EDS, which is mostly genetic, is characterised by joint hypermobility - an increased range of motion in the joints, making them more flexible than average
Since flexible joints are extremely important for healthy movement and function, you need to make sure to have a lifestyle that ensures that. However, if you are not able to do so, you may suffer from a devastating and incurable disease known as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome - a group of 14 genetic connective tissue disorders that affect your skin, joints, and blood vessels.
The condition is caused by mutations in genes that produce collagen, a protein that gives tissue structure and strength.
According to doctors, EDS, which is mostly genetic, is characterised by joint hypermobility - an increased range of motion in the joints, making them more flexible than average.
How to test hypermobility?
There is an easy 30-second assessment test you can do to evaluate joint hypermobility. This nine-point Beighton score involves testing the flexibility of several joints, with each positive result adding a point to the score.
Experts say a score of 5/9 or higher is often considered a positive indicator for hypermobile EDS, but a positive Beighton score alone does not confirm the diagnosis. A few other clinical features and genetic tests are also considered. Your doctor would gently manoeuvre your joints into certain positions, and using a nine-point joint mobility scale, you get one point for:
- Bend forward and place your hands flat on the floor without bending your knees
- Straightening your elbows past a neutral position
- Straightening your knees past a neutral position
- Bending your little fingers back beyond 90 degrees
- Bending your thumbs back to touch your forearms
Apart from these, the doctor would also want to know about your history regarding your joint mobility and any joint pain. For every “yes” as an answer, there is one point:
- Can you put your hands flat on the floor while keeping your knees straight?
- Can you bend your thumb and touch your lower arm?
- When you were younger, did you entertain your friends by wrapping yourself in different positions? Could you do splits?
- When you were a child or teenager, did you have a dislocated shoulder or kneecap?
- Do you think of yourself as double-jointed?
What do the results mean?
A positive Beighton score for joint hypermobility syndrome is either:
- Four points or more on the flexibility manoeuvres.
- Two points or more on the historical questions.
Doctors say if your number is high, it indicates laxity of your joints. Positive results on a Beighton score test would mean you are more likely to have joint hypermobility syndrome.
Signs and symptoms of EDS
Each type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome has its own symptoms, but the most common ones include:
- Overly flexible joints, where you may feel they are unstable
-
Soft skin, which is thinner and stretches more than it should
- Bruising easily or more often than usual
- Unusual scarring or taking very long to heal
- Chronic joint and muscle pain
-
Fatigue and tiredness
- Difficulty in concentration
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