KIM’S KORNER: The pros and cons of hypermobility

We all know someone who is super-flexible, who can almost effortlessly perform the splits while most of us can only look on in awe. There have been many terms to describe this ability: double-jointed, joint laxity, and the more recent “hypermobility syndrome”. The legendary escape artist Harry Houdini was thought to be hypermobile.  

Hypermobility can run in families, and the most common factors are: difference in the shape of the ends of bones and joints; over-flexible ligaments and joint capsules both of which are made up of collagen. Ligaments join bone to bone and the joint capsule surrounds joints; together they have the job of keeping joints stable and preventing unnecessary and excessive movements. It is thought that abnormality of collagen fibres plays a part in joint laxity, but it is important to note that collagen is present not only in ligaments and joint capsules but also in our organs, blood vessels and our skin. Because of this, people with hypermobility are more likely to have acid reflux, irritable bowel or bruise more easily. On the upside, it can mean fewer wrinkles.

It is not only collagen that is affected in people with hypermobility. Stretch receptors, found in muscles and organs, are also affected. Stretch receptors are present to protect the body from over-extending, and a delayed response means that our joints are able to move beyond what is normal range, or even allows us to eat far more than we should, even when we are full.

One of the earliest signs is a delay in reaching developmental milestones. For example, speech may be delayed as well as walking later due to less control and stability in the arms and legs. For some parents this may be worrying. They fear these signs could mean there is something wrong with their child, but children are resilient and, in most cases, they soon catch up with their peers. There are, of course, other more telling signs: the ability to bend the thumb backwards till it touches the wrist; being able to bend the knee backwards, and to pop the shoulder out of place.

It may sound like it’s a great attribute to have, and most people with hypermobility have no symptoms, but for some, having flexible joints is not a blessing but a curse that can lead to instability of the joints, increasing the risk of sprains and strains, dislocation of joints, especially the shoulder and kneecap, and, in some cases, even cause pain. Hypermobility may also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, Down Syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Diagnosing hypermobility relies on assessing the mobility of the joints as there are currently no genetic tests. Diagnosis is often made by using a tool like the Beighton Scale which measures the range at eight joints with a score between five and seven confirming a diagnosis.

So, as you can see, being hypermobile can be both good and bad but let’s end on a positive note. There are many world-class gymnasts and ballet dancers who are hypermobile. But guys, don’t despair. Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar, the fastest bowler of all time, has had his success attributed to the fact that he is hypermobile; being super flexible, in theory, can make you not only a faster bowler but a better spin bowler. Other famous people diagnosed with hypermobility can be found in all walks of life, including David Beckham, Cherylee Houston (you’ll know this one if you are a fan of English Soaps), Anne Frank, Abraham Lincoln and the famous pianist Rachmaninov.

People said it would be impossible to play some of Rachmaninov’s pieces unless one were double-jointed. He was able to manipulate his hands and wrists naturally. For those of you who are not hypermobile it may explain why certain things are harder to excel in but it’s ok. There are also great spin bowlers who are not hypermobile.