What is Hypermobility?
Hypermobility means that joints can move beyond the normal range of motion. Many people have hypermobile joints ("being double-jointed") without any problems, and some sports people and dancers even benefit from it. However, for others, hypermobility is associated with pain, joint instability, and a range of other symptoms — a condition known as hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) or hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD).
Why Does Hypermobility Cause Problems?
In people with symptomatic hypermobility, the connective tissue (which gives joints their stability) is more stretchy and lax than normal. This can lead to joints that are unstable, prone to sprains and dislocations, and surrounded by muscles that work harder to compensate — causing pain and fatigue.
Symptoms of Symptomatic Hypermobility
- Widespread joint and muscle pain
- Joint instability and frequent sprains or dislocations
- Fatigue
- Soft, stretchy skin
- Digestive problems (IBS, acid reflux)
- Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) — dizziness on standing
- Anxiety and autonomic nervous system symptoms
Management
- Physiotherapy — the most important treatment, focusing on strengthening muscles around unstable joints
- Pain management — pacing, rest, and appropriate pain relief
- Occupational therapy
- Braces and supports for unstable joints
- Proprioception training — to improve joint position sense