Joint hypermobility has it's pros and cons. As someone who mildly suffers from hypermobility and joint laxity, I know it can be the frustrating cause of many aches, pains and injuries. So I thought I would write this article to help others who suffer with it.
Did you know, it also strangely has links to other medical conditions such as ADHD and autism, along with others. I'll discuss that in more detail below.
In this post I'll cover the following questions you might have about hypermobility:
So lets dig in and talk through the common questions about the condition
What is joint hypermobility?
Joint hypermobility is a condition where some or all of a person's joints have an unusually large range of movement. People with hypermobility are particularly supple and able to move their limbs into positions that others find impossible. Joint hypermobility is often referred to as having “loose joints” or being “double-jointed”. Many people with hypermobile joints don’t have any problems, and some people, such as ballet dancers, gymnasts, and musicians, may actually benefit from the increased flexibility. However, some people with joint hypermobility can have a number of unpleasant symptoms as well, such as pain, stiffness, sprains, and strains. If hypermobility occurs alongside symptoms such as these, it is known as joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS).
Joint hypermobility is often hereditary and runs in families. One of the main causes is thought to be genetically determined changes to a type of protein called collagen. Joint hypermobility is thought to be very common, particularly in children and young people, with some estimates suggesting that around one in every five people in the UK may have hypermobile joints. In many cases, the joints become stiffer with age, although joint hypermobility and its associated symptoms can continue into adult life.
Joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS) is a genetic condition that involves extreme flexibility along with pain and other symptoms. It is a connective tissue disorder, and thick bands of tissue (ligaments) hold the joints together. JHS can be a sign of a more serious underlying genetic condition, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which affects cartilage, bone, fat, and blood.
If you have joint hypermobility syndrome, there are things you can do to improve joint and muscle strength and reduce strain. For example, gentle exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, wearing supportive shoes, and wearing special insoles (orthotics) in your shoes if a podiatrist has recommended them can help. However, it is important not to overextend your joints just because you can and not to do repetitive exercises or activities – taking regular breaks (called pacing) is recommended.
What are the common symptoms of joint hypermobility?
Joint hypermobility can cause a range of symptoms, which can vary from person to person. Some people with hypermobility may not experience any symptoms, while others may experience a range of unpleasant symptoms. Here are some of the most common symptoms of joint hypermobility:
- Pain and stiffness in the joints and muscles
- Frequent joint and ligament injuries, including dislocations and sprains
- Joint and muscle stiffness
- Tiredness (fatigue)
- Clumsiness/poor balance
- Bladder and bowel issues
- Dizziness and fainting
- Thin, stretchy skin
- Clicking or popping joints
- Easy joint dislocation
- Headaches
- Fatigue/lack of energy
- Poor posture
- Balance and coordination problems
- Early-onset osteoarthritis
- Subluxations or dislocations, especially in the shoulder, or clicking joints
- Knee pain, back pain, prolapsed discs or spondylolisthesis
It is important to note that joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS) is a connective tissue disorder that involves extreme flexibility along with pain and other symptoms. If hypermobility occurs alongside symptoms such as these, it is known as joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS). If you or your child experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis who might refer you to a physiotherapist for a treatment plan.
What is the cause of joint hypermobility?
Joint hypermobility is often hereditary and runs in families. One of the main causes is thought to be genetically determined changes to a type of protein called collagen. Collagen is the protein that adds flexibility and strength to your joints, ligaments, and tendons. People with joint hypermobility syndrome have loose joints because they have weak ligaments, which are caused by the defect in their collagen. Hypermobile joints occur when the tissues holding a joint together, mainly ligaments and the joint capsule, are too loose. Often, weak muscles around the joint also contribute to hypermobility. The exact cause of joint hypermobility syndrome isn’t known, but it tends to run in families. In rare cases, hypermobile joints occur due to an underlying medical condition such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Marfan syndrome, and osteogenesis imperfecta.
In summary, joint hypermobility is often hereditary and caused by genetically determined changes to collagen, which leads to weak ligaments and loose joints. Weak muscles around the joint can also contribute to hypermobility. In rare cases, hypermobile joints occur due to an underlying medical condition.
How can you test for joint hypermobility?
There are several ways to test for joint hypermobility, including:
- Beighton scoring system: This is a test that doctors use to assess the flexibility of your joints. The Beighton scoring system measures joint hypermobility on a 9-point scale by assessing the flexibility of the knuckle of both little/fifth/pinky fingers, the base of both thumbs, the elbow, the knee, and the trunk. To be recognised as “globally hypermobile,” you must score at least 5/9 on the test.
- Physical examination: A doctor or physiotherapist can perform a physical examination to assess the range of motion of your joints.
- Blood tests or X-rays: These tests can help rule out any other conditions, like arthritis.
- Self-test: You can perform a self-test called Beighton’s hypermobility score to assess your joint range of motion. The test involves nine joint range of motion tests, including bending your little finger back at least 90 degrees, bending your thumb to touch the inside of your wrist, and bending your elbow backwards.
It is important to note that joint hypermobility is not always a problem, and many people with hypermobile joints do not experience any symptoms. However, if you or your child experience any symptoms such as pain, stiffness, sprains, and strains, it is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Can you do anything to treat hyper mobile joints?
If you have joint hypermobility syndrome, treatment will focus on relieving pain and strengthening the joint. Here are some things you can do to treat hypermobile joints:
1. Exercise: Gentle exercise can help to strengthen the muscles around the joint and reduce the risk of dislocations and sprains. Low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling are recommended if you've not been active before.
2. Physical therapy: A physiotherapist or occupational therapist can provide specialist advice and physical therapies to improve muscle strength and fitness, reduce pain, and improve posture and balance.
3. Pain relief: Your doctor may suggest you use prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers, creams, or sprays for your joint pain.
4. Joint protection: You can protect your joints during physical activity by using padding or braces.
5. Orthotics: Wearing special insoles (orthotics) in your shoes if a podiatrist has recommended them can help.
6. Avoid overextending your joints: It is important not to overextend your joints just because you can and not to do repetitive exercises or activities – taking regular breaks (called pacing) is recommended.
7. Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight can put extra strain on your joints, so maintaining a healthy weight can help to reduce pain and discomfort.
It is important to note that joint hypermobility is not always a problem, and many people with hypermobile joints do not experience any symptoms. However, if you or your child experience any symptoms such as pain, stiffness, sprains, and strains, it is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. There are also things you can do at home to treat acute injuries straight away.
Are there links between ADHD and hypermobility?
There is growing evidence of a link between joint hypermobility and neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD. A Swedish population study found that more than 50% of participants with a diagnosis of ADHD demonstrated elevated levels of hypermobility, compared with just 20% of participants from the general population. Another study found that adult ADHD and generalised joint hypermobility (GJH) are highly associated, with a fivefold increased odds compared with controls. Additionally, a study found that benign joint hypermobility syndrome (BJHS) was found in 31.5% of patients with ADHD and 13.9% of individuals in the control group.
The exact cause of the link between joint hypermobility and ADHD is not yet fully understood, but some researchers suggest that hypermobility may be a mediating factor for associated symptoms of dysautonomia and pain. There is also evidence to suggest that the neural structure within the two conditions may be correlated.
It is important to note that joint hypermobility is not always a problem, and many people with hypermobile joints do not experience any symptoms. However, if you or your child experience any symptoms such as pain, stiffness, sprains, and strains, it is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. If you or your child have ADHD and hypermobility, it may be beneficial to seek advice from a healthcare professional who can provide specialist advice and physical therapies to improve muscle strength and fitness, reduce pain, and improve posture and balance.
In conclusion, joint hypermobility is a condition where some or all of a person's joints have an unusually large range of movement. Joint hypermobility is often hereditary and caused by genetically determined changes to collagen, which leads to weak ligaments and loose joints. Joint hypermobility can cause a range of symptoms, including pain, stiffness, sprains, and strains. If you have joint hypermobility syndrome, treatment will focus on relieving pain and strengthening the joint. There is growing evidence of a link between joint hypermobility and neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD. It is important to note that joint hypermobility is not always a problem, and many people with hypermobile joints do not experience any symptoms. However, if you or your child experience any symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Overall, taking care of your joints and seeking medical advice when necessary can help you manage joint hypermobility and its associated symptoms.
