What is joint hypermobility syndrome?

Joint hypermobility syndrome is a condition that features joints that move beyond the normal range expected for a particular joint. 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. Hypermobile joints are sometimes referred to as "loose joints," and those affected are referred to as being "double jointed."
What causes joint hypermobility syndrome?
Hypermobile joints tend to be inherited in specific genes passed on by parents to their children. It is felt that these certain genes predispose to the development of hypermobile joints. As a result, there is a tendency for the condition to run in families (familial). 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 syndrome risk factors
Joint hypermobility is also a feature of a rare, inherited, more significant medical condition called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), which is characterized by weakness of the connective tissues of the body. Joint hypermobility is commonly seen in people with Down syndrome and in people with Marfan syndrome.

QUESTION
The term arthritis refers to stiffness in the joints. See AnswerWhat are the symptoms of joint hypermobility syndrome?
Because the joints are capable of excessive motion in people with joint hypermobility syndrome, they are susceptible to injury. Symptoms of joint hypermobility syndrome include pain in the knees, fingers, hips, and elbows. There is a higher incidence of joint dislocation and sprains of involved joints. Scoliosis (curvature of the spine) occurs more frequently in people with hypermobile joints and can lead to back pain. Joint hypermobility tends to decrease with aging as we become naturally less flexible.
Signs of the syndrome include:
- 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
- Ability to touch the thumb to the forearm
How is joint hypermobility syndrome diagnosed?
Joint hypermobility syndrome is diagnosed by examining affected joints and noting that they move easily beyond the normal range expected. For example, the middle of the fingers may bend backward more than usual. There is no blood test for hypermobility syndrome.
Which types of doctors treat joint hypermobility syndrome?
Doctors who treat hypermobility syndrome include general-medicine doctors, family medicine doctors, and internists, as well as rheumatologists, orthopedists, and physical-medicine physicians.
What is the treatment for joint hypermobility syndrome?
Often, joint hypermobility causes no symptoms and requires no treatment. Many individuals with joint hypermobility syndrome improve in adulthood. Treatments are customized for each individual based on their particular manifestations.
- Joint pain can be relieved by medications for pain or inflammation.
- Proper physical fitness exercises should be designed to avoid injury to the joints.
- Home remedies include home exercises and acetaminophen (Tylenol), as needed.
- Sometimes physical therapy can help with the rehabilitation of injured areas and can be especially helpful to prevent re-injury.
What is the prognosis for joint hypermobility syndrome?
Frequently, there are no long-term consequences of joint hypermobility syndrome. However, hypermobile joints can lead to joint pain. Over time, joint hypermobility can lead to degenerative cartilage and arthritis. Certain hypermobile joints can be at risk for injury, such as sprained ligaments.
Can you prevent joint hypermobility syndrome?
Because joint hypermobility syndrome is inherited, it is not preventable. Nevertheless, when joint hypermobility syndrome causes symptoms, prevention of injury and pain is possible by avoiding trauma and with appropriate treatments.
Subscribe to MedicineNet's General Health Newsletter
By clicking Submit, I agree to the MedicineNet's Terms & Conditions & Privacy Policy and understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet's subscriptions at any time.
Top Hypermobility Syndrome Related Articles
Arthritis: 16 Bad Habits That Cause Joint Pain
Being overweight, wearing uncomfortable shoes, or carrying a heavy purse can make joint pain and arthritis symptoms worse. Some bad habits increase inflammation and put you at risk of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Protect joints and muscles and prevent swelling and joint disorders by eliminating these joint problem bad habits.Down Syndrome
Get the facts on Down syndrome, a genetic disorder caused by an additional set of chromosomes in a developing fetus. Down syndrome signs and symptoms include distinctive facial features, growth retardation, and decreased mental function and IQ. Blood tests and ultrasound may be used to screen for Down syndrome but chromosome analysis of the fetus is needed to diagnose the condition. People with Down syndrome age more quickly and may develop Alzheimer's disease as young as age 40. Sometimes people are diagnosed with mosaic Down syndrome, in which case they have more than one type of chromosomal makeup.Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Ehlers-Danlos syndromes are genetic disorders that include symptoms such as loose joints, tissue weakness, easy bruising, and skin that stretches easily. There are seven types of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes: classical type, hypermobility type, vascular type, kyphoscoliosis type, arthrochalsia type, dermatosparaxis type, and tenascin-X deficient type. Treatment for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome depends on which symptoms and signs are present.First Aid Sprains/Strains
View this First Aid slideshow on Care and Pain Relief. See how to get pain relief if you've bumped your head, sprained your ankle, or had a bruise, strain, or some other minor injury.How Do You Make Your Joints Stronger?
Losing bone and muscle mass with age can lead to joint pain. Here are 5 tips to make your joints stronger so that you can keep joint problems at bay.Knee Joint Picture
The knee joint has three parts. See a picture of Knee Joint and learn more about the health topic.OA & Your Joints
Dealing with joint pain and arthritis? Learn why weight matters--and why NOT to stretch before exercise. See these solutions for joint pain and tips to protect your joints from damage.RA Friendly Exercises
Regular exercise boosts fitness and helps reverse joint stiffness for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). WebMD demonstrates helpful exercises to get you started.What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis causes an abnormal curvature of the spine. When the cause of scoliosis is unknown the disorder is described based on the age when scoliosis develops (infantile, juvenile, or adolescent idiopathic scoliosis). In functional scoliosis, curvature develops due to a problem somewhere else in the body. With neuromuscular scoliosis, there is a problem when the bones of the spine are formed. Treatment typically involves observation, bracing, and surgery and is dependent upon the severity of the curvature.Sprains and Strains
An injury to a ligament is called a sprain, and an injury to muscle or tendon is called a strain. Sprains and strains may be caused by repetitive movements or a single stressful incident. Symptoms and signs include pain and swelling. Though treatment depends upon the extent and location of the injury, rest, ice, compression, and elevation are key elements of treatment.