Hypermobility Syndrome

Overview

Hypermobility syndrome describes joints that move beyond their normal range of motion without the inflammation seen in arthritis. It's more common in girls than boys, tends to run in families, and is seen more often in children with Down syndrome, though it can occur in any child. For most children it causes joint or muscle pain, especially after activity or at night, and while it's rarely a sign of a more serious connective tissue disorder, that possibility is worth ruling out.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• Is my child's joint pain caused by hypermobility, or could there be another cause we should look into?
• Should we test for a connective tissue disorder like Marfan or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome?
• What kind of physical therapy or exercises would help strengthen the joints and reduce pain?
• Would shoe inserts or other supports help with my child's flat feet or joint positioning?
• What activities or sports should we avoid or modify to prevent sprains and injuries?

Getting Care

A pediatric rheumatologist can confirm the diagnosis through a physical exam and rule out other conditions with lab testing when needed, then guide a plan built around physical therapy, joint protection, and pain management. Seek care sooner if joint pain is accompanied by swelling, redness, or warmth, since those can point to inflammation rather than hypermobility alone.

Source: https://rheumatology.org/patients/hypermobility-syndrome-juvenile