There are several different Ehlers-Danlos syndromes – A collection of disorders that affect the stretchiness and strength of supporting tissues in the body. These tissues support the skin and joints and those that support blood vessels and internal organs. They have a wide range of effects, ranging from very minor to extremely severe pain of joints, especially the hip joint.
EDS patients suffer from difficulties when it comes to the creation and structure of connective tissue in the body. Skin, muscles and ligaments, blood arteries, and heart valves are all made up of connective tissue, an extremely important body component.
While some persons with EDS may have mild or non-existent symptoms that go unnoticed, for others with EDS, the symptoms can be severe, life-altering, and even life-threatening.
Affected tissues include the skin (which can become extraordinarily flexible and, in some cases, fragile), joints (which can become ‘double-jointed,’ and bones which can become brittle (hypermobile). Many types can induce nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue, generalized pain, and restless sleep, among other things. Several different body sections are affected, such as the blood vessels, the digestive tract, the eyes, the teeth, and the heart valves.
What is Hypermobility Syndrome/Hypermobility hip dysplasia?
Many names have been given to the hypermobility spectrum syndrome, including “benign joint hypermobility syndrome.” Over-flexible or extra-flexible joints are referred to by various characters, all of which pertain to the same medical issue.
While many people identify joint problems with the elderly, hypermobility is a condition that primarily affects children and adolescents.
It is expected that between 10-15 percent of healthy youngsters will have hypermobile joints at some point in their lives.
Hypermobility syndrome is characterized by joints that are easily moved beyond their usual range of motion. Due to these joints’ “loose” appearance, children who suffer from hypermobility may be referred to as “double-jointed.” It may happen in any of your joints. But I’m particularly interested in how hypermobility affects your hip alignment and the iliopsoas muscles, which go from your pelvic bone to your thigh bone and are responsible for your hip mobility.
Many young people who exhibit hyperflexibility will outgrow it as they progress through their teenage years and into adulthood.
They may, however, require expert therapy and intervention if they continue to overstretch and overwork their hip muscles and joints – or if they are suffering hypermobility as a result of a more severe ailment – to prevent hip flexor pain and tightness.
Treatments for hypermobile joints are adapted to the specific needs of each patient. The majority of them are geared toward strengthening communal areas and alleviating unpleasant symptoms.
As a result, if you or your child exhibits any of the symptoms and you suspect that you or your child has hypermobility syndrome, you must seek medical attention or seek the services of a physical therapist to help restore healthy joint function and support proper alignment.
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Hip Discomfort and Hip Dysplasia
Children with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome may suffer from recurrent dislocations and hip dysplasia, depending on the severity of their medical condition.
The labrum cartilage can be injured or torn as a result of repeated dislocations. If someone with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome experiences hips pain, it could be caused by a tear of this nature. This hip discomfort will express itself at the front of the hip and will be more noticeable when moving from a sitting position to a standing position or changing directions.
Unbalanced iliopsoas muscles can also contribute to the development of hypermobility. Hip mobility, functionality, and overall quality of life, the iliopsoas (also known as the hip flexor) is the most crucial group of muscles to pay attention to. The iliopsoas muscle, which comprises the iliacus and psoas muscles, connects our hip to our thigh and extends up into our lower back. It is responsible for a variety of movements.
Because the iliopsoas is responsible for stabilizing our bodies at the core – and because it directly affects our lower back, pelvic bone, hip joint, knees, and other surrounding areas – a tight hip flexor can have a negative impact on the alignment of your entire body. Tight iliopsoas muscles can develop due to hypermobility, as the muscles overwork themselves in an attempt to balance your body. Knee discomfort, lower back pain, hip pain, or the sensation of tightness in the hips and pelvis are all possible manifestations of this condition.
Six Signs and Symptoms of Hypermobility Syndrome
Not everyone will have the same symptoms because there are such wide variations in joint hypermobility and the severity of the medical disorders that produce hypermobility syndrome. Symptoms are most noticeable during physical activity, but they can also manifest themselves while sleeping or relaxing.
- Muscle discomfort or weakness
When there is a deficiency or excessive flexibility within a joint, the muscles around the joint must work harder to maintain structural support. The iliacus and psoas muscles are responsible for the movement of your hip joint. One of the essential functions of these muscles is to maintain stability. As a result, if there is instability in the joint, the iliopsoas muscles will tense and overcompensate to restore balance. If you have a tightening in one section of your body – or even just on one side – it is possible that your muscles will abnormally pull on another part of your body as well.
People with a minor shifting of the pelvis or an abnormal curvature of the lower back, for example, are frequently seen in my practice. As a result, people are continually complaining of back discomfort. However, we often discover that the source of the problem was a tight iliopsoas muscle that had refused to let go of its grip on the upper region of the pelvis.
It’s crucial to understand that muscular strain can often give the impression that the pain comes from a joint or bone. On the other hand, the pain is frequently caused by your iliopsoas muscles, letting you know that they are fatigued, torn, overly tight, or even sprained.
- Joint aches and pains
Joint pain typically affects the ankles, knees, and hips, and it frequently comes after physical exercise or at night while sleeping. As a result of the detail that the majority of school sports, recess games, and daily activities require us to be on our feet, and as a result of the fact that our pelvis and core must continually struggle to stabilize us, our lower extremity joints bear the brunt of the daily workload.
When specific actions are performed, joint pain may occur instantly, but other activities may induce swelling and discomfort after the activity has been completed.
- Stiffness of the joints
When a joint is overstretched or suffers a tiny amount of damage, our bodies go to work to mend and protect the affected area. Most of the time, inflammation and fluid accumulate within the joint to protect it, and your muscles may have to work harder to defend it.
If you have a sprain, your body’s normal response to the injury is inflammation, which will resolve with time. The problem can develop chronic if the joints have not entirely recovered or had a proper release in your muscles.
- Joints that have been injured or dislocated
Double-jointed or having the ability to dislocate joints easily are both telltale symptoms that a person has hypermobility syndrome. Joint dislocation is associated with a high risk of harm because of the frequency with which it occurs.
The most commonly displaced joints are the knees and shoulders, but it is conceivable for young children – and even adults – to dislocate their hips as well.
An injury to the connective tissues surrounding a displaced joint might result in long-term consequences. Ligaments, tendons, and even cartilage can be torn during a dislocation, especially if the dislocation repeatedly occurs or with force. In the absence of medical intervention, torn cartilage, ligaments, and tendons might result in more severe injuries or medical problems. In the case of hypermobility syndrome, for example, torn cartilage can result in chronic pain.
- Low blood pressure
Low blood pressure is a sign of hypermobility syndrome that many people would not expect to see. Blood can’t circulate adequately because the muscles are too soft or too weak. Additionally, this might result in other symptoms such as fainting or lightheadedness, especially when moving from sitting to standing.
- A decrease in physical fitness
When you have chronic pain, muscle weakness, and joint stiffness, it is natural to decrease your desire to exercise. Discomfort is frequently the cause of a reduced degree of fitness.
It may have a cascading effect on other disorders such as obesity, depression, and loss of muscular tone, among others. Posture and joint stability both deteriorate as a result of decreased muscle tone. Back pain, difficulties in balance, and headaches can all become more common due to poor posture becoming worse.
If you are susceptible to hypermobility or are having Ehlers-Danlos syndrome treatment, your muscles must remain strong, and your joints remain stable. Because the connective tissues cannot keep the joints and bones in their proper positions, the muscles must do so.
What is the most common type of EDS that affects hip pain?
Arthrochalasia Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (aEDS) is a type of EDS responsible for severe hip pain. It is distinguished by a high frequency of hip dislocations in addition to the more typical EDS-associated symptoms of hypermobile joints. When it comes to this type of disease, skin-related symptoms are rare.
What causes aEDS?
AEDS is also known by other names, such as arthrochalasis multiplex congenita and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type 7A.
It is believed that EDS is caused by inadequate amounts or incorrect functioning of collagen, which is the major structural component of connective tissue. There are several different kinds of collagen. Kind 1 collagen is the most prevalent type of collagen found in the body.
How is aEDS inherited?
Several distinct sorts of mutations alter collagen in different ways and are responsible for the 13 other forms of EDS. It is believed that EDS is caused by mutations in either the COL1A1 or COL1A2 genes. These genes encode instructions for constructing the amino acid chains that makeup type 1 collagen. These alterations alter the standard structure of collagen, impairing its ability to perform its job. This results in the deterioration of type 1 collagen-rich tissues, particularly the connective tissues, which leads to the manifestation of the symptoms of aEDS.
Gender is not determined by the location of any of the COL1A1 or COL1A2 genes on chromosomes 1 and 2. (also known as autosomes). In humans, the COL1A1 gene is found on chromosome 17, while the COL1A2 gene is located on chromosome 7.
Every gene on the autosomes has two copies, one from each parent, and each gene is present in two copies on the autosomes. It is important to note that aEDS is inherited in an autosomal dominant way, which means that only one copy of the gene has to be mutated in order for the illness to manifest itself. There is a 50 percent probability that a person with EDS may pass the condition on to their kid or children.
In certain circumstances, aEDS-causing mutations can develop in an individual even if neither of their parents carries the genetic mutation that causes the condition. A de novo mutation is known as a genetic alteration that occurs for the first time in a person’s life without any reason.
What are the symptoms of aEDS?
The intensity and frequency of aEDS symptoms vary from patient to patient. Among the symptoms that have been documented are:
- Dislocation of the hip at birth
- excessively flexible joints
- a lack of muscular tone
- a lack of bone density
- a twisted spine
- In rare cases, skin that is brittle and elastic can develop.
How is aEDS diagnosed?
A clinician may suspect aEDS in that patient based on a patient’s symptoms, family medical history, and physical examination.
As a result of the significant overlap in symptoms across the various forms of EDS, skin biopsy and genetic testing may be advised to confirm the diagnosis of aEDS.
How is aEDS treated?
Treatments for EDS are primarily geared toward relieving symptoms and avoiding future problems from occurring.
The use of assistive devices and physiotherapy in conjunction with professional physical and occupational therapists may be advised to enhance mobility and joint stability in people with disabilities.
In extreme hip dislocation and curved spine cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to rectify the problem and restore the patient’s mobility.
Hip Pain Treatment Of All Type of Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (Collectively)
Identifying the best treatment for hypermobility syndrome differs from person to person. Because there are numerous causes of hypermobility syndrome, treating the symptoms and pain associated with the condition is usually the first step.
When symptoms subside, and new methods of hypermobility syndrome pain relief are identified, more targeted treatments can be implemented.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is frequently employed in the treatment of hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Hyper-flexibility can be successfully treated because the muscle groups surrounding troublesome joints can be relaxed, adjusted, and then strengthened to provide greater support for your joints.
If a patient is undergoing physical therapy to treat hip discomfort caused by hypermobility syndrome, the iliopsoas muscles must be released entirely. Your iliacus muscle is the smaller of your two iliopsoas muscles.
Exercise and Strength Training
Many patients with hypermobile joints complain of joint pain, which causes them to refrain from engaging in physical activities. But this is counterproductive because a lack of movement can weaken essential joint-supporting muscles and lead to weight gain, both undesirable.
Unnecessary and unwanted tension on the joints is frequently caused by excessive weight gain. As a result, strength training is critical in treating Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, both for weight loss and increasing joint stability.
Surgery
While surgery should not be the first line of treatment for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, it is becoming an increasingly prevalent requirement in treating the condition due to damaged joints. Many individuals suffering from chronic pain due to hypermobility syndrome eventually require surgery to rebuild joint structures such as cartilage and tendons.
Pain alleviation for people suffering from hypermobility syndrome
Everyone’s approach to managing hypermobility syndrome will be unique, and it may alter as they get older. Finding pain relief, on the other hand, is the most crucial thing.
Suppose you are looking for effective hypermobility pain relief or Ehlers-Danlos disease treatment at home. In that case, my Hip Hook is the most focused hip flexor release instrument currently available on the market. The iliopsoas muscles in the hip are relieved of deep pressure thanks to the design’s one-of-a-kind and unique features. Developed and tested by a trained physical therapist, it efficiently cures hip pain caused by a tight hip and twisted core without the need to contact a practitioner each time you experience hip discomfort.
