Joint Hypermobility Syndrome Treatment

Lifestyle Modifications

To improve joint stability, reduce pain, and prevent injuries through self-management and supportive measures.

• Engage in gentle, low-impact exercises such as swimming or cycling to build muscle strength and support joints without overstraining them.· Avoid high-impact or repetitive activities that can exacerbate joint instability.· Practice 'pacing' activities, taking regular breaks to prevent overexertion.
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on joints, particularly weight-bearing ones.
• Wear supportive footwear and consider custom orthotics (shoe insoles) recommended by a podiatrist to provide stability and alignment.
• Avoid intentionally overextending joints, even if capable, to prevent injury and long-term damage.
• Utilize warm baths, hot water bottles, or heat-rub creams to alleviate joint pain and stiffness.

Medicinal Treatment

To alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and enhance functional ability through medication and specialized therapies.

• Over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or anti-inflammatory painkillers (e.g., ibuprofen in tablet, gel, or spray form) to manage mild to moderate joint pain.
• Prescription of stronger painkillers by a general practitioner for more severe or persistent pain.
• Referral to a pain clinic for specialist management and coping strategies if severe chronic pain significantly impacts quality of life.
• Physical therapy (physiotherapy) to develop targeted exercises that strengthen muscles around the joints, improve posture, balance, and reduce the risk of dislocations.
• Occupational therapy to provide advice and strategies for performing daily activities safely and efficiently, minimizing joint strain.

Surgical Treatment

To address severe, specific complications like recurrent dislocations that fail to respond to conservative treatments, thereby improving joint stability and function.

• Surgical intervention is generally not a primary treatment for Joint Hypermobility Syndrome itself, as the focus is on conservative management.
• In rare cases, surgery may be considered for severe complications such as recurrent joint dislocations that do not respond to extensive physical therapy and bracing.
• Procedures might include ligament repair or capsular plication to stabilize a specific joint that is chronically unstable and causing significant functional impairment.

Surgery is typically a last resort and is not a cure for the underlying syndrome.