Those with joint hypermobility in children are at high risk for joint problems later in life. These disorders are characterized by the mobility of the joints and can be caused by genetics or by environmental factors. Depending on the severity of the condition, treatments are available. Ultimately, the goal is to improve the quality of life for children with joint hypermobility.
Genetics
Despite its well-known prevalence, the genetics of joint hypermobility in children remains unclear. A good understanding of the disease and its etiology is critical to developing a reliable diagnosis and effective treatment. If not properly diagnosed and treated, joint hypermobility can result in musculoskeletal complications. In addition, a proper understanding of the disorder can also lead to improved symptom management and personalized treatment.
The genetics of joint hypermobility in children may be associated with connective tissue disorders. These disorders are characterized by abnormalities in collagen, the protein that adds flexibility to joints. This may affect bones, blood vessels, and skin. Depending on the severity of the disorder, the affected child may suffer from muscle hypotonia, skin hyperextensibility, bowel disorders, or eye problems.
Children with these disorders may also have other health problems. Some children are at risk for osteopenia or aortic dissection. In addition, they may suffer from vision problems and abnormal tall stature.
The genetics of joint hypermobility is often influenced by environmental influences such as physical activity, family education, and flexibility training. In addition to environmental influences, genetic testing can determine the specific causes of joint hypermobility. Laboratory-based genetic tests are expensive and are not available for all forms of joint hypermobility. These tests may be helpful to those with unexplained pain or a family history of joint hypermobility.
The genetics of joint hypermobility can be divided into two subtypes. The first is the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) type. This type is caused by a genetic defect in the collagen gene. The EDS Arthrochalasia type is characterized by severe joint hypermobility at birth. It is caused by mutations in the COL1A1 or COL1A2 genes.
Children with genetic connective tissue disorders may have gastrointestinal symptoms and skin abnormalities. These symptoms may not be symptomatic in the early years but become more pronounced as the child matures. They are also at risk for stroke from ruptured cerebral vessels. These children may also be referred for a cardiac evaluation.
Although the genetics of joint hypermobility in childhood are not well understood, the most important principle in treating this condition is muscle strengthening. Occupational therapy, physical therapy, and family education are also important in treating this condition.
Neurodevelopmental disorders
Several studies have suggested that neurodevelopmental disorders and joint hypermobility in children may be associated. However, it is unclear whether this relationship is dimensional or simply polygenic in origin. Moreover, a descriptive study of large cohorts of individuals is needed to determine whether baseline clinical characteristics and adverse outcomes are related.
Children with joint hypermobility may have problems sitting upright. They may also experience muscle weakness or a decreased range of motion. In addition, they may be more prone to back pain due to poor posture. They may also be delayed in learning to walk. They may have a flat foot and an angled heel bone.
The presence of joint hypermobility can serve as a red flag when diagnosing children on the autism spectrum. In fact, it is a major symptom of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). Although joint hypermobility is generally considered to be harmless, it can lead to musculoskeletal complications if not identified early. In addition, the psychological and physical consequences of additional difficulties can impact a child’s development.
Children with joint hypermobility can also develop sensory processing disorders. Children may become afraid of new activities or challenging tasks, which can lead to avoidance. However, a proper diagnosis allows for the right treatment. Occupational therapists can help with the management of anxiety and weakness. They may also explain how to deal with a child’s joint hypermobility.
In addition, joint laxity can be a sign of hEDS. The autonomic nervous system in hypermobile individuals may be dysregulated. This may lead to an increased vulnerability to stress, which may be associated with the psychopathology seen in neurodevelopmental disorders.
The connection between neurodevelopmental disorders and joint hypermobility is complex and must be explored in order to develop an accurate diagnostic test. The relationship between joint hypermobility and coordination difficulties is also explored.
The prevalence of hypermobility is high in adults with neurodevelopmental diagnoses, but the extent to which it contributes to psychopathology is unclear. Hypermobility is also associated with other serious musculoskeletal disorders, such as osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia.
Joint hypermobility has been identified in a small number of children with neurological conditions. Children may have difficulty sitting upright on a chair and may have problems pulling themselves up. They may also be unable to walk or stand erect.
Quality of life
Despite the widespread prevalence of joint hypermobility syndrome, little is known about the impact of this condition on quality of life. The current review aims to provide an overview of the most recent research in this field. It also aims to provide clinicians with the knowledge necessary to evaluate the quality of life of children with SJH.
Symptoms associated with joint hypermobility syndrome are numerous and varied. Pain is a common symptom, but it is not always the primary complication. Other symptoms that are associated with joint hypermobility include fatigue, deconditioning, orthostatic intolerance, and gastrointestinal complaints.
The majority of children with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) endorse pain as a symptom. Pain has been identified as a major contributor to functional impairment, as well as a major factor in diminished quality of life.
Despite the importance of pain, little research has been done on how children with joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS) experience pain. This review provides an overview of the most recent studies in this area, including descriptions of the pain characteristics and treatments. It also discusses the role of a multidisciplinary team.
Pain is a common symptom in both Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and JHS, although a greater proportion of children with EDS report pain more intensely than the general population. In addition, children with JHS report a higher frequency of abdominal pain than the general population.
The most common symptom reported by parents of children with bladder dysfunction is urgency. The least common symptom is constipation. Managing symptoms can be a challenge, but more research is needed to develop standardized protocols for bladder dysfunction. Occupational therapists can provide advice on graded physical activities and home modifications.
Pain amplification is also a common complication. This includes symptoms such as syncope, which needs to be investigated to rule out cardiac causes. In addition, pain is often accompanied by other complications such as bladder dysfunction.
An online parental survey was also conducted to explore parents’ perceptions of the impact of SJH on quality of life. The study found that the majority of parents reported that pain had a major impact on their child’s quality of life. It also found that a substantial number of parents reported that their children’s pain had a negative impact on their participation in everyday activities.
Treatment
Identifying the symptoms of joint hypermobility in children and referring them for a clinical evaluation is important to prevent musculoskeletal complications. Hypermobility is a common condition in children. It can cause pain, joint dislocations, and arthritis. But it doesn’t have to be life-threatening. It can be controlled with exercises and coping strategies.
An accurate diagnosis of joint hypermobility in children allows early referral to an interdisciplinary team for further evaluation. This will help avoid unnecessary and ineffective treatment measures. The aim is to minimize the health, socioeconomic and educational impact of the condition.
Hypermobility in children is often associated with pain, muscle pain, joint pain, and fatigue. If it is not treated properly, it can lead to arthritis and degenerative cartilage. Children with hypermobility syndrome may experience joint dislocations. This can cause significant pain, loss of mobility, and functional disability.
Hypermobility is more common in children than in adults. It can be caused by genetic or environmental factors. These factors may include participation in sports or flexibility training. Children can be encouraged to participate in sports and exercise to improve their physical fitness. These activities are also helpful to improve their balance.
An accurate diagnosis of joint hypermobility can help prevent catastrophic vascular complications. Children with hypermobility have an increased risk of early adult mortality. They are also at a greater risk of stroke from ruptured cerebral vessels.
Children who have a symptomatic form of joint hypermobility may develop a condition called Juvenile Hypermobility Syndrome (JHS). The symptoms of JHS include decreased activity in outdoor games and housework, less participation in sports, and a greater need for rest. These symptoms can be treated with activity modification, coping strategies, pain education, and targeted exercises.
A systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of the treatment of children with hypermobility. It included searches of medical and research databases such as Medline and Central. It included searches for symptomatic forms of GJH as well as nonsymptomatic forms of GJH.
Treatment for hypermobility in children can include a combination of activity modification, occupational therapy, therapy, pain education, and targeted exercises. A personalized medicine approach can help parents and doctors identify their priorities and develop a targeted treatment.
Health Sources:
Health A to Z. (n.d.). HSE.ie. https://www2.hse.ie/az/
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Directory Health Topics. (n.d.). https://www.healthline.com/directory/topics
Health A-Z. (2022, April 26). Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770
Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
Health Conditions A-Z Sitemap. (n.d.). EverydayHealth.com. https://www.everydayhealth.com/conditions/
