Hypermobility
Being flexible is not the problem. The problem is when flexible joints cause pain, injuries, instability or exhaustion that limits everyday life. If bendy joints have been dismissed as harmless while your symptoms keep building, I would like to review the whole picture with you.
What hypermobility is
Hypermobility means some joints move beyond the usual range. Many people are hypermobile and completely well. When joint hypermobility causes pain, fatigue, instability, dislocations or repeated soft tissue injuries, it may be part of hypermobility spectrum disorder or a related connective tissue condition such as hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
Symptoms to look out for
Joint pain or muscle aches, often after activity
Clicking, giving way or repeated sprains
Long-standing back or neck pain
Fatigue and slow recovery after exertion
Dislocations, partial dislocations (subluxations) or a sense of unstable joints
Poor balance, clumsiness or bruising easily
Fainting, palpitations or bowel symptoms in some patients
Why this matters to a rheumatologist
As a rheumatologist, my role is to distinguish symptomatic hypermobility from inflammatory arthritis, connective tissue disease or other causes of widespread pain. I also look for features that suggest a specific connective tissue condition rather than general joint flexibility. Careful assessment often changes what treatment is offered.
Signs I would like you to seek care for
For emergency symptoms please seek urgent or emergency care first rather than waiting for a WhatsApp reply.
Repeated dislocations or injuries from ordinary activity
Joint swelling or morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
Pain that is limiting daily life, school, sport or work
Fainting, palpitations, bowel symptoms or other complex multi-system symptoms
A family history of connective tissue disease with new symptoms
What a specialist review looks like
In clinic I assess your joint mobility using the Beighton score, review your pain pattern, injury history, family history and any autoimmune or cardiovascular symptoms. Management usually focuses on individualised strengthening, joint protection, pacing, sleep and coordinated therapy with physiotherapy. Where a specific connective tissue condition is suspected I refer or coordinate onward care.
Questions my patients often ask me
Speak with me
If your flexible joints are giving way, hurting or wearing you out, please seek specialist care. I would like to help you build a plan that fits your body and your life.
Other conditions I treat
This page is for general education only and does not replace medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.