Hypermobile joints
Joint hypermobility; Loose joints; Hypermobility syndromeHypermobile joints are joints that move beyond the normal range with little effort. Joints most commonly affected are the elbows, wrists, fingers, and knees.
Considerations
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.
Causes
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)
Cleidocranial dysostosis
Cleidocranial dysostosis is a disorder involving the abnormal development of bones in the skull and collar (clavicle) area.
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Down syndrome
Down syndrome is a genetic condition in which a person has 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46.
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Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of inherited disorders marked by extremely loose joints, very stretchy (hyperelastic) skin that bruises easil...
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Marfan syndrome
Marfan syndrome is a disorder of connective tissue. This is the tissue that strengthens the body's structures. Disorders of connective tissue affect...
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Mucopolysaccharidosis type IV
Mucopolysaccharidosis type IV (MPS IV) is a rare disease in which the body is missing or does not have enough of an enzyme needed to break down long ...
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Home Care
There is no specific care for this condition. People with hypermobile joints have an increased risk for joint dislocation and other problems.
Joint dislocation
A dislocation is a disruption of the normal position of the ends of two or more bones where they meet at a joint. A joint is the place where two bon...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleExtra care may be needed to protect the joints. Ask your health care provider for recommendations.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
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 to Expect at Your Office Visit
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.
References
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.
Hypermobile joints - illustration
Hypermobile joints are joints that move beyond their normal range of motion with little effort from the individual.
Hypermobile joints
illustration
Review Date: 10/22/2022
Reviewed 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.