Causes

There are several cases of hypermobility, such as misaligned joints and abnormally shaped bone ends in a particular joint. However, as in my case, it is when the collagen in the joint is faulty resulting in weakened ligaments, muscles and tendons. It can even lead to osteoporosis.

It has also been shown that the condition can be genetic and can be inherited. Double joint is used to describe people with the condition, but this is not accurate; there are no extra joints anywhere, just the tendency to stretch more than it should.

Results

In real terms, this means that an individual is prone to strains and sprains because the joints are overstretched causing these problems and is called “joint hypermobility syndrome.” So when someone can slip and be fine, someone with hypermobility can slip and end up with a sprain, which can be quite painful. Repetitive movements can also cause problems, such as repeatedly lifting a bag in a certain way, which puts stress on the joint and causes pain.

People with hypermobility can also suffer from muscle fatigue due to the muscles working harder due to joint weakness. It can also be associated with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, as well as physical symptoms. There are also studies that suggest that hypermobility can be a symptom of serious diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteogenesis imperfecta, and polio.

Hypermobility syndrome

Hypermobility syndrome is a combination of hypermobility with symptoms such as myalgia (muscle pain) and arthralgia (joint pain). It is common in children and is more likely to occur in women than in men.

As with hypermobility, it can lead to sprains and strains, as well as joint pain. It can cause early-onset osteoarthritis in the teens, as well as knee pain and back pain. Joints often make clicking noises when they move and sufferers find they have a poor response to anesthesia or pain relievers. It can often be the condition described as “growing pains” in children.

Treatment

Maintaining mobility is crucial for all aspects of hypermobility in trying to prevent recurring injuries. Exercise and physical therapy or hydrotherapy can help increase muscle strength to prevent injury, as well as low-impact exercises like Pilates. High-impact sports are not as recommended as jogging, as this can jolt the joints and cause injury.

Heat packs are good for relieving joint pain, and ice packs can work for swelling associated with a particular injury. Medications are given to reduce pain and inflammation, although some anti-inflammatory medications can make the condition worse.

Lastly, lifestyle changes can help manage the condition, such as sitting instead of standing for long periods and using a swim board to prevent hyperextension of the joints.

Conclution

Hypermobility is not a condition that can be “fixed”, but it can be managed with a combination of exercise and lifestyle management. If someone in the family has the condition, watch children as it manifests in them and the earlier it is diagnosed, the easier it will be to learn to manage it. I was 33 years old before I was diagnosed and I have a curve in my spine because of it. If I had been diagnosed when I was younger, this might not have been so bad. So stay alert and be aware.