Definition
Athletes in sports such as basketball, beach ball and gymnastics are more susceptible to experience knee hyperextension, which happens when the knee absorbs an unexpected, severe force while the leg is straight. The force of a fall or a blow, such as that experienced in a car mishap, can likewise cause knee hyperextension. You may have bruising, pain when you aim to straighten your knee and swelling. A more severe injury can cause dislocation of the knee, instability, swelling of the knee joint and torn ligaments.
Hyperextension takes place when the knee joint is forced to extend beyond its normal range of movement. In these instances, a big quantity of stress is put upon one or more of the 4 major ligaments of the knee joint:
- The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
- The medial collateral ligament (MCL)
- The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
- The lateral collateral ligament (LCL)
Hyperextensions of the knee can strike anybody, but are frequently the result of athletic injuries. Professional athletes who contend in contact sports like football, soccer, or lacrosse are most typically affected. Other sports, like snowboarding, may cause the knee joint to suddenly be vacated position and cause this injury.
Causes of Pain in Back of Knee After Hyperextension
Posterior knee pain after hyperextension can be caused by damage to the posterior cruciate ligament, or PCL, which lies in the back of your knee. A broken PCL might be removed from the bones or muscles in your knee, and cause knee instability. Injury to the knee’s popliteus tendon, which prevails in professional athletes who run– and particularly with downhill running– can cause posterior knee pain, according to iytmed.com. The pain can result from tears to the meniscus, which is a type of cartilage in your knee. Meniscal tears result from turning or twisting the knee while the foot remains in place.
Diagnosis
To detect the condition, your doctor considers the description of your pain, then does a physical examination and runs some tests. Your doctor might move your knee to recreate conditions that cause your pain. An evaluation tests the stability of your knee when pressure is applied. Your doctor might purchase X-rays or an MRI, and may carry out knee arthroscopy, a simple surgical diagnostic procedure that enables your doctor to see the inside of your knee.
How to Treat Pain in Back of Knee After Hyperextension?
Treatment depends upon the cause and seriousness of your posterior knee pain. For example, your doctor might recommend strengthening exercises for an incomplete tear of your PCL or a moderate meniscal tear. He might suggest that you treat a mild injury with rest and ice, or that you wear a supportive brace to protect your knee while it recovers. A total PCL tear might need surgery, consisting of repair work or restoration of the ligament. You might need physical therapy following treatment to go back to regular use of your knee.
Tips and Warnings
You might hear an appear your knee if hyperextension leads to ligament tears or other injuries. See your doctor if hyperextension of your knee causes pain in back side. You require immediate medical attention if your knee hyperextension injury is severe. Avoid positioning weight on your knee if it is dislocated or unsteady.
