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Health Matters

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Hypermobility

What is hypermobility? 

Hypermobility means some or all the joints have an extended movement range, a person with hypermobility may be particularly flexible.

Joint hypermobility happens occurs when the connective tissue between joints muscles and tendants is more stretch and loose than normal. This results in flexible joints which can easily extend beyond the normal range.

Hypermobility is often first pick up on in childhood and if commonly referred to as ‘double jointed’.

The effect of hypermobility greatly varies between individuals. With mild hypermobility there is little effect on normal life and treatment is not required.

In severe cases hypermobility can cause pain, joint dislocation and a sufferer may be more prone to injury.

Who is affected?

Hypermobility is more prominent in certain racial groups and a higher proportion of women than men, this is because female hormones naturally increase flexibility. In many cases, the condition is hereditary.

In rare cases, joint hypermobility is part of an uncommon, serious condition affecting the tissue protein, such as osteogenesis imperfecta - affecting the bones, Marfan Syndrome affecting the heart, eyes and blood vessels and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
There are many different types of Ehler-Danlos Syndrome; symptoms include bruising, lens dislocation and skin changes.

What are the symptoms?

Some people with hypermobile never experience any symptoms. Being hypermobile doesn’t necessarily mean you will ever experience related pain or difficulties.

If you do experience symptoms, it’s likely you have Hypermobility Syndrome - HMS.

Symptoms include

• Painful joints, with increased pain after exercise
• Sustained tiredness
• Susceptible to bruising
• Stiff, tense joints
• Joint pain worsening throughout the day
Hypermobility can in some cases lead to hernias, varicose veins, flat arched feet, foot ache or backache.

Hypermobile sufferers are more susceptible to injury if they overstretch. Joints may dislocate when overstretched, particularly the shoulder.

What treatments are available?

Exercise - research shows mild physical activity can help strengthen muscles around the affected joints therefore increasing the muscle support to the affected area.
Sustained general - fitness will ensure good blood flow around the body and keep the joints healthy.

Painkillers  - painkillers including paracetamol can be used block pain. Stronger painkillers such as codydramol are available on prescription if required. Ibuprofen can be used to ease joint swelling.

Steroid injections - can reduce pain and swelling. Steroid injections must be used with care as side effects include scarring and increase the risk of tendon rupture.

Surgery - is not commonly used to treat hypermobility as the joints tissue does not heal well, and it can lead to osteoarthritis. The exception is a ruptured tendon, which requires surgery.