hypermobility

[dexter]

Anyone got a child who is hypermobile? What is it?

[Kittypickle]

Yes, it's like being very double jointed, all the ligaments surrounding the joints are too slack. When she puts her arms out to either side they go off at weird angles at the elbow. Also used to cause her to trip over all the time when she was little.

[dexter]

Thanks! does it matter at all to her development? do you/did you have to do anything specific to help, or is it just one of those things?

[Enid]

i am hypermobile

it was fab when little as you could show off

but now suffer badly with pelvic/back probs esp when pg - bummer

still watching classmates looks of fascinated revulsion while I pushed all my fingers back to touch my arm was nearly worth it

[Kittypickle]

My DD's situation is complicated by the fact she has Dyspraxia so a whole different kettle of fish. But with regards to the hypermobility thing I was advised by the physio to get her to do things like swimming to build up the joint, also trampolining which she did loads of but that seemed to aggravate things. My Mum is hypermobile and used to do loads of gym when she was younger and is having all kinds of problems with her joints. I've found that if she does loads and loads of physical activity then her knee swells. Also when she was younger I'm pretty sure her shoulder dislocated when she fell once, so I keep a close eye on that. I think basically just be sensible about it, don't let her over do things and try to build the joints up with exercise.

[rummum]

DD9 (thats the first time I've put that, I always put daughter).. anyway... is hypermobile.. we found out because daughters legs hurt when she has to stand or walk for any long period... ie the check out at Tesco's.. she always had to sit down.. We mentioned this to her paediatritian.. (daughter was being assessed for dyspraxia).. We were refered to an orthotist at the hospital, who said that daughter was hypermobile... this is also why daughter has trouble writting, and her fingers bend back when she writes.
The OT explained it by saying the joints give a little bit more than usual... daughters ankles turned in when she stands this causes a knock on effect with the tendons... causing the pain!!
Daughter has these insole support things for her shoes now....

Daughter is very supple and can do the splits .. she can also put her thumb on her wrist and make her elbows touch behind her back... [gross]

Dexter does your child have any other problems...
ie dyspraxia / aspergers??

HTH

Rummum

[Mummyvicky]

Hi dexter
My dd is hypermobile and is having monthly physio sessions. She is 20 months and only just weight bearing by holding onto things. My dad has it, as did his father. I am quite bendy, but by no means as bad as dd. She has very weak hips, knees and ankles, also her wrists dislocate extremely easily. Ive been repeatedly told she will be normal, but just not able to do very active things. This is her only problem although she is very "laid back" and not forming words yet either. Nice to know there are others with the same issue !
Vicky

[donnie]

I have hypermobility in my hip and leg joints. I was very adept at gymnastics when I was a kid - sideways and forwards splits etc - and I am still very supple, but it has caused problems with my back and lumbar area over the years. I can see how it could potentially be difficult in a developing child if not monitored.

[misdee]

dd2 has hypermobility and hyoptonia. makes her very floppy. the physio was bending her legs the wrong way, her knees go up (cant remember what she said) and is going to keep an eye on her arms/hands in further session and as her fine motor skills devolope more.
dd1 is also hypermobile, she can bend is all directions, can do the splits the other way almost all the way to the ground (hard to explain, but she can face you and not turn sideways), walks on her ankles, bends her thumb down to her wrist, can do a pose similar to the crab(??) and she is only 5. maybe i should enroll her at the gym.

[dexter]

thanks everyone, this is for a friend whose child has it. Very helpful!

[Dingle]

My dd is 4,has Down Syndrome and is also very "flexible!" This really effects her walking and we have had specail little boots(Piedros)and AFO's (little splints) to help stop her knees hyper extending. This does seem to be improving with constant exercising via physio programs and play but it is very hard going. Now they are saying that the problem could be her loose hip joints!

Obviously, having DS, her general developement is delayed including her fine motor skills...things like using scissor, even threading beads are difficult for her!

[dexter]

Dingle, hope this improves for her and you. I'm sure it will as she gets older and her muscle strentgh improves xx

[rummum]

Dexter... what problems does your friends child have??

[dexter]

very similar to those mentioned here about falling over lots - has been advised to use swimming as good exercise and been told unlikely ever to be top class sprinter!!!!!!!!!!

[misdee]

thats pretty much what i was told as well. only found out last week what it was. she is 3.

[nappyaddict]

is being hypermobile just the same as being double jointed or is it more serious than that?

[cory]

Some people distinguish between being hypermobile (being double jointed) and having hypermobility syndrome (double jointed + pain, mobility or other health problems resulting from the same).

My dd has hypermobility syndrome. This is often connected with other problems arising from weak connective tissue, such as incontince, chronic constipation, sometimes skin problems. My dd has chronic pain which is sometimes so bad she cannot walk or sit. She has been told that she will need to work hard all her life on physio and pace herself carefully; she wears insoles, uses special aids for writing and is sometimes wheelchair bound. My ds is (as yet) less affected: he has pains in his feet, but we are hoping that his new insoles will help with that.

BUt lots of people are hypermobile without getting the pain- sounds good to me.

[chewing20times]

I am an exphysio who used to work at a London NHS hospital with one of the experts in joint hypermobility syndrome. As cory says there is a difference between being a bit bendy and having JHMS. The consultant's name was Prof Grahame based at UCLH NHS trust and he did used to see people from all over, if that were necessary for your friends child. I am not sure if they link in to Great Ormond Street which was just around the corner. Anyway, hopefully it won't be necessary, but some correct advice now could be of great benefit.

[chewing20times]

I didn't realise the original thread was so old!

[LIZS]

ds has hyperflexible upper joints (arms, shoudlers, elbows) which means he finds it hard to get as much resistance when he swims ,for example, so his strokes are less effective and he misjudges how hard to throw a ball. He is also potentially dyspraxic which means he lacks coordination, balance and has problems(if unconsciously) planning his movements.