Is your elbow sore? watch out for hyperextended elbow injuries

Joint pain, including in the elbow, can occur for a variety of causes. One of them is the hyperextended elbow. If not treated properly, a hyperextended elbow can damage the tissue around your elbow joint. In fact, you may find it easier to get sprains. So, let's find out more about hyperextension elbows!

What is a hyperextended elbow?

Hyperextension elbow or also known as elbow hyperextended is a common form of elbow injury. This condition occurs when your elbow is moved or bent too far back, beyond its normal range of motion. The injury can cause pain in the elbow, damage to ligaments in the elbow, and cause bone dislocation.

Hyperextended elbows can be experienced by anyone. However, these injuries are more common in athletes or someone who plays contact sports. People who trip, fall, and do weight-bearing activities may also develop this condition.

The severity of this injury can vary. A person may experience minor injuries and illnesses that develop over time. However, this injury can occur suddenly and immediately cause severe pain.

What are the symptoms of a hyperextended elbow?

Symptoms that indicate the occurrence of this hyperextension elbow are usually a popping sound in the elbow and the elbow hurts immediately. This is what distinguishes hyperextension elbow from other elbow pain, such as tennis elbow.

In addition to these common signs, other signs, features, or symptoms that can occur with hyperextended elbow injuries are:

• Pain when moving or touching the elbow.
• Pain in the front of the arm near the elbow joint when straightening the arm, right after the injury.
• Swelling, redness, and stiffness in the elbow joint.
• Losing strength from the arm.
• Numbness in the arm area.
• Muscle spasm in the biceps, which is the muscle tissue in front of the arm above the elbow joint, right after the injury.

If you experience any of the above symptoms, especially if after an injury, you should immediately see a doctor to determine if you have a hyperextended elbow or other form of injury, such as a fracture or muscle tear.

You also need to go to the emergency room immediately if the above symptoms are accompanied by an abnormality or deformity of the elbow, or if a piece of bone has penetrated your skin. This is a sign of a severe hyperextended elbow injury. This condition can interfere with blood circulation in your hands and arms.

What are the causes of hyperextended elbows?

The elbow is formed by three interconnected joints, namely the humeroulnar, humeroradial, and superior radioulnar joints. The condition of the elbow bending forward (flexion) and opening backward (extension) is affected by the humeroulnar joint. This joint connects the bones of the upper arm (humerus) and the bones of the forearm (ulna).

The elbow is hyperextended when the humeroulnar bends back, which exceeds its normal range of motion. This usually occurs when a pressure or blow forces the joint to move too far back.

This condition can occur when someone:

• Exercises that involve physical contact, especially pressure or punches to the arm, such as boxing, soccer, rugby and martial arts.
• Are doing other physical activities in which the arms are weight-bearing, such as weight lifting or gymnastics.
• Restrain yourself when you fall with your hands heavy on your elbows.

In addition to the conditions above, there are several factors that can also increase a person's risk of experiencing hyperextended elbows, such as:

• Elderly

Your bones and ligaments become weaker as you age, making it easier to get out of range of motion. In addition, the elderly also often have problems with vision and balance, so the risk of accidental injury is more likely.

• Physical exercise

The risk of injury to the elbow is higher in athletes who perform daily sports training, such as wrestling, soccer, or lifting weights.

• Injury history

Previous injuries to the elbow can make the joints, ligaments, and muscles weaker than normal, making them more likely to re-injure them. The study, published in Deutsche Zeitschrift für Sportmedizin, says the risk of injury is three times greater in people or athletes who have experienced two or more previous injuries.

What is the treatment for hyperextended elbows?

Most people with hyperextended elbows can be treated with home remedies. However, medical treatment is also possible if the condition of the injury and pain in your elbow is severe. Here are some ways to deal with hyperextended elbows that are commonly done:

1. Rest and limit movement

In the first few days after your injury, you will need to give your elbow time to heal. Therefore, you need to rest and avoid stretching your elbows and any sport or activity that requires the use of your arms.

If you need to get back to your daily routine, use a special device to pinch your elbows so they don't bend and move. Ask your doctor when to remove the clamp and move your elbow and do normal activities as usual.

2. Ice compress

Compressing with ice aims to relieve pain and swelling that occurs. To do this, wrap the ice in a cloth or towel and place it on the injured elbow area for 20 minutes. Then, release and wait for 20 minutes before compressing the elbow area again.

Repeat as often as possible during the first week after injury. However, do not apply ice directly to your skin as this can cause damage to the skin tissue.

3. Use an elastic bandage

Wrapping the elbow with an elastic bandage around the elbow can also be done to prevent and reduce swelling. This elastic bandage can also help you limit elbow movement, making it easier for your elbow to rest.

Wrap the bandage around your elbow, making sure it is firm enough to apply pressure, but not so tight that it causes pain or numbness and can interfere with circulation.

4. Raise the elbows

If possible, place your elbow above heart level for the first few days after the injury. This aims to help reduce swelling.

Lift your elbows up on several pillows while sitting or lying down. It's also a good idea to use the elbow sling when you're moving.

5. Take pain relievers

Some painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs can also be used as pain relievers in hyperextended elbows. Medicines that can be used, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Ask your doctor what dose is right for you and how long you need to take it for.

6. Physical therapy

Physical therapy is done when you can move the elbow back and the pain is minimal. Your physical therapist or doctor will advise you to do light stretches or special exercise movements to help with recovery.

7. Operations

Surgery is needed when your hyperextended elbow causes damage to ligaments, tendons, bones or other structures in your elbow. The surgical procedure aims to repair the damaged elbow structure.