A question about hypermobility, please

[timeandmoney]

Hello

I took my 18 month DS to a physio drop in at the Children's Centre today. He has only only recently started taking unaided steps - but only a few at a time. He lacks confidence and his balance isn't great.

Hypermobility runs in my family. I didn't realise this until I was diagnosed with it during pregnancy; it's been worse since I've had my DS. My nephew, 11, has hypermobility syndrome but is incredibly fit so seems to be doing Ok. Mum and sisters are flat footed, hyermobile in some joints.

It wasn't really that helpful as it was so quick. She watched him walk and said he had an 'immature gait' ie walks like a duck, but felt he wasn't far off.

However, I really got upset when she felt his hands and was said he had very hypermobile fingers. I hadn't realised this.

She said there was nothing we could do at the moment, given his age. She said we should wait to get him assessed in a few months, but that she imagined he'd be walking soon etc.

My question is:

1. Does hyermobile fingers etc indicate that it's quite serious...or can it be maintained without too much difficulty/pain? I worry about potential pain
2. is there anything I should be doing now? Interventionist stuff to strengthen him? He goes to loads of soft play, tumble tots, active stuff. We walk around holding his finger, loads. He's actually very physical

In short, is it just wait and see?

Thanks for reading.

Hypermobility in the hands is quite common - I got past the age of 40 before it started to be a big problem for me, though looking back, I did have a lot of problem with hand cramps and muscle spasm which would be related to it. Some children do have problems with holding a pen and writing, etc, but there are so many ways around this, now.

I would avoid holding his finger or even holding his hand, if possible, though - specially if he's a bit of a puller. Wearing a chest harness would be more comfortable for him and do less damage, in the long run.

There's a long running EDS/hypermobility thread here, btw - lots of experience and advice, there :)

Dont feel bad, my Dd3 was 8 before she was Dxed hypermobile.

She has had physio to strengthen the muscles around the joints which leads to less injury apparently.

We have to exersises with her and she has orthotics in her shoes.

She sometimes complains of pain if she has fallen or twisted a joint but she is not generally in pain.

Oh yes and she gets tired hands very quickly when she is writing but she has a special pen and is learning to type.

Thanks v much, that's helpful. I've posted on the EDS thread too

Posted you a message on H/M 3 Tread ...Hope you get it ....