Joint laxity or hypermobility disorder

Joint laxity or hypermobility disorder is a condition in which the range of motion of the joints increases beyond normal. This disorder can lead to chronic pain, joint instability and musculoskeletal problems. Joint laxity syndrome is a genetic disease that causes excessive flexibility of the joints along with pain and other symptoms. Many people may have very flexible joints; But if this flexibility is accompanied by pain and other problems, they may have this disorder. This disease has no definitive treatment; But the symptoms can be controlled by strengthening the muscles and taking medicine. As we said in some cases, this situation is considered as a natural feature; But in others, it may be a sign of a connective tissue disorder such as Ehlers Denlos syndrome. What is meant by loose joints? This syndrome is a connective tissue disorder in which the thick bands of tissue or the ligaments that are responsible for holding and limiting excessive movement of the joints are weak or loose. In people with this disorder, the joints are too flexible and accompanied by pain. If the abnormal flexibility of the joints causes you pain, you may have laxity of the joints. Is joint laxity syndrome the same as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome? Hypermobility disorder may be a sign of a more serious genetic disease. This category of diseases is known as hereditary connective tissue disorders. Some of the rare diseases associated with this syndrome are as follows: ### Ehlers-Danlos syndrome This complication is a set of disorders that affect cartilage, bone, fat and blood. Its cause is a defect in collagen, a protein that provides the flexibility and strength of connective tissue. ### Marfan syndrome A disease that affects the connective tissue and is caused by a defect in the gene that is responsible for the production of fibrillin and elastic fibers. ### Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the development of the brain and body. People with this syndrome have an extra chromosome. What are the symptoms? The most common symptom of joint laxity syndrome is pain in the joints and muscles. Other symptoms of this disorder include the following: - Repeated joint and ligament injuries, such as sprains and sprains - joint and muscle stiffness - Feeling extremely tired - lack of balance and coordination of movements - Digestive and bladder problems - dizziness and fainting - stretching and thinning of the skin What is the cause of loose joints? The exact cause has not been fully determined; But this condition is usually seen in families and indicates that this condition is genetic. It seems that the genes related to collagen production play an important role in this condition. Collagen is a protein that makes joints, ligaments and tendons strong and flexible. In people with this disease, defects in collagen cause weak ligaments and as a result the joints become too flexible. Some possible factors that can contribute to this complication are as follows: - Genetic factors**;** Many people with this condition have a family history of this condition, which indicates that it is genetic. - Connective tissue disorders; Complications such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Marfan syndrome that cause weakness and increased flexibility of connective tissue. - muscle imbalance; Weakness of the muscles around the joints may increase the abnormal range of motion. - environmental conditions; Excessive stretching exercises during childhood can cause excessive flexibility of the joints. How is it diagnosed? To diagnose hypermobility, the doctor first conducts a physical examination to check the range of motion of the joints. Blood tests may also be prescribed to check the presence of genetic diseases. One of the examination methods is the Beighton scale, which measures the flexibility of the joints on a 9-point scale. In this test, one point is considered for each of the following: - the ability to bend forward and place the palms on the floor without bending the knees - excessive bending of the elbows backwards (one point for each elbow) - excessive bending of the knees backwards (one point for each knee) - Ability to bend the thumb backwards until it meets the forearm (one point for each hand) - Bending of the little finger back more than 90 degrees (one point for each hand) If a person gets a score of 4 or more and has pain in four or more joints for at least three months, there is a possibility of having osteoarthritis. What is the treatment? As we said at the beginning, this complication does not have a definitive treatment; But symptoms can be improved by protecting the joints and controlling pain. Strengthening muscles through exercise is one of the best ways to reduce problems related to this disorder. Other recommendations include: - Maintaining proper body posture - Standing with slightly bent knees and avoiding excessive joint movements - Using shoes with proper arch support - Using orthotics or medical insoles to correct smooth soles - seeing a physiotherapist to reduce pain, strengthen muscles, improve balance and posture - avoidance of excessive stretching movements - Keeping the right weight to reduce the pressure on the joints For mild pain relief, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers. In case of more severe pain, stronger drugs may be prescribed or more effective methods may be suggested. Points to keep in mind to take care of yourself If you have osteoarthritis, it is important to lead a healthy lifestyle and protect your joints. You can strengthen the strength of your joints and muscles with the following methods: - Doing regular sports exercises - Adequate rest between exercises - following a healthy diet - Using suitable and standard shoes - reducing joint pain and stiffness with hot water bath - Avoid excessive stretching of joints