Hypermobility

Hypermobility means a person’s joints move beyond a normal range of motion. Children who have a hypermobility disorder might experience it in one or more joints, and might say they have “loose joints” or describe themselves as “double jointed.”

Some children show symptoms of hypermobility in four or more joints, and might experience pain as a result. This condition is called benign joint hypermobility syndrome, or simply joint hypermobility syndrome. Though hypermobility itself is not considered a disability, in severe cases, hypermobility may cause pain or injury that could lead to longer-term functional issues.

Joint hypermobility is usually hereditary, and occurs more frequently in children than in adults. Between 10 and 15 percent of children have joint hypermobility. Females and people who have Asian heritage are more likely to have the condition.

Our genes produce a protein that supports healthy functioning of connective tissues such as joints, tendons and ligaments. Known in medical terms as “collagen,” this protein determines our natural flexibility. Hypermobility is often caused by a defect in the way the body produces collagen.

In rare cases, hypermobility in children is related to inherited disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or Marfan syndrome, that cause abnormalities in connective tissues.

Some common symptoms experienced by children who have joint hypermobility include:

• Joint and muscle pain
• Increased vulnerability to injuries, sprains and strains
• Flat feet and ankles that roll inward (or pronate)
• Frequent tripping or falling
• Possible delayed gross motor skills
• Abnormal walking patterns (also known as gait)

Specialists often discover hypermobility when a child comes in for another condition, such as:

• Joint pain or fatigue
• Deformities including flatfoot, bunions, clubfoot, dislocations, or developmental dysplasia of the hip
• Swollen joints
• Injuries including recurrent sprains or dislocations
• Developmental delay
• Clumsiness
• Abnormal walking patterns

Gillette Children’s specialists use the Beighton scale to determine if your child has joint hypermobility. The scale consists of the following hypermobility tests, each worth one point. If your child scores four or higher on the scale, they probably have joint hypermobility.

Beighton Scale

• Can you put your hands flat on the floor and keep your knees straight?
• Can you bend your right elbow backwards?
• Can you bend your left elbow backwards?
• Can you bend your right knee backwards?
• Can you bend your left knee backwards?
• Can you bend your right thumb to the front of your forearm?
• Can you bend your left thumb to the front of your forearm?
• Can you bend your right little finger 90 degrees, toward the back of your hand?
• Can you bend your left little finger 90 degrees, toward the back of your hand?

When you work with specialists at Gillette, you'll get a hypermobility treatment plan customized for your child. If there are few symptoms, treatment might not be necessary. With more severe symptoms, however, our experts might recommend treatments that include steps to help:

• Minimize pain
• Prevent injury
• Stabilize joint function

Here are a few of the treatment types specialists at Gillette might recommend for your child.

If your child has hypermobility, our multidisciplinary team of specialists will create a treatment plan specifically designed to meet their unique needs. Gillette experts also offer support for related issues, such as physical growth and joint pain.

Your child might meet with internationally recognized specialists in:

• Rheumatology
• Cardiology
• Medical Genetics and Genetic Counseling
• Orthopedics
• Physical therapy

At Gillette, you'll have a family-centered team that works closely with your primary care providers, teachers, and school or community therapists.