What is joint hypermobility?

Hypermobility is defined as joints that easily move beyond the normal range expected of that joint. You may have an awareness of being ‘double jointed’ or ‘loose jointed’. It is possible to have hypermobile joints and not have any difficulties or problems with the joint, and that is known as generalised joint hypermobility (GJH). GJH means you are asymptomatic and the extra range in certain joints doesn’t cause you any pain. Many dancers and gymnasts have GJH and it can be a great benefit to the individual as they have greater flexibility to perform challenging movements.

Hypermobility Syndrome

Syndrome is an association of several clinically recognised signs and symptoms reported by a patient that relate to one phenomenon. Hypermobility Syndrome was first coined by Kirk, Ansell and Bywaters in 1967 in response to the occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms in otherwise ‘healthy’ individuals (Grahame 2003). Hypermobility Syndrome tends to be inherited and is diagnosed by taking a medical history and a physical examination to assess skin elasticity and the range of movement in affected joints.

The joints may be loose and stretchy because the tissue that should make them stronger and support them are weak. The weakness is because the collagen that strengthens the tissues are faulty and excessively elastic, hence the laxity of tissues throughout the body including skin, gut, lungs and joints.

Joint hypermobility is commonly seen in people with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Downs Syndrome and Marafan Syndrome.

Signs & Symptoms of Hypermobility Syndrome include

Repeated joint sprains and strains
Often getting pain or stiffness in your joints or muscles
Keep dislocating your joints
Have poor balance and co-ordination
Have digestive problems like diarrhoea or constipation
Have thin stretchy skin

See your GP for further advice and guidance if you have these symptoms.

Treatment

There is no cure for hypermobility syndrome and the focus is to improve strength and stability in order to protect the joints and their wide range of movement. You can ask your GP to refer you for NHS physiotherapy or OT sessions. Alternatively, you can seek private therapy sessions to work on improving strength and fitness. By improving strength, fitness, posture and balance you will reduce the risk of injuries and increase stability.

Tips for daily living

Don’t

over exercise
high-impact exercise
over grip objects too tightly
over extend your joints just because you can.

Do’s

maintain a healthy weight
low impact exercise (swimming or cycling)
buy good pair of supportive shoes
if you have flat feet, use special insoles in your shoes to support your arch.

Summary

Generalised joint hypermobility – asymptomatic hypermobility

Hypermobility syndrome – Symptomatic variant of hypermobility that causes pain .

– Some people with Hypermobility spectrum disorders (such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome) do not have symptoms that affect their joints.