Arthritis and Benign Hypermobility Joint Syndrome
In this article
- What Are the Symptoms of Benign Hypermobility Joint Syndrome?
- Who Is Affected by Benign Hypermobility Joint Syndrome?
- How Is Benign Hypermobility Joint Syndrome Diagnosed?
- How Is Benign Hypermobility Joint Syndrome Treated?
- What Is the Outlook for People With Benign Hypermobility Joint Syndrome?
What Is the Outlook for People With Benign Hypermobility Joint Syndrome?
Children with loose joints often do well in activities that reward flexibility, such as cheerleading, modern dance, gymnastics, and ballet. However, decreasing or stopping some of these activities may be necessary if there is too much pain or if joint dislocations occur
Generally, BHJS is self-limited, meaning that most symptoms improve as the children get older because their increased muscle size and strength reduces joint looseness. Still, some individuals retain lifelong BHJS, have frequent discomfort and can become injured more easily.
BHJS rarely leads to arthritis later in life, although some people with the condition may develop shoulder or kneecap problems if there are frequent dislocations or if the cartilage around these or other joints becomes excessively worn. Individuals that have BHJS as adults are more likely to develop osteoarthritis or "wear and tear" arthritis as they age.
A few people continue with increased muscle pain from hypermobility as they become adults. These people remain at increased risk of trauma-related sprains, injuries, dislocations, intermittent swelling, backaches and discomfort after exercise.