Results: Double Jointedness & EDS

Would you consider yourself to be very flexible or double-jointed?

The term "double-jointed" is used to describe hyper-mobility which is when the joints stretch further than normal. "Double-jointed" is actually a misnomer since the joints do not actually doubled in any sense. Were you aware that there is a genetic mutation that can be passed down in families that causes loose joints?

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or EDS is an inherited connective tissue disorder that affects the collagen in the body making it weaker which can cause very loose joints and problems with dislocations. Have you ever heard of EDS?

Since collagen is in so many areas of the body, this disease can have multiple symptoms that are wide ranging, from loose/dislocating joints to heart issues, severe chronic musculo-skeletal pain, problems with childbirth, digestive problems and more. There is no cure but in some people it can be fatal. As such it is often misdiagnosed and because it was considered rare, few doctors were aware of it. If you thought you might have EDS in your family would you consider genetic testing to confirm the diagnosis, even if there is no cure?

Have you ever dislocated one of your joints?