Medical Grade Braces – Worldwide FREE shipping
Although hypermobility is estimated to afflict between 10% and 27% of the population, the severity of the ailment varies by individual. Joint hypermobility is a kind of EDS characterized by an abnormal range of motion of the joints. It is one of the distinct subtypes of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Individuals who are heavily active in gymnastics, dancing, and other disciplines in which flexibility is crucial to the athletes’ success are more prone to this condition. Another issue that can occur due to joint hyperextension is the development of various disorders in the distal parts of the body. For example, the sacroiliac joint (SI) can become overextended, resulting in discomfort radiating down the leg and into the lower extremities. Often, it’s tough to distinguish between lower-back pain and discomfort caused by a malfunctioning joint, which may be challenging to recognize in certain circumstances. The same is true for other symptoms such as exhaustion and GIT issues, which, according to the research, may be associated with hypermobility difficulties. So, how to know if you should be diagnosed with hypermobility disorder?
To begin, rate your level of hypermobility using the Beighton Scale, which is a widely accepted indication of this condition (the more you get points in this scale, the more hypermobile you are).
After then, look for other possible symptoms such as:
- Touch your thumb to the inner side of your forearm
- Extend your knees to their maximum extent
- Touch the Floor
- Extend your elbows to their full extent
- Extend your pinky finger to its maximum extent
- Ancestors/forefathers History
- Other symptoms
Let us discuss these hypermobility indication signs in detail
Touch your thumb to the inner side of your forearm
In some instances, the patients who touch their thumb to the inner side of the forearm are also known as being double-jointed, but in actuality, it refers to being able to stretch the joint beyond the range of motion attainable to the majority of people. Make two or three pulls back and down with your thumb to your inner arm on both sides. Each time your thumb comes into touch with your arm, add one point to your score.
Extend your knees to their maximum extent
Examine the range of motion in your knees in a manner similar to the elbow test. Make a mark on the back of each knee (patellar region) where you are able to press it. This counts as one point for each knee.
Touch the Floor
Continue to maintain your legs straight and lean forward toward the ground from a standing posture. If you are able to contact the palms of your hands to the ground, make a mark at that location.
Extend your elbows to their maximum extent
To check for this, extend your arm straight out in front of you with your inner elbow pointing upwards. Take a glance down the length of your forearm. If the outer elbow bends upwards rather than remaining in a straight line, make a note on the paper for each elbow where this occurs. It is crucial to note that you may be hypermobile in some joints but not others.
Extend your baby finger to its maximum extent
Pull your baby finger backward and mark the index finger for each finger that turns more than 90 degrees from the middle.
Ancestors/forefathers History
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is thought to be passed down genetically. According to specific research findings, there is a 50 percent probability of genetically inheriting the disease from a parent who has hypermobile EDS.
Other symptoms
It is important to note that scoring highly on this Beighton scale is not the only sign of hypermobility. Additionally, you must exhibit additional symptoms of the illness. The presence of other symptoms might include recurrent dislocations of joints such as the mouth, shoulder, or patellar cap; persistent weariness; chronic bone and muscle discomfort; certain cardiac disorders; elastic skin that bruises readily; and repetitive ankle sprains or rollings. It is also important to note that scoring low on this Beighton scale does not always indicate that you don’t have hypermobility difficulties. The condition may express itself in various ways depending on the individual.
Is there anything specific you should be aware of if you have hypermobility?
If you have hypermobility, you are aware that you have the ability to shift into extreme postures with ease.
As a result, you’ll need to assist your body in becoming more conscious of how you’re moving into those postures and where your limbs are in relation to one another in order to lessen your chance of injury.
Why do you always know the ability of your body bending capabilities?
The ability to be aware of one’s body is essential. Proprioception is the ability of your body to sense where it is in relation to the rest of the world.
You have a slight impairment in the functioning of this system if you are hypermobile. For example, you can simply kick your leg into the air and keep it there, but how difficult is it to hold it up there and then spin around afterward? – It’s difficult, isn’t it?
To accomplish this, you must have strong balance and coordination. All of this is a function of proprioception. Your brain must be trained to maintain that awareness and coordination to safeguard your joints and soft tissues from potential damage.
Why do you continue to be hurt or in pain even though you are flexible?
Because of the way hypermobile bodies are made, they are more prone to injury than those who do not have hypermobile bodies. Their ligaments, which are the “structures that keep our bones together,” are more prone to sprains and dislocations, putting them at greater risk for these injuries.
As a result, muscular strength and stability are significant because strong muscles help to protect your ligaments from being injured.
How to resolve that issue?
In treating hypermobility, physical therapy may be quite effective by educating you on strengthening the distal/proximal muscles of the backbone and the bigger joints of your body. Most GP (general physicians) aims to identify and improve the functionality of muscular structure that has been performing the functions of other, frailer muscles and unbalanced joints. They then work with you to enhance your sturdiness ad educate you on the proper alignment of your body while you work and go about your everyday business. The likelihood of overloading body structures that were previously in danger of harm from such motions will be reduced due to this. That, in turn, will improve your confidence, comfort, and physical stability while also alleviating the discomfort linked with hypermobility and other chronic conditions.
Fact: Hypermobility and EDS are frequently neglected as potential underlying causes of other diseases. Consult your medical specialists if you suspect you may be suffering from it.
