Hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) are a group of conditions related to joint hypermobility (JH). HSD are intended to be diagnosed after other possible answers are excluded, such as any of the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) including hypermobile EDS (hEDS). HSD, just like hEDS, can have significant effects on our health. Whatever the problems that arise, whatever the diagnosis, it is important that these effects are managed appropriately and that each person is treated as an individual. HSD and hEDS can be equal in severity, but more importantly, both need similar management, validation, and care.

The Mechanics

Joint hypermobility is a term to describe the capability of joints to move beyond normal limits. It can exist by itself or be a part of a more complex diagnosis. Those with joint hypermobility in a couple of joints (fewer than five) have localized joint hypermobility (LJH). Those of us with joint hypermobility in five or more joints are described as having generalized joint hypermobility (GJH). Unlike LJH, GJH is more often something we’re born with and possibly inherited, although acquired forms of GJH exist (training such as dance, widespread inflammatory or degenerative diseases of the joints, musculoskeletal tissues, and nerves, and hypothyroidism and other endocrine disorders).

There are other types of JH. Peripheral joint hypermobility is a form that affects the hands and/or feet only. It is common in infants, toddlers, and children, in whom it is usually mild or has no serious effect. Another is proposed for older adults who have progressively lost JH, called historical joint hypermobility.

Joint hypermobility ranges from asymptomatic JH and GJH through to hEDS as part of the EDS. Along that continuum fall localized general spectrum disorder (L-HSD), peripheral hypermobility spectrum disorder (P-HSD), historical hypermobility spectrum disorder (H-HSD), and generalized hypermobility spectrum disorder (G-HSD).