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{{Infobox medical condition (new)
{{SI}}
| name            = Hypermobility
{{Infobox medical condition
| synonyms        = hyperlaxity, benign joints hypermobility syndrome (BJHS), <br>hypermobility syndrome (HMS)
| name            = Hypermobility (joints)
| image          = Hypermobile_fingers_and_thumb.jpg
| image          = [[File:Hypermobile_fingers_and_thumb.jpg|250px]]
| caption        = Hypermobile fingers and thumb
| caption        = Hypermobile fingers and thumb
| pronounce      =
| field          = [[Rheumatology]]
| field          = [[Rheumatology]]
| symptoms        =  
| synonyms        = Joint hypermobility, hyperlaxity
| complications  =  
| symptoms        = [[Joint pain]], [[joint instability]], [[muscle pain]]
| onset          =  
| complications  = [[Joint dislocation]], [[osteoarthritis]], [[chronic pain]]
| duration        =  
| onset          = Childhood or adolescence
| types          =
| duration        = Long-term
| causes          =  
| causes          = [[Genetic predisposition]], [[connective tissue disorders]]
| risks          =  
| risks          = Family history, female gender
| diagnosis      =  
| diagnosis      = [[Beighton score]], [[Brighton criteria]]
| differential    =  
| differential    = [[Ehlers-Danlos syndrome]], [[Marfan syndrome]], [[Osteogenesis imperfecta]]
| prevention      =
| treatment      = [[Physical therapy]], [[pain management]], [[joint protection]]
| treatment      =  
| frequency      = Common
| medication      =
| prognosis      =
| frequency      =  
| deaths          =
}}
}}
{{Short description|Condition characterized by joints that move beyond the normal range of motion}}


[[Hypermobility]] is a physiological condition characterized by the ability of joints to move beyond the standard range of motion, commonly referred to as double-jointedness. It can present itself in various ways, such as the ability to bend thumbs backwards to touch the wrist, knee joint hyperextension, or the ability to place a leg behind the head among other extraordinary movements. It may affect a single joint or multiple joints throughout the body.
==Hypermobility (joints)==
 
[[Hypermobility]] of the joints is a condition where certain joints in the body have an unusually large range of movement. This condition can be benign or associated with other medical conditions, such as [[Ehlers-Danlos syndrome]] or [[Marfan syndrome]]. Individuals with joint hypermobility may experience symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to significant pain and increased risk of injury.
==Epidemiology==
==Characteristics==
It's a common phenomenon, with an estimated occurrence in about 10% to 25% of the general population<ref name="pop_stat">.[2] Most individuals with hypermobility do not experience symptoms<ref name="asymptomatic">[3], but a subset may develop associated conditions related to joint instability, referred to as [[hypermobility syndrome]]<ref name="syndrome">[4].
Joint hypermobility is often identified by the ability to extend joints beyond the normal range. Commonly affected joints include the knees, elbows, wrists, and fingers. People with hypermobility may be able to touch their thumb to their forearm, bend their fingers back beyond the normal range, or hyperextend their knees and elbows.
 
==Causes==
==Association with Other Syndromes==
The exact cause of joint hypermobility is not always clear, but it is often hereditary. It is thought to be related to variations in the [[collagen]] structure, which affects the [[connective tissue]]'s elasticity. This can lead to increased flexibility in the [[ligaments]] and [[tendons]], allowing for greater joint movement.
In the past, there was an overlap between hypermobility syndrome and [[Ehlers–Danlos syndrome]] (EDS) hypermobile type, also known as EDS Type 3. The diagnostic criteria and treatments for these conditions are similar, leading to the suggestion by many experts that they should be regarded as a single condition until further research provides differentiation<ref name="overlap">[5][6]. As of now, no genetic test can definitively identify either condition.
==Symptoms==
 
While some individuals with hypermobility experience no symptoms, others may suffer from joint pain, frequent dislocations, and [[soft tissue]] injuries. Chronic pain and [[fatigue]] are also common complaints. In some cases, hypermobility is part of a broader syndrome that affects multiple systems in the body.
In 2016, the diagnostic criteria for EDS Type 3 was tightened with an aim to better isolate the group of patients for genetic study, as EDS Type 3 is the only variant of EDS that lacks a diagnostic DNA test. At the same time, hypermobility syndrome was redefined to exclude conditions that meet the diagnostic criteria for EDS Type 3 and other collagen disorders like [[Marfan syndrome]] and [[Osteogenesis Imperfecta]], and renamed as Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD).
==Diagnosis==
 
Diagnosis of joint hypermobility is typically based on a physical examination and the use of the [[Beighton score]], a system that assesses the range of motion in various joints. A score of four or more out of nine indicates hypermobility. Additional tests may be conducted to rule out associated conditions.
==Signs and Symptoms==
==Management==
===Joint Issues===
Management of joint hypermobility focuses on alleviating symptoms and preventing injury. This may include physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve joint stability, pain management strategies, and lifestyle modifications to avoid activities that may exacerbate symptoms. In some cases, [[orthotics]] or braces may be recommended to support hypermobile joints.
People with hypermobility syndrome may experience various issues related to their unstable joints. These can range from joint instability leading to frequent sprains, [[tendinitis]], and [[bursitis]], to more severe conditions like subluxations or dislocations, particularly in the shoulder<ref name="joint_issues">[7]. Other symptoms can include:
==Complications==
 
Individuals with joint hypermobility are at increased risk for joint dislocations, sprains, and [[osteoarthritis]]. In cases where hypermobility is part of a syndrome, there may be additional complications affecting the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, or other systems.
* Joint pain
==See also==
* Premature [[osteoarthritis]]
* [[Ehlers-Danlos syndrome]]
* Knee pain
* [[Marfan syndrome]]
* Fatigue following minimal exercise
* [[Connective tissue]]
* Back pain, including prolapsed discs or [[spondylolisthesis]]
* [[Collagen]]
* Joints making clicking sounds
* [[Beighton score]]
* Increased susceptibility to whiplash
[[Category:Musculoskeletal disorders]]
 
===Associated Conditions===
In addition to these issues, several conditions have been linked with hypermobility. This includes [[fibromyalgia]], [[mitral valve prolapse]], and anxiety disorders, including [[panic disorder]]<ref name="associated_conditions">[2]. Other conditions often associated with hypermobility syndrome include:
* [[Temporomandibular joint dysfunction]] (TMJ)
* Increased risk of nerve compression disorders, such as [[carpal tunnel syndrome]]
* Finger locking
* Inadequate response to anesthesia or pain medication
* "Growing pains" in children, usually experienced in the late afternoon or at night
 
==Diagnosis and Treatment==
The diagnosis of hypermobility is usually based on physical examination and patient history, with the Beighton score being commonly used as a quantitative measure. Treatment typically involves physical therapy, medication for symptom management, and lifestyle modifications.
 
[[Category:Rheumatology]]
[[Category:Syndromes]]
[[Category:Connective tissue diseases]]
[[Category:Medical conditions]]
[[Category:Genetic disorders]]
[[Category:Genetic disorders]]
{{stub}}
{{Systemic connective tissue disorders}}
{{Soft tissue disorders}}
[[Category:Ehlers–Danlos syndrome]]
[[Category:Disorders of fascia]]
[[Category:Syndromes]]
[[Category:Arthritis]]
[[Category:Skeletal disorders]]
[[Category:Rheumatology]]
[[Category:Contortion]]

Latest revision as of 04:47, 7 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics

Hypermobility (joints)
Synonyms Joint hypermobility, hyperlaxity
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Joint pain, joint instability, muscle pain
Complications Joint dislocation, osteoarthritis, chronic pain
Onset Childhood or adolescence
Duration Long-term
Types N/A
Causes Genetic predisposition, connective tissue disorders
Risks Family history, female gender
Diagnosis Beighton score, Brighton criteria
Differential diagnosis Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Marfan syndrome, Osteogenesis imperfecta
Prevention N/A
Treatment Physical therapy, pain management, joint protection
Medication N/A
Prognosis N/A
Frequency Common
Deaths N/A


Condition characterized by joints that move beyond the normal range of motion


Hypermobility (joints)[edit]

Hypermobility of the joints is a condition where certain joints in the body have an unusually large range of movement. This condition can be benign or associated with other medical conditions, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or Marfan syndrome. Individuals with joint hypermobility may experience symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to significant pain and increased risk of injury.

Characteristics[edit]

Joint hypermobility is often identified by the ability to extend joints beyond the normal range. Commonly affected joints include the knees, elbows, wrists, and fingers. People with hypermobility may be able to touch their thumb to their forearm, bend their fingers back beyond the normal range, or hyperextend their knees and elbows.

Causes[edit]

The exact cause of joint hypermobility is not always clear, but it is often hereditary. It is thought to be related to variations in the collagen structure, which affects the connective tissue's elasticity. This can lead to increased flexibility in the ligaments and tendons, allowing for greater joint movement.

Symptoms[edit]

While some individuals with hypermobility experience no symptoms, others may suffer from joint pain, frequent dislocations, and soft tissue injuries. Chronic pain and fatigue are also common complaints. In some cases, hypermobility is part of a broader syndrome that affects multiple systems in the body.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of joint hypermobility is typically based on a physical examination and the use of the Beighton score, a system that assesses the range of motion in various joints. A score of four or more out of nine indicates hypermobility. Additional tests may be conducted to rule out associated conditions.

Management[edit]

Management of joint hypermobility focuses on alleviating symptoms and preventing injury. This may include physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve joint stability, pain management strategies, and lifestyle modifications to avoid activities that may exacerbate symptoms. In some cases, orthotics or braces may be recommended to support hypermobile joints.

Complications[edit]

Individuals with joint hypermobility are at increased risk for joint dislocations, sprains, and osteoarthritis. In cases where hypermobility is part of a syndrome, there may be additional complications affecting the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, or other systems.

See also[edit]

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