Hypermobility
Hypermobility is commonly associated with having extra flexible joints. However, this classification does not do the condition justice. Hypermobility is about much more than being bendy, it is a genetic condition which affects the structure of collagen, which can be found in any type of connective tissue in the body.
There are various forms of hypermobilty, which can affect different functions of the body in many ways.
Joint hypermobility syndrome mainly affect the joints, so people tend to have hyper extendibility, instability, sprains, strains, subluxations or dislocations (1).
Hypermobility spectrum disorder is considered if someone tests positive in the Beighton Scoring System, which is a measure of how flexible various joints are in the body, whilst having the above musculoskeletal symptoms, with potentially correlated issues like fatigue, headaches gastrointestinal problems, dysautonomia or anxiety disorders (2).
Ehlers Danlos syndromes are a type of genetic hypermobility spectrum disorder, which can present in many different ways. including joint hyperextensibilty, instability and pain, stretchy fragile skin, atrophic scaring, bruising, organ prolapse, gum disease or mitral valve issues (2).
The range of symptoms in hypermobile spectrum disorders or Ehlers Danlos syndromes are vast, but centre around a genetic difference in how the body makes collagen, with hyperextensive joints being the visible cornerstone.
Hypermobiltiy spectrum disorders are becoming better understood, but if you are struggling with one of these conditions your doctor might send you to see a rheumatologist or a geneticist (3).
Personalised nutrition can be a valuable part of supporting the various issues presenting with hypermobility spectrum disorders, as part of a multi disciplined team. For example, if dysautonomia is an issue, drinking enough water and eating enough salt might help (4). If someone has chronic fatigue symptoms, things like maintaining balanced blood sugar and reducing foods which can trigger inflammation, like gluten, could be helpful (5). Or if an individual is struggling with anxiety, various interventions might be beneficial, like reducing sugar and caffeine (6).
The symptoms of hypermobility spectrum disorders can be so diverse, that it may take many years for people to put the pieces of the puzzle together and link their anxiety, chronic fatigue, dysautonomia and digestive issues to their stretchy joints and start to get help, via modalities like nutritional therapy, physiotherapy or psychotherapy, depending on their individual presentation.
A phrase that works wonderfully to encapsulate this disorder is, ‘If you can’t connect the issues, think connective tissues’ (7).
References
https://www.hypermobility.org/hsd-jhs-heds
https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/assessing-joint-hypermobility/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ehlers-danlos-syndromes/
https://www.potsuk.org/managingpots/diet-and-fluids-2/
https://celiac.org/2018/06/18/symptoms-of-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-linked-with-non-celiac-wheat-sensitivity/
https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/surprising-foods-trigger-anxiety
https://gptoolkit.ehlers-danlos.org