A hyperextension in the knee can happen often to a mild degree through misuse of your legs during exercise, or it can result from a sudden, high-impact shock of force to your knee. Regardless of how it occurs, hyperextension is dangerous and can result in pain and serious consequences. Determine if you are hyperextending your knee during your regular physical activity and learn what to do in the event of a hyperextension.

What Happens During Hyperextension

Simply speaking, hyperextension of the knee occurs when the knee goes back too far. Technically, this is the result of the knee joint opening too widely, which allows the shinbone to go backward beyond a comfortable point. This can happen any number of ways. The most damaging examples usually involve a sudden shock to the knee, like stepping into a pothole while running, which stabilizes your lower leg while your body continues moving forward, forcing your knee back. However, milder examples of repeated misuse, such as allowing the knees to hyperextend during regular bouts of yoga exercise, can end up taking their toll as well.

Dangers of Hyperextension

The unfortunate consequences of knee hyperextension range from mild pain to chipping of bone and tearing of ligaments. Some damage could require surgery and can be catastrophic for joint and muscle mobility. Often, the worst cases are associated with a popping sound, which typically announces the tear of the anterior-cruciate ligament. ACL tearing is a common knee injury for competitive sport athletes. Even minor instances of knee hyperextension can cause painful swelling that needs to be addressed immediately with medical attention.

What to Do in Cases of Hyperextension

The most important thing to do immediately after knee hyperextension, especially in cases of sudden force, is to keep weight off the injured leg. Rest your leg somewhere you can elevate it above your heart. This will help prevent some of the swelling. Apply ice to the knee for 10 to 15 minutes, three to four times a day to bring swelling down and reduce pain. Compresses and ACE bandages can be used to combat puffiness and discomfort as well. In most instances, it is important to see a medical professional as soon as you can in case you need an x-ray.

How to Prevent Hypertextension

There is no magic spell you can cast to prevent getting into an accident that forces knee hyperextension, but you can take steps to prevent routine instances of allowing your knee joint to open too widely. Often the culprit for knee hyperextension is weak quadriceps. For instance, during some yoga poses it is easier to hyperextend the knee than to engage quad muscles. Strengthening exercises for the quad muscles can keep you from relying on hyperextending your knees. Straight leg raises can build muscles in your quads without risking your knees. If yoga poses are tempting you to overextend, use yoga blocks during your workout to shorten the stretch of your poses.

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