Hypermobile joints move further than most people’s joints. You might notice your knees lock back, shoulders roll forward, or you can do “party tricks” with your joints.

Some people have this flexibility without any other symptoms, but for others it can be part of a larger condition.

It is thought joint hypermobility affects approximately between 1 in 4 to 1 in 10 people.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a genetic condition that affects connective tissue.

Connective tissue is the material that supports your joints, skin, organs, and more.

There are 13 types of EDS, and hypermobile EDS (hEDS) is the most common.

Most types share features like joints that stretch further than normal and tissue that can be fragile.

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) is the most common type of EDS, affecting around 1 in 500 to 1 in 2,500 people.

Connective tissue is found all over your body, in your joints, skin, organs, blood vessels, and even your gut. Because connective tissue supports so many different parts of your body, hEDS and HSD can cause symptoms in lots of different systems, not just your joints.

What causes hEDS?
Research is ongoing, but scientists believe some genes don’t work the way they should. This can change how proteins are made and affect the strength and structure of connective tissue.

Think of your connective tissue like rubber bands that hold your body together. In people without hEDS, the bands are strong and stretchy enough to do their job.

In hEDS, the bands can be too loose or thin. This can make joints unstable, organs less supported, and other systems in your body not work as efficiently.

Because connective tissue is everywhere, hEDS can cause symptoms beyond just loose joints. Some of the ways it can show up include:

Joints that move too far and sometimes give out, with pain after activity

Skin that stretches more than usual or bruises easily

Feeling constantly exhausted

Digestive problems like bloating, cramps, or unpredictable digestion

Heart symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, or feeling lightheaded

There isn’t a cure for hEDS, but with the right strategies, many people are able to manage their symptoms and live full, active thriving lives.

If you’re ready to feel more in control of your body and your daily life, you can book a discovery call here.