People with hypermobile joints can extend their joints further than most other people. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you will have problems or pain with your joints. However, Hypermobility syndrome (HMS) is when you show symptoms, such as joint pain and stiff joints. Joint hypermobility can also be part of a rare condition such as Marfan syndrome and Elhlers-Danlos syndrome.

What causes hypermobility syndrome and who can get it?

Joint hypermobility is when the tissue in your joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments are more stretchy and flexible than in other people. It can be due to problems with your collagen, which is found in your tendons, ligaments and cartilage. This type of hypermobility can be passed on through genes.

You are more likely to experience joint hypermobility if you are a girl because female hormones make you more flexible. It is also more common in young people because as you grow older your joints gradually become less flexible.

What are the signs and symptoms of hypermobility syndrome?

If you have HMS you might feel pain in your joints, especially after you’ve been playing sport. You will also experience tiredness and stiff joints and might have a tendency to bruise easily.

HMS can sometimes lead to hernias, varicose veins, foot ache and backache. You will also be more vulnerable to injuries. For example, a joint might dislocate if you overstretch.

How is a hypermobility syndrome normally diagnosed and treated?

You will have a series of physical tests to look at your joint flexibility, which asks questions like ‘Can you put your hands flat on the floor with your knees straight?’ In addition to this you will also be diagnosed using the Brighton criteria. It looks at symptoms such as joint pain and dislocation problems.

As part of your treatment, a physiotherapist will show you exercises to help you build up your muscle strength: this helps to stabilise joints and reduce symptoms. Muscle relaxation techniques, as well as yoga and pilates, are also good treatments.

You can control pain with painkillers such as paracetamol, while anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen will relieve swelling and pain.

Wearing splints or supports can help relieve elbows and knees, while elastic bandages can give you better stability. However, it is important not to wear splints for too long, as this can lead to muscle weakness, which can make the pain worse.

Remember to drink plenty because water is essential for healthy tissues.

Looking forward

People with hypermobile joints might be more likely to get osteoarthritis in later life. Osteoarthritis affects the cartilage within your joints.

However, having hypermobile joints and being extra flexible can also be a positive asset. Gymnasts, ballerinas and musicians are just some of the professionals who can benefit from hypermobile joints.

For more help and information

Visit the Hypermobility Syndrome Association

Last reviewed by Great Ormond Street Hospital: 29 August 2007

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