Hypermobility of joints can be eitherA constitutional feature and a consequence of a hereditary disease. Photo: Getty If a child demonstrates phenomenal flexibility, do not rush to give it to the gymnastics club, it may be unsafe for his health.

Symptoms of joint hypermobility

Excessive mobility of the joints is determined after a test of flexibility according to the Bayton system. It is possible to diagnose if there are three or more signs from the following list:

Overextension of the elbow joints by 10 degrees or more,

Re-bending of the knee joints by 10 degrees or more,

The ability to touch the floor with palms with straight knees,

The ability to straighten the little finger to 90 degrees or more relative to the palm,

The ability to bend the hand and press the thumb against the forearm.

Also indirect signs of hypermobilitypronounced flat-footedness, valgus deformity of the feet, as well as other deformities of the musculoskeletal system and posture disorders can be considered; frequent dislocations and sprains, pain, aches and crunches in the joints.Hypermobility of the joints in children is often due to the peculiarities of development and fully passes with age. Photo: Getty

How to treat hypermobility syndrome in children?

If excessive joint flexibility is not a consequenceof any disease, but only a constitutional feature and a variant of the age norm, no special treatment is required. However, children with hypermobility are advised to adhere to a special regimen in order not to injure the joints and ligaments:

• Moderate exercise. Adequate physical exercises will help to strengthen the muscular corset and ligaments.
• Sparing types of physical activity. Children with hypermobility should not engage in those sports that involve additional stress on the joints: gymnastics, acrobatics, and equestrian sports are better to prefer swimming.
• Orthopedic support. To prevent the development of flat feet, you should wear special shoes with enhanced support of the ankle and orthopedic insoles.

Neglecting compliance is dangerous: hypermobility of the joints in children can cause pain, injuries, development of arthritis, arthrosis and other diseases of the musculoskeletal system. If excessive mobility is a consequence of a systemic disease, more serious treatment will be required, prescribed by a specialist doctor. It is also helpful to know:

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