What Is Elbow Hyperextension?
Elbow hyperextension is an injury that usually results from a fall or a direct blow to the elbow that causes the arm to bend backward, beyond its normal range of motion. Hyperextension is typically very painful, and the joint tends to swell and stiffen shortly after the incident. Most cases can be treated at home and do not result in permanent damage to tissue in the elbow. Severe pain and swelling, however, should be assessed by a physician to check for serious ligament, tendon, or bone damage. Hyperextension injuries are most common among athletes who play fast-paced contact sports, such as football, soccer, and hockey. When the arm is forced backward, ligaments and tendons that connect bone, cartilage, and muscle can be strained or torn. Elbow hyperextension is immediately noticeable in most cases, though a milder injury might not cause debilitating pain right away. Over the course of several hours, an injured elbow tends to swell, stiffen, and redden. Some people experience numbnes
