Hypermobile Joint Disease Rarely Recognized: MD Podiatrist

"Do you remember the kid in school who entertained everyone with his stupid tricks? He was the one who could place both elbows well behind his head or fold himself like a pretzel. Entertaining fellow, but possibly the victim of a serious, potentially debilitating disease. Although the diagnosis is infrequently made, the research shows this is simply a failure to accurately recognize the condition, formerly known as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome," says Dan Michaels, DPM.

"As is often the case, science often changes its mind and changes disease names, a logical move as we learn more about a disease. This constellation of inherited conditions, all closely related, is now termed hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSDs). The term hypermobility refers to an increased active or passive movement of a joint beyond its normal range. These are an array of connective tissue disorders, with the notable characteristics being joint instability and chronic pain," says Dr. Michaels.