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Nov 28 Hypermobility Symptoms Revealed: Unmask Flexibility

Understanding Hypermobility: An Overview

Hypermobility, also known as joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS), is a condition where your joints have an unusually large range of movement. People with this condition can move their limbs into positions others find impossible or uncomfortable. This can be both a blessing and a curse. While it can potentially contribute to athletic prowess, it can also lead to various hypermobility symptoms that cause discomfort or even pain.

There is a spectrum of hypermobility, from simple flexibility to more severe conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). While some people won't experience any symptoms or problems related to their hypermobility, others may experience a range of issues including pain and fatigue. The exact cause of hypermobility is often unknown, but it is believed to be genetic, passed down through families.

Living with hypermobility can be challenging. The symptoms can affect daily living and, in some cases, may lead to long-term health problems. However, with the right care and management, individuals can lead healthy, active lives.

Symptoms of Hypermobility: What Are They?

The symptoms of hypermobility can range from mild to severe and vary greatly from person to person. Some may not experience any symptoms at all, whereas others may live with chronic pain. Hypermobility symptoms often include joint pain and stiffness, particularly after exertion or prolonged periods of inactivity. This discomfort can be widespread or localized to specific joints.

In addition to joint pain, other common hypermobility symptoms include fatigue, muscle pain, and recurrent sprains or dislocations. Individuals may also experience digestive problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome, and cardiovascular issues, such as an increased heart rate or low blood pressure. Some people may also have thin, stretchy skin or bruise easily.

A less common, but potentially serious symptom of hypermobility, is Chiari malformation. This is a condition where the lower part of the brain descends into the spinal canal. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, difficulty swallowing, and problems with balance and coordination.

How Hypermobility Affects Joints and Muscles

Hypermobility can have a significant impact on your joints and muscles. The increased flexibility can put added strain on your joints, muscles, and ligaments, leading to pain and discomfort. This strain is often due to the increased range of movement in the joints, which can lead to overuse and injury.

In addition, the muscles surrounding the hypermobile joints may have to work harder to provide stability. This can lead to muscle fatigue and pain. Over time, this can also lead to muscle weakness and reduced muscle mass.

Furthermore, individuals with hypermobility may also experience proprioception problems. Proprioception is the body's ability to sense its location, movements, and actions. It's what allows us to move freely without consciously thinking about our environment. In people with hypermobility, this sense can be impaired, leading to clumsiness or uncoordinated movements.

Causes of Hypermobility

Hypermobility is usually an inherited trait, meaning it runs in families. It's often associated with certain genetic conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or Marfan syndrome. These conditions affect the body's connective tissues, making them more flexible and stretchy than usual.

In some cases, hypermobility can also be acquired. For example, it can develop as a result of certain activities that place a high degree of flexibility demand on the joints, such as gymnastics or ballet. Age, sex, and ethnicity can also play a role, with young people, females, and individuals of certain ethnicities more likely to be hypermobile.

Diagnosing Hypermobility: How It's Done

Diagnosing hypermobility typically involves a physical examination and a detailed medical history. Your doctor may use the Beighton score, a simple system to assess the range of movement in your joints. This includes tasks such as bending your thumb back to touch your forearm and bending forward to place your hands flat on the floor without bending your knees.

Other diagnostic tests may include blood tests to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. In some cases, genetic testing may be recommended, particularly if there's a family history of a connective tissue disorder.

Living with Hypermobility: Practical Tips and Guidance

Living with hypermobility can be challenging, but there are ways to manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life. Regular exercise can help to strengthen your muscles and improve joint stability. However, it's important to avoid high-impact activities that can put additional strain on your joints.

Maintaining a healthy weight can also help to reduce stress on your joints. A balanced diet, rich in nutrients, can support overall health and wellbeing. It's also important to stay hydrated, particularly during physical activity.

In addition to these lifestyle changes, various therapies may be beneficial. These can include physical therapy, occupational therapy and pain management techniques. It's also crucial to get enough rest and to listen to your body. If you're feeling fatigued or if your joints are aching, take the time to rest and recover.

Treatment Options for Managing Hypermobility Symptoms

There's no cure for hypermobility, but there are various treatment options available to manage the symptoms. Pain relief is often a key focus, which can be achieved through over-the-counter painkillers, or in severe cases, prescription medications.

Physical therapy can be beneficial in managing hypermobility symptoms. A physical therapist can provide exercises to strengthen muscles and improve joint stability. This can help to reduce pain and prevent injuries. Occupational therapy can also be helpful, teaching you how to protect your joints during daily activities.

In rare cases, surgery may be recommended to treat severe joint problems. However, this is usually a last resort and is only considered when other treatment options have failed to provide relief.

Exercises to Improve Joint and Muscle Health in Hypermobility

Exercise is a crucial part of managing hypermobility symptoms. It can help to strengthen your muscles, improve joint stability, and reduce pain. However, it's important to choose exercises that are appropriate for your condition.

Low-impact exercises, such as swimming and cycling, can be particularly beneficial. These activities put less strain on your joints than high-impact exercises, such as running or jumping.

Strength training can also be beneficial, helping to build stronger muscles to support and protect your joints. Your physical therapist can provide a tailored exercise program that targets your specific needs and abilities.

In addition to these exercises, stretching and flexibility exercises can also improve joint and muscle health. However, it's important to be careful not to overstretch, as this can lead to injury.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Hypermobility Symptoms

If you're experiencing severe or persistent hypermobility symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention. This includes severe pain, frequent joint dislocations, or symptoms that interfere with your daily life.

Additionally, if you notice any new symptoms, such as sudden severe pain, swelling, or changes in the shape or color of your joints, you should seek medical attention immediately. These could be signs of a more serious underlying condition, such as a joint infection or a connective tissue disorder.

Conclusion: Hypermobility Management and Future Research

Living with hypermobility can be challenging, but with the right care and management, individuals can lead healthy, active lives. Understanding your condition, including the effects on your joints and muscles, the causes, and the symptoms, is the first step in managing your condition effectively.

Future research into hypermobility and its associated conditions is essential. Not only will it lead to a better understanding of these conditions, but it could also lead to more effective treatments and management strategies. In the meantime, if you suspect you have hypermobility, or if you're experiencing hypermobility symptoms, don't hesitate to seek medical advice.

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Sources:

American Family Physician (2021). Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders. American Family Physician, [online] 103(8), p.online–online. Available at: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2021/0415/p481-s1.html.
Cleveland Clinic (2021). Joint Hypermobility Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatments. [online] Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21763-joint-hypermobility-syndrome.
Versus Arthritis (n.d.). Joint hypermobility. [online] Versus Arthritis. Available at: https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/joint-hypermobility/.