Joint Hypermobility - Understanding the Different Types of Hypermobility

Hypermobility, often described as being "double-jointed," is more than just the ability to bend and stretch further than most people. It can be a harmless trait, a symptom of a broader syndrome, or part of a complex medical condition. Understanding the different types of hypermobility is essential for recognising when it’s simply a flexible body – or when it may signal something more serious.

Why Understanding the Type of Hypermobility Matters

Not all hypermobility is the same. For some, it’s simply an interesting party trick; for others, it’s a source of daily struggle and health complications. Identifying the type and understanding associated symptoms helps guide management strategies – whether that's simple advice on joint protection or more involved multidisciplinary care.

Types of hypermoblity:

Generalised Hypermobility (GH)

Generalised hypermobility refers to joints throughout the body having an unusually large range of movement. Many people, particularly children, dancers, and gymnasts, exhibit this type of flexibility without any associated problems. It's often benign, meaning it doesn’t cause pain or health issues. However, in some individuals, it can be associated with discomfort, fatigue, or injuries like sprains and dislocations.

Key features:

• Wide joint range across multiple joints

• Often inherited

• May be symptom-free or linked with mild joint pain

SUBTYPE: Transient Hypermobility

Transient hypermobility is temporary flexibility often seen in children. As children grow, their ligaments and muscles tighten, and hypermobility may lessen or completely disappear. However, for some, it can persist into adulthood.

Key features:

• Common in childhood

• May resolve with age

• Usually harmless unless associated with pain

Peripheral Hypermobility (PH)

Peripheral hypermobility affects only the hands and feet. This localised hypermobility is often noticed in individuals who have professions or hobbies requiring fine motor skills, like musicians and artists. It’s usually isolated and doesn’t impact the rest of the body.

Key features:

• Increased mobility limited to hands and/or feet

• Usually not associated with systemic symptoms

  
  
  
  

  

  
  
  
  

3. Localised Hypermobility (LH)

Localised hypermobility affects just one joint or a single group of joints, such as one shoulder or one knee. It can be due to natural flexibility or occur after an injury that overstretches ligaments. Some people may not even realise they have it unless it causes pain or repeated dislocations.

Key features:

• Limited to a specific joint or joints

• Can develop due to injury

• May lead to instability or pain

  
  

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MORE SPECIFIC TYPES OF HYPERMOBILITY

Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD)

When hypermobility is linked with symptoms such as chronic pain, fatigue, or joint instability but doesn't meet the full criteria for a specific genetic syndrome like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (See below), it may be classified under Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD). HSD recognises that hypermobility can impact health and quality of life even without fitting into a named syndrome.

Key features:

• Chronic pain, fatigue, or repeated injuries

• No genetic markers (currently) for diagnosis

• Treated symptomatically through physiotherapy, pain management, and supportive care

The Beighton Scoring System is used as part of diagnostic crieria for Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS)

hEDS is part of a broader group of connective tissue disorders known as the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS). hEDS involves joint hypermobility, frequent joint dislocations, soft and stretchy skin, and multisystem symptoms like digestive issues, fatigue, and autonomic dysfunction. Unlike simple hypermobility, hEDS can have a profound impact on daily life and health.

Key features:

• Generalised joint hypermobility

• Chronic pain, frequent injuries

• Skin involvement (e.g., soft or fragile skin)

• Multisystemic symptoms

• No known genetic test yet for hEDS – diagnosis is clinically-based.

If you or someone you know has symptoms beyond flexibility – like frequent injuries, pain, fatigue, or digestive issues – it may be worth consulting a health professional familiar with hypermobility disorders.

Flexibility is a gift — but understanding your body is the key to protecting it.