Elbow hyperextension happens when your elbow joint is bent beyond its normal range of motion. This type of injury can damage the ligaments and bones of your elbow. It can also cause your elbow to dislocate.

What is extended elbow?

Elbow hyperextension happens when your elbow joint is bent beyond its normal range of motion. This type of injury can damage the ligaments and bones of your elbow. It can also cause your elbow to dislocate.

What causes hyperextended elbows?

‌A hyperextended elbow occurs when your elbow joint bends backward more than it should. This condition mostly happens in individuals involved in weight-bearing activities or contact sports.

Are hyperextended elbows rare?

In rare cases, individuals have elbow joints that are naturally hyperextended. This means that when the forearm is stretched out completely and the joint is locked, the elbow bends slightly farther than the normal 180 degrees.

Is hyperextension of the elbow normal?

When the elbow is bent like this, it can cause damage to the ligaments and bones in your elbow, potentially causing it to dislocate. Elbow hyperextension injuries can happen to anyone, but they are most common among sports players, such as football, boxing, wrestling, gymnasts, tennis players, and weightlifters.

What does an over extended elbow feel like?

If you have a hyperextended elbow, you may experience the following symptoms: Popping sound at the moment of hyperextension. Instant pain in the effected elbow. Dull to sharp pain when you move or touch your elbow.

How long does it take for a hyper extended elbow to heal?

Most people recover within 3 to 4 weeks. Those who suspect they have a hyperextended elbow should see their doctor for a diagnosis. Apply ice immediately after the injury to alleviate pain and swelling.

Why can’t I straighten my arm at the elbow?

A person who cannot fully bend or straighten the elbow after an injury should see a doctor. Strain: A strain is the medical term used when muscles are torn or over-stretched. A more common term for this is a “pulled muscle.” Minor strains often heal with just time and rest. Surgery is rarely needed for a muscle strain.

What can happen if you hyperextend your elbow?

Hyperextension injury of the elbow happens when the elbow is bent back too far the wrong way. This can cause pain and damage to ligaments in the elbow and cause dislocation (the bone slides or pops out of place). A ligament is a tough band that connects bones to bones where they come together (a joint).

How do I stop hyperextending my elbows?

Those who suspect they have a hyperextended elbow should see their doctor for a diagnosis. Apply ice immediately after the injury to alleviate pain and swelling. Keep the joint immobilized for several days. If surgery is required, the injury will take longer to heal, and physical therapy may be necessary.

What does hyperextending your elbow feel like?

Why does my elbow hurt when I straighten my arm?

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a painful inflammation of the elbow joint caused by repetitive stress (overuse). The pain is located on the outside (lateral side) of the elbow, but may radiate down the back of your forearm. You’ll likely feel the pain when you straighten or fully extend your arm.

Why can’t I straighten my arm?