Hypermobile joints are joints that move beyond the normal range with little effort. The joints that are most commonly hypermobile are the elbows, wrists, fingers, and knees.
Alternative Names:
Joint hypermobility; Loose joints
Considerations:
Hypermobile joints occur in some very rare medical conditions, but can also occur in otherwise healthy and normal children. Children generally tend to be more flexible than adults, but those with hypermobile joints are capable of flexing and extending beyond normally observed limits for that particular joint. The movement is accomplished without undue force and without discomfort. Children with hypermobile joints also frequently have flat feet.
There is no specific care for the hypermobility. In many cases, people with hypermobile joints are at an increased risk for joint dislocation and other problems, and extra care may be needed to protect the joints. Consult your health care provider for specific recommendations.
Review Date: 12/4/2006
Reviewed By: Thomas N. Joseph, MD, Private Practice specializing in Orthopaedics, subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone & Joint, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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General Pediatrics
