Hypermobile joints are joints that move beyond the normal range with little effort. Joints most commonly affected are the elbows, wrists, fingers, and knees.
Children are often more flexible than adults, but those with hypermobile joints can flex and extend their joints beyond what is considered normal. The movement is done without too much force and without discomfort.
Thick bands of tissue called ligaments help hold joints together and keep them from moving too much or too far. In children with hypermobility syndrome, those ligaments are loose or weak. This may lead to:
Children with hypermobile joints also often have flat feet.
Hypermobile joints often occur in otherwise healthy and normal children. This is called benign hypermobility syndrome.
Rare medical conditions associated with hypermobile joints include:
There is no specific care for this condition. Persons with hypermobile joints have an increased risk for joint dislocation and other problems.
Extra care may be needed to protect the joints. Ask your health care provider for recommendations.
Call your health care provider if:
Hypermobile joints often accompany other symptoms that, taken together, define a specific syndrome or condition. A diagnosis is based on a family history, medical history, and a complete physical exam.
Medical history questions that help document hypermobile joints in detail may include:
The physical exam will include detailed examination of the muscles and skeleton. The joints may be moved to determine the direction and extent of mobility.
Further tests will depend on what condition is suspected.
Joint hypermobility; Loose joints; Hypermobility syndrome
Krakow D. Heritable diseases of connective tissue. In: Firestein Gs, Budd RC, Harris ED Jr., et al, eds. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2008:chap 96.
Reviewed by: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Notice: The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2012, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.