Hypermobile joints

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Hypermobile joints

Overview

Treatment

Hypermobile joints

Alternative Names:

Joint hypermobility; Loose joints

Home Care:

There is no specific care for the hypermobility. In many cases, people with hypermobile joints are at an increased risk for joint dislocation and other problems, and extra care may be needed to protect the joints. Consult your health care provider for specific recommendations.

Call your health care provider if:

The ability to move a joint suddenly changes or decreases
A joint suddenly appears misshapen (different than usual for that person)
There is a loss of ability to use an arm or leg, or there is pain with movement of a joint

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

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 thorough physical evaluation.

Medical history questions that help document hypermobile joints in detail may include:

When was it first noticed?
Is it getting worse or more noticeable?
Are other symptoms are also present, such as swelling or redness around the joint?
Is there any history of joint dislocation, difficulty walking, or difficulty using the arms?

The physical examination will include detailed examination of the muscles and skeleton. The joints may be moved to determine the direction and extent of mobility.

Diagnostic testing will vary depending on what condition is suspected.

Review Date: 11/22/2004
Reviewed By: Benjamin D. Roye, M.D., M.P.H., Division of Pediatric Orthopaedics, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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