Joint Hypermobility
What is joint hypermobility?
Joint hypermobility (JH) is common and often referred to as being ‘double jointed’. People with JH have very flexible joints and most have no symptoms or problems from their joints.
Some people with JH do have other symptoms associated with their JH such as muscle and joint pains and some level of fatigue. Clicking of joints is common in JH and is not a cause for concern. A sensation that the joint comes out of alignment (joint subluxation) is common and joint dislocation may also occur more rarely. JH is a spectrum with many people having no symptoms but a few having several problems and the new terminology of ‘hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) has replaced older terms such as EDS type 3 or joint hyper-mobility syndrome.
Some people with joint hypermobility may have features that fulfil the current clinical criteria for a particular classification of joint hypermobility called hypermobile EDS. This classification is to improve research into hypermobility and does not make a difference to the approach to general hypermobility treatment.
Most people with hypermobility can live full and active lives. Reassurance and gentle encouragement are often enough to help people stay active and in control. Some people may find physiotherapy or occupational therapy helpful to build the skills and confidence required. Treatment focuses on empowering you to manage your condition, stay strong and active, and do the things that matter to you, while reducing the risk of long‑term pain. If you have symptoms not related to your joints, your clinician can help make sure you get the right support.
There is often confusion regarding terminology in hypermobility as joint hypermobility can be one of many features in some rare genetic disorders such as classical or vascular Ehlers Danlos syndromes and Marfan syndrome for which there are known genetic causes. It is important to recognise that most people with hypermobile joints do not have these rare conditions but if you are concerned about genetic disorders, contact your GP team who can explore these concerns.