together. If the capsule is not tight enough, then the bones of your upper leg can slip too far to the inside or outside of the knee. This causes discomfort and makes it impossible to do most physical activities.
Painkillers, cold therapy and rest – These are things your doctor might recommend. They can help reduce pain and swelling but they don’t correct the cause of the problem. It is important that you understand this or you may be tempted to avoid physical activities. Overuse of painkillers can lead to stomach bleeding, kidney failure and other serious medical conditions.
Decrease activity or activity restrictions – If the pain becomes too much to bear then your doctor may advise you to rest. He may also tell you to avoid sporting activities or certain exercises such as running. This is usually a temporary measure to relieve your symptoms until your knee heals.
Physiotherapy – This is a common practice that involves special exercises, fitness training and massage. It helps you get around daily life as well as sports and other physical activities. Physiotherapy can improve blood flow, reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process of your knee. You will probably be given a routine to practice at home. The physio will also suggest modifications to daily activities and sports if needed.
Surgery – If your symptoms don’t improve with rest or physiotherapy then your doctor may advise surgery. Surgery is an aggressive treatment option and should only be used as a last resort.
Hyperextended knee recovery time:
Most people with hyperextended knee recover within three to six months.
You may need to wear a brace or support to protect your knee during this time. You may also be given a program of exercises and stretches to do at home, particularly if you are younger than 45 or other factors such as obesity are present.
After three to six months you should have recovered and your symptoms will have gone. Physiotherapy can be continued if necessary. Your doctor may also advise you to wear a support while exercising to prevent a recurrence.
How can I avoid this condition?
You can take several steps to help prevent this condition:
Stretch – Stretching your calf muscles and hamstrings can help you avoid getting a hyperextended knee in the future. It can also help you recover from an episode that you may have had previously.
Sources & references used in this article:
Gait and balance of transfemoral amputees using passive mechanical and microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knees by KR Kaufman, JA Levine, RH Brey, BK Iverson… – Gait & posture, 2007 – Elsevier
How to FIX my Hyperextended knees? by W KNEES – jointpainclinic.co.uk
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint and hyperextension of the knee joint after stroke by K Jefferis – 2002 – ourarchive.otago.ac.nz
Clinical features and treatment of “Non-dislocated hyperextension tibial plateau fracture” by J Liangjun, Z Qiang, P Zhijun… – … Surgery and …, 2020 – josr-online.biomedcentral.com
