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Hypermobile joints are joints that have a larger range of motion than normal joints. Some people who have hypermobile joints do not experience any symptoms and their quality of life is unaffected. Patients who have hypermobile joints and experience joint pain and other symptoms are said to have “hypermobility syndrome”. Other symptoms of hypermobility syndrome include stiffness, muscle tension, fatigue and the tendency to bruise easily. Fallen arches and flat-footedness are also common with hypermobility syndrome. Less common symptoms include hernias and varicose veins. Patients who suffer from hypermobility syndrome are prone to joint dislocations, which can cause a lot of pain. To find out whether you have hypermobility syndrome, a doctor will use the "Beighton test", which involves asking the patient nine questions...
The Beighton Test 1. Can you put your hands flat on the floor with your knees straight? 2. Can you bend your left elbow backwards? 3. Can you bend your right elbow backwards? 4. Can you bend your left knee backwards? 5. Can you bend your right knee backwards? 6. Can you bend your left thumb back on to the front of your forearm? 7. Can you bend your right thumb back on to the front of your forearm? 8. Can you bend your little finger on your left hand up at 90° to the back of your hand? 9. Can you bend your little finger on your right hand up at 90° to the back of your hand? If your answer to any of these is "yes", then you have some hypermobile joints. If you are able to perform five or more of these nine actions and suffer from joint pain and frequent dislocations, you are likely to be diagnosed with hypermobility syndrome. Some people have a few hypermobile joints, but not all of their joints are hypermobile, so it is important to bear in mind the other symptoms of hypermobility syndrome. Blood tests may be necessary in order to rule out rheumatic conditions that could be causing some or all of the symptoms. Hypermobility improves slightly with age, because all joints, including hypermobile joints, become less mobile with age. So there's something to look forward to! |
