Hypermobility facts for kids

Hypermobility is when your human joints can stretch or move more than most people's joints. You might hear it called being "double-jointed." This means your joints are extra flexible. For example, some people can bend their thumbs all the way back to their wrist. Others might bend their toes backwards or do other unusual stretches.

This extra flexibility can happen in just one joint or in many joints all over your body. For many people, hypermobility is not a problem at all. They might even use their flexibility in sports like gymnastics or dance!

What is Hypermobility?

Hypermobility means your joints have a wider range of motion than usual. Think of a joint as where two bones meet, like your elbow or knee. Ligaments are strong, stretchy bands that hold these bones together and keep the joint stable. In people with hypermobility, these ligaments might be looser or more elastic. This allows the joint to move further than typical.

Why Do Some People Have Hypermobility?

Hypermobility often happens because of differences in your body's connective tissue. Connective tissue is like the "glue" that holds your body together. It includes things like ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. If your connective tissue is more flexible, your joints will be too.

Sometimes, hypermobility can be linked to:

• Looser ligaments: The stretchy bands around your joints might be more elastic than average.
• Bone shape: The ends of the bones that form a joint might be shaped in a way that allows more movement.
• Muscle tone: Your muscles might be naturally more relaxed, allowing for greater flexibility.

It's often something you are born with, and it can run in families. So, if your parents or siblings are very flexible, you might be too!

Is Hypermobility Always a Problem?

No, not at all! For many young people, hypermobility is just a normal part of their body. They might not have any pain or problems from it. In fact, being extra flexible can be an advantage in activities like:

• Gymnastics
• Dance
• Yoga
• Martial arts

However, for some people, hypermobility can sometimes lead to certain issues.

When Hypermobility Can Be a Challenge

If your joints are too flexible, they might be less stable. This can sometimes lead to:

• Joint pain: Muscles around the joint might work harder to keep it stable, leading to aches.
• Sprains or dislocations: Because the joint can move so far, it might be easier to twist or even temporarily pop out of place.
• Tiredness: Your body might use more energy to keep your joints stable.
• Weaker bones: In some rare cases, the same body differences that cause hypermobility can also lead to bones that are not as strong as they should be. This can make bones more likely to break.

It's important to remember that these challenges do not affect everyone with hypermobility. Many people live healthy, active lives without any issues.

How is Hypermobility Diagnosed?

If you or your parents are curious about your flexibility, a doctor can check for hypermobility. They might use a simple test called the Beighton Score. This test looks at how far you can bend certain joints, like your:

• Elbows
• Knees
• Thumbs
• Pinky fingers
• Spine

The doctor will gently move your joints to see their range of motion. They will also ask about any pain or other symptoms you might have.

Living with Hypermobility

If you have hypermobility and it causes no problems, you don't need to do anything special! Just enjoy your flexibility.

If you do experience pain or other challenges, there are ways to manage it:

• Strengthening exercises: Building strong muscles around your joints can help make them more stable. A physical therapist can show you safe exercises.
• Good posture: Learning to stand and sit correctly can reduce strain on your joints.
• Pain management: If you have pain, a doctor can suggest ways to help, like gentle stretches or specific exercises.
• Being careful: Avoid pushing your joints too far, especially if it causes pain.

Remember, hypermobility is a unique part of who you are. With the right care and understanding, you can stay active and healthy!