Hypermobile joints

• Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
• Down syndrome
• Marfan's syndrome
• Morquio syndrome
• cleidocranial dysostosis

Note: There may be other causes of hypermobile joints. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for hypermobile joints, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Home Care:
There is no specific care for the hypermobility. In many cases, people with hypermobile joints are at an increased risk for joint dislocation and other problems, so extra care may be needed to protect the joints. Consult your health care provider for specific recommendations.

Call Your Healthcare Provider If:

• the ability to move a joint suddenly changes or decreases.
• a joint suddenly appears misshapen (different than usual for that person)
• there is a loss of ability to use an arm or leg, or there is pain with movement of a joint.

What to Expect:
Hypermobile joints often accompany other symptoms that, taken together, define a specific syndrome or condition. A diagnosis is based on a family history, medical history and thorough physical evaluation.

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting hypermobile joints in detail may include:

• time pattern
  • When was it first noticed?
  • Is it getting worse or more noticeable?

• other
  • What other symptoms are also present (such as swelling or redness around the joint)?
  • Is there any history of joint dislocation , difficulty walking , or difficulty using the arms?

The physical examination will include detailed examination of the muscles and skeleton. The joints may be moved to determine the direction and extent of mobility.

Diagnostic testing will vary depending on what condition is suspected.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to hypermobile joints to your personal medical record.