Hypermobility

Hypermobility is exaggerated joint mobility. It is higher in women than in men and affects approximately 10% of the population.

Joint hypermobility alone is not a serious rheumatic disease, indeed, most people have no discomfort associated with joint hypermobility. On the other hand there is an important group of the population (5% in women and 0.6% for men) in which hypermobility causes pain, repeated dislocations, and other symptoms, is called Joint Hypermobility Syndrome. Specialists in Rheumatology claim that the cause of the hypermobility is unknown but could be a hereditary disease.

Hypermobility symptoms

Although the symptoms of joint hypermobility are varied, the most common are pain in muscles and joints, especially in the legs. Symptoms appear without cause at times as a result of climate changes. People with hypermobility often have tendinitis, sprains, ankle sprains, neck stiffness or arthritis, among other diseases. Furthermore, the presence of chronic pain, lack of understanding of the disease and delayed diagnosis and treatment cause anxiety and depression.

Hypermobility diagnosis

The diagnosis of joint hypermobility syndrome is performed using a standard clinical criteria. In the differential diagnosis should be excluded osteogenesis imperfecta, Marfan's syndrome and fibromyalgia Ehler.Danlos etc..

Hypermobility treatment

There is no definitive treatment for joint hypermobility. The aim is to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications by avoiding stress on the joints. People with hypermobility should avoid contact sports or protect joints, wrist, knee, etc..

When the rest of the same inconvenience occur in the joints it is essential. Accompanied massage or medications if necessary. The rheumatologist must assess whether there may be risk of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, common in young adults with this condition.

Tips hypermobility

Patients with hypermobility should:

• Strengthening exercises and muscle stretching
• Playing sports that require great efforts such as swimming, yoga and other relaxation techniques

Hypermobility does not evolve into more serious pathologies. Although not heal and discomfort can become chronic, and early diagnosis and proper treatment can help improve the symptoms or prevent progression.