Hypermobility Syndrome
(Joint Hypermobility Syndrome)

Medical Author: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

• What is the joint hypermobility syndrome?
• What are the symptoms and signs of joint hypermobility?
• How is hypermobility syndrome treated?

What is the joint hypermobility syndrome?

The joint hypermobility syndrome is a condition that features joints that easily move beyond the normal range expected for a particular joint. The joint hypermobility syndrome is considered a benign condition. It is estimated that 10%-15% of normal children have hypermobile joints, or joints that can move beyond the normal range of motion. There is a tendency of the condition to run in families (familial). It is felt that certain genes are inherited that predispose to the development of hypermobile joints. Genes that are responsible for the production of collagen, an important protein that helps to glue tissues together, are suspected of playing a role.

Joint hypermobility is also a feature of a rare, but more significant medical condition called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome that is characterized by weakness of the connective tissues of the body. This condition is inherited in specific genes passed on by parents to their children.

What are the symptoms and signs of joint hypermobility?

Because the joints are capable of excessive motion in people with the joint hypermobility syndrome, they are susceptible to injury. Symptoms of the joint hypermobility syndrome include pains in the knees, fingers, hips, and elbows. There is a higher incidence of dislocation and sprains of involved joints. Scoliosis (curvature of the spine) occurs more frequently in people with hypermobile joints. Joint hypermobility tends to decrease with aging as we become naturally less flexible.

Signs of the syndrome are the ability to place the palms of the hands on the floor with the knees fully extended, hyperextension of the knee or elbow beyond 10 degrees, and the ability to touch the thumb to the forearm.

Next: How is hypermobility syndrome treated? »

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