Things To Consider if you have Hypermobility

Joint hypermobility is a condition that affects as many as one in four people in the UK. Sometimes referred to as being double-jointed, it means you are unusually supple in some or all joints, and can move limbs into positions that other people find impossible.

In many cases, hypermobility is asymptomatic, which is why it is impossible to say how many people are affected with accuracy. Indeed, for some people it is an advantage, for example with athletes or dancers. However, hypermobility can also lead to problems including pain, stiffness, fatigue and an increased propensity to dislocations. This is known as joint hypermobility syndrome.

Symptoms and diagnosis of hypermobility syndrome

Most people with hypermobility have it from birth. But often, symptoms of hypermobility syndrome do not manifest or become a problem until later years due to contributing factors such as arthritis, weakening muscles or injury. Even then, symptoms vary from one person to the next. Having said that, they are likely to include some of the following:

• Feeling tired, even after rest
• Constant or regular pain and stiffness in your joints or muscles
• Susceptibility to sprains and strains
• Proneness to dislocating your joints
• Poor balance or co-ordination
• Thin, stretchy skin
• Bladder or bowel problems

If you think you have joint hypermobility syndrome, it is important to book an appointment with your GP, who will perform some tests. These will include observing the flexibility of your joints using a test called the Beighton scoring system.

You might also be referred for blood tests or x-rays to rule out other conditions that might be causing your symptoms. For example, the symptoms associated with hypermobility can also be indicative of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a connective tissue disorder that is caused by a faulty gene. This is less common than hypermobility disorder, and while it has similar symptoms, it can bring additional complications. So your GP can run some precautionary tests to ensure a correct diagnosis.

Living with hypermobility syndrome

There is no cure for joint hypermobility syndrome, but there are measures you can take to reduce the symptoms and their severity. The main treatment plan that your doctor will recommend is likely to revolve around improving muscle strength and fitness. This in turn will improve joints stability and afford them better protection.

Your GP is likely to refer you to a physiotherapist, occupational therapist or podiatrist for specialist advice and to work on a plan of low-impact exercises such as swimming, walking or cycling. These will reduce pain and the risk of dislocations by improving muscle tone, balance, posture and overall fitness. The GP might also prescribe pain medication and recommend other pain-relieving measures such as hot baths or heat-rub creams.

Knee and ankle supports help to control joint movement and for some can be a very effective way to prevent over-extension and related strains. 

There are several living and mobility aids that can help you to cope, get around and remain independent when living with hypermobility, too. These include the following:

Walking aids – staying active and exercising muscles is key to managing hypermobility and its symptoms. But that is not always easy, especially if you are prone to sprains or stiffness. A walking aid such as a rollator provides both physical support and psychological reassurance to give you confidence to get the exercise you need.

A wheelchair – obviously, walking is not always possible, especially if you have more severe symptoms or can only walk a short distance. A self-propelled wheelchair like the CareCo Ergo Pro is a great option if you have good upper body mobility and strength, as you can still get around independently, whether it is on a shopping expedition or going to work.

For longer trips, a mobility scooter is the perfect choice. And if hypermobility affects your wrists as well as your mobility, a powerchair is a good alternative, with simple controls that respond to the lightest touch.

Supportive seating – even the most active adults spend at least eight hours per day sitting down. If you are living with a condition like hypermobility, that figure is likely to be significantly higher; the importance of the right seating cannot be overstated.

Poorly designed chairs can lead to instability, fatigue, and increased pain, especially in the hips, knees, and lower back. Look for a chair where you can adjust the seat height, backrest angles, and armrests, to reduce pressure on hypermobile joints and support your posture.

A riser recliner could really transform your life, as it helps you get in and out of the chair smoothly, minimising strain and reducing the risk of a fall.

Simple aids for daily living – the symptoms associated with hypermobility can make seemingly simple household tasks frustratingly complicated. But a few low-cost living aids will make a world of difference.

For example, a push-button tin opener has hands-free operation and leaves no sharp edges, while a button hook and zip aid means you can get dressed and undressed in privacy and without frustration.

Getting the help you need

Hypermobility is very different to many other conditions, as it is something that you have probably lived with all your life. You might even have thought of it as something advantageous during your childhood and early adult years. This means that dealing with the negative aspects of hypermobility syndrome can demand a shift in perspective as well as physical adjustments.

No two people’s journeys are the same, so it is important that you speak to your doctor in order to understand what your symptoms mean and how best to manage them.

It is highly likely that you will also need to consult with a physiotherapist or occupational therapist. Hypermobility tends to increase the risk of suffering joint dislocations, which can mean the need for knee and hip replacements too. 

The good news is you are certainly not alone, and around two million people in the UK are living with the symptoms of hypermobility syndrome. As well as taking formal medical advice, you can find specialist support and information through the Hypermobility Syndrome Association.

You can also take a browse around your local CareCo to see the full range of mobility equipment and living aids that will make your life easier. We have showrooms across the UK, from Plymouth in the south to Glasgow in the north and at all points in between.