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There are so many conditions linked to hypermobility, many of which are shocking. For example, who thought that a alopecia, a condition where you lose your hair, could be connected to bendy joints?
This article will uncover the conditions most often seen alongside hypermobility, so you can see if you’re at risk.
What autoimmune disease causes hypermobility?
Neither hypermobility or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) are autoimmune diseases. Instead, they are both conditions that are inherited.
However, there are autoimmune conditions linked to hypermobility, including:
- Celiac disease
- Alopecia Areata
- Psoriasis
- Thyroid disorders
- Sjögren’s disease
What arthritis is associated with hypermobility?
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that’s associated with hypermobility. Osteoarthritis is often referred to as ‘wear and tear’ and affects 73% of people aged 55 and over.
The study ‘Hypermobility features in patients with hand osteoarthritis’ found that people with hypermobility were more likely to develop osteoarthritis of the thumb. Even people with mild hypermobility were more susceptible to this form of arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is also linked with hypermobility.
Is hypermobility linked to fibromyalgia?
Yes, hypermobility is closely linked to fibromyalgia. These two conditions have similar symptoms, so it’s difficult to know whether you have both. Symptoms of hypermobility and fibromyalgia include:
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Easy bruising
- Brain fog
- Weakness
- Dry eyes
Research says that people with fibromyalgia are more likely to be hypermobile too. One study found that 81% of people with fibromyalgia meet the criteria for hypermobility. Meanwhile, 18% meet the criteria for hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS).
Does hypermobility cause chronic fatigue?
It can do. Fibromyalgia is often seen alongside chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Because hypermobility is common with fibromyalgia, CFS frequently occurs as well.
We already know that extreme tiredness and hypermobility go hand in hand. One study of EDS patients found that almost 70% of them reported having fatigue.
Is hypermobility linked to MS?
Hypermobility isn’t linked to multiple sclerosis (MS). But the two conditions do share similar characteristics. As a result, many people with hypermobility worry that they have MS.
Scientists have also discovered that the MRIs of patients with hypermobility and MS look similar. The study ‘Symptoms of Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder May Mimic Multiple Sclerosis‘ concludes that people with hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) have white matter lesions on their brains.
The study also highlights that HSD is an MS mimic and that many patients have had the wrong therapy and treatment due to this.
I think it’s also important to highlight that this study shows just how severe hypermobility symptoms can be.
Is hypermobility linked to Dyspraxia?
Dyspraxia is a disorder that affects fine and/or gross motor coordination. It affects both children and adults. Because of this, people with dyspraxia are described as clumsy and uncoordinated. Tasks, such as writing, doing up buttons, running, and jumping are typically difficult to do.
These symptoms of dyspraxia have a lot in common with the symptoms of hypermobility.
Many people with dyspraxia are also hypermobile. One study reports that 30 to 50% of children with motor delay caused by dyspraxia have hypermobility.
Is hypermobility linked to autism and ADHD?
It certainly is! ADHD is frequently seen in people with hypermobility. In fact, up to 32% of people with ADHD also have hypermobility.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is also associated with hypermobility. People with neurodevelopmental conditions, including ASD and ADHD, have a rate of joint hypermobility of 50%. This compares to just 20% of the general population.
What other conditions are linked to hypermobility?
The conditions listed so far are just a few that are linked to hypermobility. There are many more, including:
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS)
- Marfan syndrome
- Osteogenesis imperfecta
- Stickler syndrome
- Down syndrome
- Williams syndrome
- Prader-Willi syndrome
- Fragile X syndrome
- Muscular dystrophy
- Cerebral palsy
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- Lupus
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Migraine
- Tension headaches
- Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
- Plantar fasciitis
- Hypertonia
- Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)
- Dysautonomia/Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
I’m surprised by the number of conditions that are linked to hypermobility. So many of these disorders seem to have nothing to do with flexibility. Yet, there’s a clear link between them. Therefore, it’ll be interesting to see what other conditions will be connected to hypermobility in the future.
