Treatment for elbow hyperextension can be started at home, using efficient and cost-effective options such as rest and Ice. However, in some cases, when the injury is serious enough, patients require medical attention. We will discuss the options available for at-home care, medical treatment, and surgical procedures. Learn more about each and how it can improve your health faster.
Home Care
Treating a hyperextension injury begins by taking care of it at home. There are many treatment options you can treat quickly and cheaply. Check them out below.
RICE Method
Rest
Relieving your elbow after an injury to the elbow prevents the injury from getting worse and gives your body the time to heal from the injury. In the initial few days following your injury, try not to bend your elbow as often as possible.
Cold therapy
Cold therapy helps reduce pain and inflammation. Cold therapy pack can constrict blood vessels, decreasing blood supply to the region and reducing swelling. It also blocks the pain signal and provides relief from pain. Utilize a cold therapy pack or submerge your wrist in cool water. Make sure to keep the cold pack for 20 minutes before you take a break.
Compression and Support
Like how elastic bandages work, an elbow brace or sleeve can aid in reducing the swelling of the elbow. Decrease the chance of swelling. An elbow brace is more effective at limiting movement, while an elbow sleeve gives a more uniform compression.
Elevation
The elevation of your elbow hyperextension injury reduces swelling by limiting blood flow. It also prevents fluids from building up within the joint. If you're less swollen and have less pain, you'll experience less discomfort. Lay down on your back with your elbow, resting with a pillow or two pillows.
Stretches and Exercises
When swelling and pain have gone away, stretching and exercising are excellent methods to strengthen your elbow. Stretching will help to restore your normal range of motion, and exercises will build up the muscles around it. In addition, a physical therapy appointment might be helpful for some individuals to get back on the right path to rehabilitation.
Pain Relief Medication
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen help to decrease the amount of pain and inflammation; they are usually inexpensive and readily available, which makes them an excellent choice for treatment at home. Combine pain relief medications with other treatments, such as RICE and physical therapy, to treat the hyperextension of the elbow.
"Make sure to consult your doctor before using any new medication."
Taping
Medical Treatment
Sometimes, home remedies aren't enough to heal the elbow injury. The advice and treatment provided by doctors and physical therapists will help you decide on the precise treatment needed to treat your elbow.
Physical Therapy
A physical therapist is trained professionally to treat a variety of injuries, including elbow hyperextension. They'll assess the injury and help you with exercises and stretching. In addition, the physical therapist will give you plenty of information about how to avoid injuries from occurring and how to manage your hyperextension at home. Finally, when your appointment is complete, He will advise you on when you should make another appointment.
Surgery
This procedure for a hyperextended elbow is not usually required and is usually only performed when there's an injury to ligaments, nerves, bones, or soft tissue. During the operation, the doctor will remove the damaged tissue and restore an elbow's stability.
Surgery can be done arthroscopically or in open surgery. Arthroscopic surgery is less dangerous, offers a faster healing time, and lowers the risk of complications. A more significant incision area is required for Open surgery. However, it may give the surgeon a clearer perspective of the area of injury. The two options don't require an overnight hospital stay and can be efficient.
Prevention
Achieving a less-extended elbow is the most effective treatment option. However, preventing it is best accomplished by being healthy and practicing the correct body mechanics while exercising and playing sports. Find more tips below.
- Exercise to build strength in arm muscles
- Do not play sports such as wrestling, football, or weightlifting. Also, avoid boxing.
- Stretch regularly
- Braces for elbows are recommended when performing things that stress the elbow.
When to See a Doctor
If the injury is sustained, you could hear a popping sound immediately followed by discomfort. Do your best to stop your elbow and use the RICE technique. However, this might not suffice. Consult a doctor for some of the symptoms listed below:
- Elbow deformity
- A loss of strength in your arm or hand
- Tingling or feeling of numbness
- Elbow deformity
- A poor blood flow in your hand
Safe Treatment for an Elbow Hyper extension Injury
The elbow hyperextension injury is a condition that occurs whenever the elbow has been stretched over its natural movement. The ligaments could be damaged, causing swelling and pain. It is a good solution for minor injuries. However, more severe injuries could require surgical intervention or medical treatment. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis and to establish the most appropriate treatment to treat your injuries.