Hypermobility means your joints move beyond the typical range. Some people have flexible joints without pain or other symptoms. Others may have joint pain, instability, fatigue, or repeated injuries. When symptoms affect daily life, this may be part of a condition called hypermobility spectrum disorder. Early, accurate diagnosis can help you understand your symptoms and find the right support.
What is hypermobility syndrome?
Hypermobility syndrome is when flexible joints are linked with symptoms such as pain, fatigue, joint instability or repeated injuries. It may affect daily activities, exercise and quality of life.
While joint hypermobility alone is not necessarily a medical condition, hypermobility syndrome is diagnosed when symptoms become persistent or clinically significant.
What are the symptoms of hypermobility?
Symptoms vary from person to person. They may be mild, or they may affect daily activities. You may experience:
- Joint pain, especially after activity or prolonged use
- Flexible joints or joints that move beyond the typical range
- Joint instability or frequent sprains
- Muscle fatigue or reduced strength
- Clicking or popping joints
- Reduced exercise tolerance
- Longer recovery after activity
- Skin stretch marks and easy bruising/prolonged healing times
- Itchy skin/rash (MCAS: Mast cell activation syndrome)
- Headaches, irritable bowel symptoms, POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) causing dizziness and palpitations
- Chronic pain
Symptoms may fluctuate over time and can affect multiple areas of the body.
What causes hypermobility syndrome disorder?
Hypermobility-related conditions are often linked to differences in connective tissue collagen structure. Connective tissue helps support joints, ligaments, and other body structures including blood vessels and bowel muscle. Collagen, a protein in connective tissue, plays an important role in joint strength and flexibility.
Contributing factors may include:
- Genetic predisposition
- Inherited connective tissue variation
- Hormonal influences
- Differences in joint development and structure
In many cases, no single identifiable cause is found. The condition is understood as part of a broader spectrum of joint hypermobility disorders.
How do we diagnose hypermobility?
Hypermobility diagnosis is based on a clinical assessment. There is no single test that confirms every hypermobility-related condition. Your assessment may include:
- A review of your symptoms and medical history
- A physical exam to check joint movement and stability
- A validated hypermobility scoring assessment (Beighton score)
- A review of pain patterns, injuries and how symptoms affect daily life
- Imaging tests, such as X-ray, ultrasound or MRI, if needed
- Tests or assessments to rule out other rheumatology or connective tissue conditions
Different patients require different assessments, and your diagnostic pathway will be tailored to your presentation and clinical findings.
Joint hypermobility syndrome treatment:
Treatment focuses on improving joint stability, easing symptoms and helping you stay active safely. Treatment is individualised and may include:
- Physiotherapy to strengthen muscles and improve joint control
- A structured exercise programme tailored to your needs
- Pain management strategies
- Occupational therapy to help with daily activities
- Education about joint protection, pacing and activity changes
Management plans are adapted over time depending on symptom severity and functional impact. Referral to other specialists in Cardiology, Pain Management, Physiotherapy, Dermatology and Psychology might be required.
