Hyperextended Elbow

Dued · 08-24-2006, 08:11 AM

I hyperextended my elbow 2 weekends ago. A 300+lb buddy of mine fell and rolled on my arm while I lay face first (or down) on a trampoline. Long story short, the pain was excruciating I had thought I had probably broken something but luckily a med school bound friend of mine pointed out that it was probably just a ligament strain etc. and I iced it down/took some advil.

I went to the doctor like 2 days after it happened just to make sure everything was alright, he said since it was in significantly less pain than before it was healing fine. I was recommended not to do any heavy lifting of any sort. Went back early this week to get a follow-up I still have some pain from wikipedia's diagrams I think its the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow, there is also some pain in the what I believe is called Flexor dioiturum profundus (muscle? or ligament or whatever) on the forearm. The doctor said it will take maybe another 2 weeks or more to heal and possibly come back for an ultrasound in 2 weeks if it is still painful, and again he suggested no lifting at all (at least arm exercises or exercises that lengthen/stress that area of the arm).

I was just curious whether there are any stretches etc. to help with the healing of this area, all the doctor suggested was maybe some inflammatory medication or something just to deal with the pain but no real opinions on rehab work.

thanks in advance to anyone that can help out.

Keith Scott · 08-24-2006, 08:23 AM

It needs time to heal and you have to let that happen. Take your time with it. With that said, you can do basic ROM exercises within a pain free range. Once you get to the point where it doesnt hurt, things can start to back to normal slowly. Its probably your joint capsule more than anything that is sprained, along with your collateral ligament(s)......my guess is medial.
Bottom line, it needs active rest.

The biggest problem I have seen with this very injury outside of sports, is sleeping. Be careful not to get it caught in a bad position at night. This can stretch out area even more.

Dued · 08-25-2006, 08:17 AM

thanks for the quick reply keith

Yeah I am being careful about the arm so far, I will probably rest it this entire week. I do basic ROM exercises (weight free). It is healing better I feel it getting better. During sleeping I try and sleep face up and thus prevent my arm from tangling.

thanks again.

Keith Scott · 08-25-2006, 10:01 AM

You can start putting some moist heat on it too. That will help.