When to worry about joint pain with hypermobility syndrome

Flexible joints may move beyond their usual range, placing extra strain on muscles, tendons and supporting tissues. This can cause aching after activity, repeated sprains, clicking or a sense that a joint gives way. New warmth, marked swelling, redness, bruising without a clear cause, or pain in a single joint may point to injury or another condition rather than your familiar pattern.

Reduce the activity that triggers pain without keeping the joint completely still. Use comfortable support if previously recommended, and try gentle range-of-motion work within comfort. A physiotherapist can help build strength, balance and control around vulnerable joints. Keep a note of triggers, instability, swelling and recovery time so your clinician can tailor the plan.

Get urgent assessment if a joint looks out of place, cannot bear weight, becomes locked, or has severe pain after a fall or twist. Seek prompt help for rapidly increasing swelling, a hot red joint with fever, new numbness or weakness, or a limb that becomes cold or changes colour. Arrange routine review for repeated dislocations, worsening function or pain that interrupts sleep.

Ask which exercises are suitable, whether a physiotherapy referral could improve joint control, and how to protect a joint during work or sport. Mention previous dislocations, recent injuries, swelling, morning stiffness, and any symptoms such as numbness or weakness.