Ehlers-Danlos syndrome has no cure, but medication will help you control the symptoms and avoid complications.
Prescription drugs
Your doctor can prescribe drugs to help you control:
The mainstay of medication is over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), and naproxen sodium (Aleve). Acute injuries necessitate the use of more potent drugs.
- High blood pressure Since certain cases of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome have more delicate blood vessels, and your doctor will want to keep the blood pressure down to minimize the stress on the vessels.
Physical therapy treatment in EDS patients
Dislocations are more common in joints with poor connective tissue. The primary treatment for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is muscle strengthening and joint stabilization exercises. Your physical therapist can recommend specific braces to help avoid joint dislocations.
Surgical and other interventions
Repairing joints damaged by repeated dislocations and improving ruptured areas in blood vessels and organs can necessitate surgery. However, since the stitches may cut through the delicate tissues, the surgical wounds may not heal properly.
Home remedies to avoid EDS outcomes
It’s essential to avoid accidents if you have Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Here are some steps you should take to protect yourself.
- Make an informed decision regarding sports: Walking, swimming, tai chi, recreational riding, or using an elliptical or stationary bike are all excellent options. Contact sports, weightlifting, and other practices that put you at risk of injury should be avoided. Reduce the amount of tension on your hips, knees, and ankles.
- Take a moment to relax your jaw: Stop chewing gum, hard rolls, and ice to secure your jaw joint. Close your mouth while you’re having dental work done.
- Put on comfortable footwear: Wear laced boots with sufficient arch support to help avoid ankle sprains.
- Improve your sleeping habits: Help and cushioning for sore joints can be provided by body pillows and super-dense foam mattresses. Sleeping on your one side can also be beneficial.
Coping and assistance
It’s challenging to live with a chronic disease for the rest of your life. You can face difficulties at home, at work, and in your relationships with others, depending on the seriousness of your symptoms. Here are a few ideas that could help you cope:
- Expand your skills: Learning more about Ehlers-Danlos syndrome will help you manage your symptoms. Find a doctor who is well-versed in the treatment of this condition.
- Inform others: Inform your family, friends, and employer about your condition. Inquire with your boss about any accommodations that you believe would help you be a more efficient employee.
- Build a network of people that can support you: Develop supportive and loving relationships with family and friends. It can also be beneficial to speak with a counselor or a member of the priesthood. People may join support groups online or in-person to discuss their shared experiences and possible solutions to problems.
Assisting your child to cope with EDS
If you have a child who has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, consider the following recommendations to support your child:
- Maintain a sense of normalcy: Treat your child as if he or she were another child. Request that others, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and teachers, do the same.
- Keep an open mind: Allow your child to say how they feel about having Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, even if it means getting upset. Ascertain that your child’s teachers and other caregivers are aware of his or her illness. Review proper caregiving skills with them, particularly in the event of a fall or injury.
- Encourage people to engage in healthier activities: Encourage your child to engage in physical activity within reasonable limits. Encourage non-weight-bearing practices like swimming while discouraging contact sports. Your child’s doctor or physical therapist may have some suggestions as well.
