Elbow hyperextension is a common sports injury that most often affects goalkeepers in handball and soccer, but can also occur from falls or contact sports. The injury involves the elbow joint being pushed beyond its normal range of motion, causing intense pain and sometimes swelling immediately after the injury.
What is hyperextension of the elbow?
The elbow joint is a hinge joint made up of the upper arm bone (humerus) and the forearm bones (radius and ulna). The joint is stabilized by muscles, tendons, and ligaments that together control movement. During hyperextension, the elbow is pushed beyond its natural outer position, which can damage the soft tissues and ligaments around the joint.
Common causes & risk factors
Elbow hyperextension is often caused in connection with sports, especially in goalkeepers in handball and football who reflexively save balls with their arms outstretched. The force from the ball pushes the joint beyond its normal range of motion and causes the pain. The injury can also occur in explosive contact sports such as American football or in falls where the arm bears the body weight. In some people, a congenital hypermobility in the joint can increase the risk of developing hyperextension.
Symptom
- Sudden, intense pain at the time of injury
- Pain when fully extending the elbow
- Local swelling over the joint
- Possible discoloration due to minor bleeding
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Feeling of instability or tenderness when carrying weight
When should you seek medical attention?
Contact your healthcare provider if the pain is severe, if the swelling does not go down within a few days, or if the elbow feels unstable when moving.
Recommended protection & support
When overextending the elbow, it is important to prevent further overextension. An elbow brace that is specifically designed to limit movement in the joint provides effective protection and allows continued training and activity without the risk of re-injury to the joint. Compression elbow braces can also relieve pain and swelling and contribute to increased circulation in the injured area.