Learn About Hypermobile Joints

What is the definition of Hypermobile Joints?

Hypermobile joints are joints that move beyond the normal range with little effort. Joints most commonly affected are the elbows, wrists, fingers, and knees.

What are the alternative names for Hypermobile Joints?

Joint hypermobility; Loose joints; Hypermobility syndrome

What is some background information about Hypermobile Joints?

Children's joints are often more flexible than adults' joints. But children with hypermobile joints can flex and extend their joints beyond what is considered normal. The movement is done without too much force and without discomfort.

Thick bands of tissue called ligaments help hold joints together and keep them from moving too much or too far. In children with hypermobility syndrome, those ligaments are loose or weak. This may lead to:

  • Arthritis, which may develop over time, usually many years
  • Dislocated joints, which is a separation of two bones where they meet at a joint
  • Sprains and strains

Children with hypermobile joints also often have flat feet.

What are the causes of Hypermobile Joints?

Hypermobile joints often occur in otherwise healthy and normal children. This is called benign hypermobility syndrome.

Rare medical conditions associated with hypermobile joints include:

  • Cleidocranial dysostosis (abnormal development of bones in the skull and clavicle)
  • Down syndrome (genetic condition in which a person has 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46)
  • Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (group of inherited disorders marked by extremely loose joints)
  • Marfan syndrome (connective tissue disorder)
  • Mucopolysaccharidosis type IV (disorder in which body is missing or doesn't have enough of a substance needed to break down long chains of sugar molecules)
How do I perform a home exam for a Hypermobile Joints?

There is no specific care for this condition. People with hypermobile joints have an increased risk for joint dislocation and other problems.

Extra care may be needed to protect the joints. Ask your health care provider for recommendations.

When should I contact a medical professional for Hypermobile Joints?

Contact your provider if:

  • A joint suddenly appears misshapen
  • An arm or leg suddenly does not move properly
  • Pain occurs when moving a joint
  • The ability to move a joint suddenly changes or decreases
What should I expect during a doctor appointment?

Hypermobile joints often occur with other symptoms that, taken together, define a specific syndrome or condition. A diagnosis is based on a family history, medical history, and a complete physical exam. The exam includes a close look at your muscles and bones.

The provider will ask about the symptoms, including:

  • When did you first notice the problem?
  • Is it getting worse or more noticeable?
  • Are there other symptoms, such as swelling or redness around the joint?
  • Is there any history of joint dislocation, difficulty walking, or difficulty using the arms?

Further tests may be done.

Who are the top Hypermobile Joints Local Doctors?
2500 N State St, Dept Of Orthopedics, 
Jackson, MS 
 (4.5 mi)
Languages Spoken:
English

Gene Barrett is an Orthopedics provider in Jackson, Mississippi. Dr. Barrett and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hypermobile Joints. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Hypermobile Joints, and Tendinitis.

Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine
2500 N State St, 
Jackson, MS 
 (4.5 mi)
Languages Spoken:
English

Manjot Singh is an Internal Medicine provider in Jackson, Mississippi. Dr. Singh and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hypermobile Joints. His top areas of expertise are Lordosis, Low Potassium Level, Scoliosis, Spinal Fusion, and Osteotomy.

 
 
 
 
Learn about our expert tiers
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Orthopedics
Orthopedics

Mississippi Sports Medicine And Orthopaedic Center

1325 E Fortification St, 
Jackson, MS 
 (4.8 mi)
Languages Spoken:
English
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Larry Field is an Orthopedics provider in Jackson, Mississippi. Dr. Field and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hypermobile Joints. His top areas of expertise are Tennis Elbow, Tendinitis, Frozen Shoulder, Endoscopy, and Tenotomy. Dr. Field is currently accepting new patients.

What are the latest Hypermobile Joints Clinical Trials?
Fitness Integrative Training for Pediatric Rheumatology Disorders (FIT Teens II): a Pilot Feasibility Study

Summary: This study evaluates the feasibility of the Fitness Integrative Training program for Teens (FIT Teens 2), a combined cognitive behavioral therapy and neuromuscular exercise training program in patients with pediatric rheumatic diseases and/or joint hypermobility.

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Retrospective and Prospective Clinical Outcomes Study of the Zimmer® Nexel™ Total Elbow

Summary: The objectives of the study are to confirm safety and performance of the Zimmer Nexel Total Elbow when used in primary or revision total elbow replacement.

Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: October 22, 2022
Published By: Charles I. Schwartz MD, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, General Pediatrician at PennCare for Kids, Phoenixville, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

What are the references for this article ?

Ball JW, Dains JE, Flynn JA, Solomon BS, Stewart RW. Musculoskeletal system. In: Ball JW, Dains JE, Flynn JA, Solomon BS, Stewart RW, eds. Seidel's Guide to Physical Examination. 10th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2023:chap 22.

Clinch J, Rogers V. Hypermobility syndrome. In: Hochberg MC, Gravallese EM, Silman AJ, Smolen JS, Weinblatt ME, Weisman MH, eds. Rheumatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 216.