Joint hypermobility syndrome

Hypermobility means your joints are more flexible than other people's (you may think of yourself as being double jointed). When this causes pain, it might be joint hypermobility syndrome.

See a GP if you:

• often get pain or stiffness in your joints or muscles
• keep getting sprains and strains
• keep dislocating your joints (joints "pop out")
• have poor balance or co-ordination
• have thin, stretchy skin
• have digestive problems like diarrhoea or constipation

These can be symptoms of joint hypermobility syndrome.

Treating joint hypermobility syndrome

There's no cure for joint hypermobility syndrome.

The main treatment is improving muscle strength and fitness so your joints are protected.

Ask your GP to refer you to a physiotherapist or occupational therapist for specialist advice. You can also book them privately.

They can help you:

• reduce pain and risk of dislocations
• improve muscle strength and fitness
• improve posture and balance

Joint care you can do yourself

To improve joint and muscle strength, and reduce strain:

What causes joint hypermobility syndrome

Joint hypermobility syndrome usually runs in families and can't be prevented.

Usually, the joints are loose and stretchy because the tissues that should make them stronger and support them are weak.

The weakness is because the collagen that strengthens the tissues is different from other people's.