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What Does a Hyperextended Knee Feel like

 
Nidhi Nangia
By Nidhi Nangia. Updated: January 16, 2017
What Does a Hyperextended Knee Feel like

A hyperextended knee takes place when your knee starts expanding beyond its limits. In most cases, the knee bends itself backwards, thus causing injury in the ligaments. Usually, the injury heals itself in around 4 weeks, but sometimes it may call for a surgery. It is important to identify a hyperextended knee at the right time, so that you can take precautions and heal it without the need of a surgery. Here at OneHowTo.com, we are trying to find out exactly what does a hyperextended knee feel like.

You may also be interested in: How To Treat A Hyperextended Knee

Symptoms of a hyperextended knee

There are several symptoms that you would recognize for a hyperextended knee and know what it feels like. Most importantly, you will feel or hear a pop that will feel like as if your knee has just gone out of its line. This kind of displacement will be followed by pain in the sides and back of the knee, along with swelling after a few hours of the injury. You will experience difficulty running, playing and doing other such activities.

In severe cases, the person may find difficulty walking too. He or she may experience a twist in his or her steps, and may have imbalance due to which the person may not be able to walk straight. The knee becomes unstable, though the instability is usually not noticed due to swelling in the area.

What you should do if you have hyperextended knee

You should stop any strenuous activity immediately if you heard a pop from your knee area, especially if you are feeling pain in the knee too. Sometimes, you may be able to walk, but with some pain for sure. If you have been severely injured, if your knee has become unstable, and you have impaired motion as well, then it is definitely time to seek professional medical help immediately. Knee injuries should not be diagnosed and treated at home. The knee is a complicated joint that may impair your movement forever. So, if you suspect a hyperextended knee, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

For more information, take a look at our article on how to treat a hyperextended knee.

Recovery from a hyperextended knee

A mild knee hyperextension can be healed in 2-4 weeks, provided that you take proper rest and follow the recommended physical therapy. Some knee pain medications may also be prescribed. However, if your knee went through a serious ligament tear, then you may require a surgical procedure. This kind of injury may take 6-9 months to recover, that too only if you take rest and follow the physical therapy closely.

What Does a Hyperextended Knee Feel like - Recovery from a hyperextended knee

Knee hyperextension treatment procedure

First aid for knee hyperextension includes elevating the knee while lying down or sitting, icing the injury, or using crutches if available. Acetaminophen may be taken to relieve pain. Mild hyperextension may be relieved with rest and physical therapy, while a serious injury may need to be treated with surgery. You may need to wear knee brace for a couple of years to provide support to your injured knee, and accelerate the recovery process.

This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to What Does a Hyperextended Knee Feel like, we recommend you visit our Diseases & secondary effects category.

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