Joint hypermobility means that some or all of the joints have an unusually large range of movement. Someone with hypermobility is particularly supple and able to move their limbs into positions that other people find impossible.
Hypermobile joints affect people to different extents:
- Those with mild hypermobility may hardly be affected by it and may not need treatment.
- Those with more severe hypermobility, or hypermobility syndrome, may experience pain, dislocated joints and injuries.
Who is affected?
Joint hypermobility affects women more than men, because female hormones increase flexibility.
It's often first noticed in children who can bend into unusual positions (often referred to as ‘double-jointed’).
What causes it?
There are different causes of joint hypermobility, but it is often hereditary (runs in families).
It often occurs because the connective tissue in the joints and ligaments is particularly loose and stretchy. This is because the protein fibres inside the connective tissue, called collagen, are altered. As a result, the joints can extend further than usual.
See Causes, for information on other causes.
How serious is it?
Occasionally, joint hypermobility is part of a rare and serious condition that affects the tissue protein, such as:
- Osteogenesis imperfecta (affects the bones).
- Marfan Syndrome (affects the heart, eyes and blood vessels).
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (causes easy bruising and stretchy skin).
Joint
Joints are the connection point between two bones that allow movement.
Pain
Pain is an unpleasant physical or emotional feeling that your body produces as a warning sign that it has been damaged.
Tissue
Body tissue is made up of groups of cells that perform a specific job, such as protecting the body against infection, producing movement or storing fat.
Heart
The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood around the body.
Blood vessels
Blood vessels are the tubes in which blood travels to and from parts of the body. The three main types of blood vessels are veins, arteries and capillaries.
Continue to next section: Symptoms of joint hypermobility