(Image from HypermobilityAssociation UK)
This handy chart from the Hypermobility Association shows the key signs and symptoms of hypermobility syndromes. But what do these actually mean and how do they affect people who live with these conditions?
Joint instability — partial and full dislocations of the joints are one of the most recognisable symptoms of these syndromes. Subluxing joints usually go back into place without the need for medical intervention but can cause damage and pain. Full dislocations are usually confirmed by X-rays and require medical intervention and significant recovery periods.
Stomach and digestive problems — a result of problems with the involuntary movement of muscles along the digestive tract. Complications such as irritable bowel syndrome can occur.
Chronic fatigue — poor sleep and constant pain are contributing factors to increased fatigue.
Bladder and bowel problems — these are muscular and therefore more stretchy. Often causes problems with incontinence and malfunction of the digestive tract.
Autonomic dysfunction — affects the control of many systems within the body including:
Control of heart rate
Blood pressure regulation
Digestion
Temperature control
Sweat glands
Urinary function
Sexual function and
Temperature control
6. Long-term and persistent pain — spread throughout the body affecting muscles, joints and the nervous system.
A significant amount of complex and difficult symptoms to manage affect the whole body and its ability to function properly on a day-to-day basis. Symptoms range widely across the different strands of Hypermobility (or Ehlers-Danlos) and each patient should be treated as an individual.
Ehlers-Danlos Association has more information here: https://www.ehlers-danlos.org/what-is-eds/information-on-eds/types-of-eds/
Stanford healthcare — Medical conditions and Autonomic Dysfunction: https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/brain-and-nerves/autonomic-dysfunction-failure.html
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