Anyone Know Anything About Hypermobility In Joints Please?

[kvalidir]

Hi, I wondered does anyone know anything about hypermobility in joints, more specifically hip joints please? Went to the Dr this afternoon because I've had terrible lower back ache/ hip pain on the right hand side and was informed this is why and referred to a physio. I've been reading on the net and it says people are frequently tired all the time too, well I am but had put this down to my diabetes / thyroid issues. For anyone that doesn't know me I'm a 16 year old female. Any help gratefully received. Thanx xxx

[slaney]

So they have done a Beighton score suggesting you have joint hypermobility.
http://hypermobility.org/help-advice/hypermobility-syndromes/beighton-score/

I have to emphasise that this does not necessarily mean you have Hypermobility Syndrome - there are many reason for someone with your diagnoses to feel tired.

It may be worth mentioning the back/hip pain to your diabetes consultant.
I would be interested to know how the physiotherapy goes - I hope it all improves soon.

[kvalidir]

Thanks's Slaney, yes that was it. I can also do the splits right and left, straddle splits and standing splits left, right, front and back. My little fingers can nearly touch the back of my hand and I can touch the floor with my palm flat, but none of the other things in that test, my knees, elbows etc seem perfectly normal. I will mention it to my diabetic consultant, I have to see him later this month actually which is useful and I'll let you know how I get on with the physio.
Thanks for your help xxx

[jno]

sounds like you have a good GP - that's always a big help. Best of luck.

[kvalidir]

Thanks Jno, yes they're brill- you couldn't ask for better GP's,they're all good and you can always see someone the same day as long as you don't mind waiting. I can't say enough nice things about them.

[ummmm]

I'm sending an addy to your dad on Facebook. Tell him to check his account x

[Eve]

Yes, I do, was diagnosed by my rheumatologist years ago. I was also very active, did ballet and other dance from 4, gymnastics, can ride, did lots of rock climbing etc... Had been told I had hypermobile joints before then though (physio, osteopath etc...).

I get more of a merge of pain though as I've also got rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia and other issues like lumbar lordosis.

I have all sorts of pillows and cushions to try and make me as comfortable as possible. The soft beanbag like travel cushions (oblong ones) are good and I've got a round the neck one too.

I love V pillows and have some wedges too and a maternity pillow. I have a memory foam topper and a memory foam pillow and find putting it between my knees can help me get a bit more comfortable with my hips when I'm trying to sleep.

I tend to roll off things from lying down rather than trying to get straight up, like off the sofa and out of bed.

I loved acupuncture which I had done at physio, limited relief but any relief is great and I used to feel so relaxed right after. I also have very regular massages, usually after I've finished work for the week when I feel broken and it means I've got a longer respite to rest with the benefit. They are great at avoiding aggravating my joints/fibro triggers too.

I agree with the just because you can thing, I have to be preventative as much as possible though a lot more to do with RA/fibro flares.

Occupational Health were great with some relaxation techniques and other things. I love the ragdoll technique.

I've been having hydrotherapy recently and that has been fantastic though it is quite limited what I can do and would be important not to overdo things in hypermobility and exercising in water can be very deceptive so good to have guidance from a physio.

I think knowing your personal limitations is important, what the limits of your joint movements should be and how to stay within that and not aggravate them while remaining mobile (I can't move too much but if I don't move I freeze up). Gentle fluid controlled moments (think gentle and graceful, good start if you've done ballet and anything like yoga/pilates), good posture where possible etc... If you are prone to pain issues in certain places, good posture is vital as much as possible, especially when sitting say at a computer.

Podiatry can be good if there are any feet related problems. One of my arches is collapsing and I get a lot of issues such as plantar fasciitis, more connected to the RA in my case though I think.

Meds wise, I have a lot though mainly for RA/fibro etc... but they help with other issues.

I have chronic fatigue, routine and planning is key, helps me keep functioning sometimes almost on auto-pilot to keep going when I need to. I also have a lot of rest, I've had to sacrifice a lot but it's not really optional for me, if I don't rest properly things become a nightmare.

I also drink a lot of coffee! :)

[Sqad]

I have been watching your thread with interest and didn't feel like being a "party pooper" as your treatment has been exemplary.
However two conditions come to mind:

Perthes Disease of the Hip........you are a bit old for that.

Hip dysplasia, particularly if you are limping.

These can only be diagnosed by X-Rays of both hips and i cannot see from your posts, that this has been done. If it has........forget my post.

[kvalidir]

Okay Ummm will do, he's travelling through Poland at the moment but he should be in Germany late tonight I think, so I'll tell him when he gets in touch:)

Thank you so much for all that eve, very helpful and informative. I too sleep with feather pillows sort of wrapped around me, under me, beside me etc, really helpful as if I just lie in bed even wit the toppers it's excruciating in the morning. I'll look into all the things you suggest. i had a massage today which I must say was very relaxing and my muscles feel better tonight but tomorrow morning will be the real test as I'm always okay later in the day.

Sqad, no I haven't been xrayed at all and I'm not limping at all. If you think I should have been I'll go back and suggest it, or should I wait for the physio and see what they say?

[Sqad]

Wait for the physio.

[jennyjoan]

Kval - you seem to be coming through so much pain - I do hope you feel a good bit better soon.


Eve - I think you are a true trooper as when I read and have read previously all your ailments and you still carry on working.

It makes my blood boil when I know so many shysters - funk all wrong with them and they bleed the government dry. Know of 7 children - now adults and their parents literally have never WORKED ONE DAY. Grrrr.

[kvalidir]

Willdo Sqad, thanks Conn :)

[slaney]

Sqad - that Kvaladir might need a hip/back Xray was one of my first thoughts, but it's early days yet, and I was reassured by her post above saying she can bend forward and put her hands on the floor suggesting there is no major mechanical problem with the hip.
If she still has pain in a few weeks obviously a rethink would be necessary.

[Sqad]

slaney......I know! I know! But a routine X-Ray right at the start would have eliminated a joint pathology, leaving us with just a muscular problem in which a physio would have been ideal.

I agree...unlikely joint pathology.

[slaney]

Agreed Sqad - my other thought was that it might be primarily a back problem with referred hip pain. Anyway, with any luck it will all settle..

[Scarlett]

I will also add that my pain decreased SO much when I changed my diet. Alternate Day Fasting seemed to give my body a break from food, and the following morning after fasting I feel like a different person. Similarly as I've mentioned before, avoiding food which I know makes my symptoms worse (gluten/wheat/dairy/sugar) really helps. So much of auto-immune problems are diet linked, I am sure of it. ie- put the wrong petrol in your car for long enough and your car will eventually give up the ghost!

[kvalidir]

Hi Scarlett, yes I' sure you are right but I have to watch my diet carefully as im type one diabetic so need to keep everything balanced and fasting a lot would be quite hard ( although not impossible) at the moment because of that.

I'd like to thank everyone for the overwhelmingly helpful responses to this thread, such generosity of spirit really is what makes answerbank great sometimes.
I can't choose a best answer as there are so many really outstanding ones so it wouldn't be fair but thank you all so much. I'll keep you updated on anything useful xxx