Why does hypermobility syndrome cause joint pain?

Ligaments and other connective tissues normally help guide a joint through its range of movement. With hypermobility, a joint may move beyond the range that feels controlled or efficient. Muscles then work harder to stabilise it, which can lead to aching after activity, tiredness, clicking or a sense that a joint gives way. Joint Pain is a common presentation of Hypermobility Syndrome. Pain can involve more than one joint and may vary from day to day; joint pain also has many causes unrelated to hypermobility.

Pace activities and build up exercise gradually rather than pushing through a large increase in activity. A physiotherapist can teach strengthening, balance and movement-control exercises tailored to the joints causing trouble. Choose supportive footwear when appropriate, take breaks from repetitive positions, and use a heat or cold pack with a protective layer if it helps your symptoms. Keep a note of painful activities, swelling and episodes of giving way to make a clinical review more useful.

Arrange an appointment if pain is persistent, limits work or sleep, or keeps returning despite pacing and strengthening. Seek urgent assessment after a significant injury, if a joint looks deformed, cannot bear weight, becomes hot and swollen, or is painful with fever. These features may need assessment for injury, infection or inflammation rather than being attributed to hypermobility alone.

Ask whether physiotherapy is appropriate, whether a brace is suitable for a particular activity, and whether your symptoms suggest another joint problem. Mention any repeated dislocations, numbness, swelling or family history of connective-tissue conditions.