What is hypermobility?
Hypermobility occurs when your joints are too flexible. Joints are parts of your body where two bones come together. Most joints flex and allow your body to move. Some examples of joints are your shoulders, elbows, wrists, fingers, knees, ankles and toes.
What is hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorders?
Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) (A-lurz DAN-loss SIN-drome) and hypermobility spectrum disorders are conditions in which your joints stretch more than normal. People with these conditions are at risk of injury because their joints are too flexible.
People with hypermobile EDS/hypermobility spectrum disorders may be at risk for other medical problems, such as:
Abdominal cramps, bloating, loose stools or constipation
Angst
Bladder problems
Chronic pain
Dizziness when standing up
Easy bruising
Fatigue
Joint problems such as arthritis and dislocation
Skin healing problem(s)
How will my doctor diagnose my condition?
Your doctor will examine you to see how flexible your joints are. Your doctor will also check your skin and eyes and listen to your heart. They can use tests (including blood tests) to determine which hypermobile condition is present.
Different people have different amounts of joint flexibility, skin problems and other medical conditions. People with more of these symptoms may have hypermobile EDS, which is usually more severe than hypermobility spectrum disorders.
Sometimes these conditions can cause more serious problems with your eyes, blood vessels, or heart. Ask your doctor if you need more tests for these problems.
What should I do if I have one of these conditions?
There is no cure, but you can often manage your symptoms by making healthy choices. By taking good care of your body, you can prevent joint damage and arthritis in the future.
Fysical activity
You should stay active but avoid activities that put too much strain on your joints. Activities to avoid include golfing or swinging a bat.
Do not overstretch. Instead, focus on gentle activities that make you stronger and your joints more stable. Good activities include walking, cycling and water aerobics. Walk slowly to avoid getting too tired. Avoid activities that cause pain after they are over.
Your doctor and physiotherapist can tell you which exercises you should do.
Taping or strengthening joints that are too flexible can help prevent injury by providing extra support.
Tai chi (TY-CHEE, a form of exercise that uses slow, controlled movements) can help reduce falls and reduce pain in conditions such as hypermobile EDS.
Good posture at home and at work can help prevent pain and injury. Physiotherapists and ergonomic specialists (people who study how our bodies work best with furniture and machines) can help you with good posture.
See AlsoWill you be more flexible?
Healthy lifestyle
Your body repairs itself during sleep; try to get seven to eight hours of sleep per night. night.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Eat healthy; websites likehttps://www.choosemyplate.govInhttps://oldwayspt.orghas good information about healthy eating.
Do not drink more than one to two alcoholic drinks per day. Don't smoke or use drugs.
Mental health
Relaxation, meditation and massage can help reduce pain and manage stress.
A form of counseling called cognitive behavioral therapy can help people with hypermobile EDS move and feel better.
Sometimes patients with hypermobile EDS feel like they are a burden to others. Talking about these feelings with family, friends or a counselor can help.
Maintain a purpose in life through work and hobbies and by helping others.
Other treatments
Medicines such as acetaminophen (one brand: Tylenol) and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (one brand: Advil) may be used if your pain flares up.
Applying heat or cold can reduce the pain.
If you faint or feel dizzy, tell your doctor. Getting up slowly, wearing support stockings and drinking at least eight glasses of water a day can help.
You may not respond as other people do to anesthetics used in medical procedures. Ask your doctors how this may affect your care during and after a medical procedure.
Your primary care physician will manage your care. It may involve a team of people, such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, consultants and other types of doctors.
The more you understand your condition, the more you can help yourself live a better life. You can also help the people who care about you to help you even better.
Where can I get more information?
The Ehlers-Danlos Association
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC652wu-mvi2ghwQN-is7LIQ/videos(patient education videos)
The Hypermobility Syndrome Association
UW Health: Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders
