Treatment of Knee Hyperextension

Treatment of a hyperextended knee will vary on a case by case basis. Specifically, the method(s) of treatment chosen by a doctor will be contingent upon the strength of the athlete’s knee joint, their medical history, and their desire to return to athletic competition. Further, the severity of the hyperextension (whether or not ligament or cartilage damage was sustained) will also affect the treatment process. Some common methods of treating knee hyperextension include:

• Anti-inflammatory medications may be used in order to reduce swelling of the knee joint.
• RICE (resting, icing, compressing and elevating the knee) is advised.

  See The P.R.I.C.E. Protocol Principles

• In traumatic incidences, surgery may be necessary to repair damage that occurred during the hyperextension of the knee. Typically, this process will be aimed at repairing and reconstructing ligaments and meniscus.

  See Meniscal Tear Treatment

• If surgery is necessary, physical therapy will follow to restore strength and range of motion to the athlete’s knee joint.

Though treatment of a knee hyperextension will vary on a case to case basis, surgery will typically only be necessary for the more severe instances of the condition.