Hypermobility syndrome

Hypermobility syndrome (HMS) is a rare medical condition^[1] which affects the joints and ligaments in a persons body; not to be confused with double-jointedness, where the sufferer can bend their limbs in positions others find impossible. It comes in different degrees of seriousness, the very least being similar to double-jointedness but if it is progressively more serious it can create more problems for someone. Such as the inability to walk properly or for long distances, excruciating pain in their affected areas all the time (sometimes the pain can decrease and increase). In some cases people with HMS are subjected to hypersensitive nerves and a weaker immune system. It also can have an effect on exhaustion levels and some cases cause depressive episodes.

It's a genetic disorder, which means it is a life-long illness. It is similar to other connective tissue disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

Diagnosis

Being diagnosed with Hypermobility Syndrome can sometimes be a difficult task. There is a lack of wide understanding of the condition and can be considered a zebra condition. As Hypermobility Syndrome can be easily mistaken for being double-jointed or categorized as nothing more than perhaps an achy body from lack of exercise, medical professionals can sometimes still diagnose those affected incorrectly. Generally it is not always further looked into. Due to these circumstances many sufferers can live not knowing they have it before they go to someone who will give a correct diagnosis; as a result those affected without a proper diagnosis can easily injure themselves and not take proper care to ensure they go about working safely.

Symptoms

Some common symptoms of Hypermobility Syndrome include:

• Joint pain around the affected area;
• Exhaustion (typically when affected area is the legs);
• Swelling around the joint when joint is being exhorted;
• Depression;
• Weaker immune system;
• Sensitive skin around the affected area;
• Varying pain levels around the affected area;
• Muscle spasms

Other symptoms can appear and not everyone affected experiences the same symptoms.

Treatment

Treating Hypermobility Syndrome can be difficult; the disease in itself has no direct cure but home remedies can be used to help treat someone affected by it. These remedies are:

• Bandaging the affected area;
• Placing an ice pack on the affected area;
• Taking prescribed pain killers such as Codeine;

References