What is an Elbow Hyperextension?
There are three bones, the humerus, radius and ulna that make up the elbow. For this reason, there are three joints in the elbow. The humero-ulna articulation widely known to be the largest of them all and it is responsible for flexion and extension of the arm. During an elbow hyperextension, this is the joint that becomes injured. Extending the elbow far above its normal range of motion is referred to as hypertension. The ligaments, bones and some other structures in the elbow are affected by the damage that arises from hypertension. Dislocation of the elbow can also occur as a result of hypertension.
Elbow hyperextension has been found to affect everyone, but the most commonly affected individuals are those who participate in contact sports such as soccer, judo or boxing. Gymnastics, tennis players and weightlifters can also be affected with elbow hyperextension. Individuals who stumble or fall can also be affected by elbow hyperextension when they make out to cushion their fall.
What are the Causes of Ebow Hyperextension?
As mentioned above each of the elbows is made of three joints which are the humeroulnar joint, humeroradial joint and superior radioulnar joint. The humeroulnar joint makes it easy to achieve the flexing and extension of the arm. The humeroulnar joint connects the bones of the upper arms, referred to as the humerus and the forearm, known as the ulna.
When the humeroulnar joint bends in the backward direction and it’s out of its normal range of motion, it results in elbow hyperextension. This often occurs when playing sports that involve contact such as soccer, or when performing other intense physical activities such as gymnastics or weight lifting. Elbow hyperextension can also occur when you make attempt to hold yourself during a fall. In this case, the weight of the body and the impact of your fall can cause deformation of the elbow.
Below are some factors that have been found to increase the risk of elbow hyperextension:
1. Participating in Powerful Activities: Sports and other exercises increase the possibility of painful injury to the elbow.
2. Age: As you grow older, the bones and Ligaments become weaken, so they are easier to move from their natural range of motion.
3. History of injury: the joint can become weak as a result of past injuries thereby increasing the likelihood of a new injury Anterior.
What are the Symptoms of an elbow hyperextension?
Below are some symptoms of an Elbow Hyperextension:
• There will be pain and popping sound at the time of injury.
• Pain in the forearm next to the elbow joint when you straighten your arm immediately after injury.
• Pain in touching the elbow.
• Muscle discomfort in the biceps, the muscle located in the front of the arm which is above the elbow joint, immediately after the injury.
• Swelling in the knee joint.
• Loss of arm strength.
• Numbness in the arm.
Elbow Hyperextension Treatment
Treatment for an Elbow Hyperextension requires restoring the circulation and blood flow to the affected structures in your elbow. Pain is caused when swelling, inflammation and decreased circulation generate a blockage, which causes blood flow to be interrupted or slowed. Treatment for this issue requires breaking up the accumulated fluids in your elbow to allow for improved healing and quicker recovery.
Products recommended for symptoms of swelling, redness, pain, and inflammation, and if coolness makes your pain feel better:
Ice Substitute Poultice
Bruise Relief Liniment
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
Products recommended when swelling and inflammation are gone, but you still feel pain, stiffness, weakness, and/or sensitivity in cold and damp weather, and if heat makes your pain feel better:
Pain Relief Liniment
Tendon and Ligament Poultice
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
