Hypermobility syndrome is a condition related to joints. The person affected with this condition is able to move his joint beyond its normal range. For example he can bend and touch his thumb to the wrist which a normal person cannot. It is a benign condition which occurs since birth and it is often inherited.
At least 10 to 15 percent of children have hypermobile joints, mainly the finger, knees, elbows and hip joint. Sometimes the joints are also called loose joints or double jointed due to their extreme flexibility. Many children having hyper mobile joint outshine in certain sports like gymnastics and ballet dancing.
Although not a serious disorder, hypermobility may cause pain in the joints and joint displacement. Unpleasant symptoms developing from hypermobile joints are grouped together to be called as hypermobility syndrome.
Causes Of Hypermobility Syndrome
Hypermobile joints are present since birth. Certain types of genes are responsible for it. These genes are passed on from parents to their child. Thus you can find many people in the same family having hyper mobile joints.
The gene that is responsible for manufacturing collagen is believed to be the cause. Collagen is protein which is found in ligaments and tissues.
Joint hypermobility is also seen in certain disorders such as Marfans syndrome, Down’s syndrome, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Hypermobile joints are more common in females as compared to male children.
Symptoms Of Hypermobility Syndrome
Hypermobile joints in many cases are symptomless. However, because of hypermobility, the joints are susceptible to injuries and dislocation. If a person manifests symptoms it is likely that he is suffering from hypermobility syndrome. In most cases the joints involved are finger joint, knee, elbow and hip joints. Hypermobility of joints can manifest wide range of symptoms.
- Pain in the joints experienced especially at night after day time physical activities.
- A click sound in the joints when it moves beyond the range of motion.
- Frequent injuries and dislocation of joints.
- Pain in back and neck due to scoliosis. It is a deformity of the spine as sometimes the spinal joints are also affected.
- Hypermobility can affect co-ordination of movement.
- Onset of early osteoarthritis and stiffness.
- Muscle fatigue.
Hypermobility can be easily diagnosed as the condition is quiet apparent. A person can easily move his joint beyond the normal range of motion. For example, he can bend the thumb backwards to touch the wrist. He can place his palms on the ground with full extension of his legs.
Natural Treatment For Hypermobility Syndrome
In many cases hypermobility of joints does not produce any symptoms and in such cases, no treatment is required. In many people joint hypermobility reduces as they age. However, if they suffer from pain and several other symptoms, relief can be obtained with pain medication and local hot fomentation of joint.
Stretching and several other physiotherapy exercises are recommended by the therapists. These exercises are focused on straitening the muscles and improve stability of the joint. Person has to follow instructions of the therapist as self management may cause injury.
Patient can prevent injuries by sitting crossed legs. He should keep his knees slightly bent when he stands and avoid popping fingers.