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Hypermobile joints

Definition

Hypermobile 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)

• Down syndrome (genetic condition in which a person has 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46)

• Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (group of inherited disorders marked by extremely loose joints)

• Marfan syndrome (connective tissue disorder)

• Mucopolysaccharidosis type IV (disorder in which body is missing or doesn't have enough of a substance needed to break down long chains of sugar molecules)

Home Care

There is no specific care for this condition. People with hypermobile joints have an increased risk for joint dislocation and other problems.

Extra 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, your medical history, and a complete physical exam. The exam includes a close look at your muscles and bones.

Your 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 VJ. Hypermobility syndrome. In: Hochberg MC, Gravallese EM, Smolen JS, van der Heijde D, Weinblatt ME, Weisman MH, eds. Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 217.

Review Date: 10/20/2024

Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.