Explain to your doctor what caused the injury as well as how long the pain has lasted. Knee hyperextension can cause injuries and tears to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). Severe ligament injuries may need surgery.
It can take between 2-9 months to recover from ACL or PCL surgery. At the beginning, you may need to walk on crutches. [4] X Research source
For minor hyperextension issues, you may not need physical therapy. Your doctor may just recommend low-impact exercises for a few weeks.
Your doctor will tell you when it is okay to resume these activities again. Minor injuries may heal within 2-4 weeks while more serious injuries may take between 4-12 months. [7] X Research source
Keep your brace on constantly throughout the day. A neoprene brace will both protect your knee and provide gentle compression, which can help reduce pain and swelling while your knee heals.
It’s especially important to ice recent injuries. [11] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Go slowly at first. Even if you were active before the injury, straining your knee too early may worsen your hyperextension. You should not feel pain during or after exercise. If you do, stop what you are doing and rest your knee. Your physical therapist may advise you to do your exercises up to 3 times a day. [14] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
If you are on crutches, talk to your doctor about the best way to stay active during your recovery period. Walking on a treadmill or elliptical can also help improve your strength while recuperating from a hyperextended knee.
