Joint hypermobility (including Ehlers-Danlos syndrome)

Overview

Many flexible people have no problems. Some have pain, sprains, dislocations, or tiredness.

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of inherited conditions that affect connective tissue.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Very flexible joints with pain
• Very flexible joints that slip or dislocate easily

Less common

• Sprains
• Easy bruising
• Stretchy skin

When to get medical care

Causes

Genes.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
• It can run in families. Tell your doctor if a parent, brother, or sister has it.

Who is more likely to get it

• Family history

Possible complications

• POTS

Diagnosis

Exam.

The exam

Beighton score.

Treatment

Strengthen.

Self-care

• Physical therapy
• Avoid overstretching

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Strength training

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an orthopedist (bone and joint doctor).
• A physical therapist can help with exercises to rebuild strength and motion.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Women: More common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Manageable.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• Do I have EDS?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Joint hypermobility (including Ehlers-Danlos syndrome)