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:quality(20) "EDS & HSD Awareness and Support in Hampshire - Solent Mobility Centre, Mobility Experts in Lee-on-the-Solent")
May is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) Awareness Month, which is celebrated globally every year. Approximately 1 in 500 people are affected by EDS or HSD, but what do these terms actually mean?
EDS
EDS, also known as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, is a group of genetic disorders that affect the body's connective tissue. The condition is caused by genetic changes that affect collagen, weakening connective tissue throughout the body.
There are 13 classifications of EDS, each with its own symptoms and severity. The most common type of EDS is hEDS (Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome).
EDS varies in symptoms; however, there are common symptoms that you can look out for:
• Joint hypermobility
• Joint pain/clicking
• Joint dislocations or subluxations
• Digestive problems
• Increased heart rate
• Stretchy skin that bruises easily
For some, these symptoms may have little impact on their lives, but for others, they can cause daily pain and discomfort. It's important to get the right support if you're affected by EDS.
Physiotherapy can help strengthen the joints, reducing the chance of injuries. Mobility aids such as joint supports, walking aids, or wheelchairs can also make a huge difference to people living with EDS.
As we mentioned earlier, EDS is categorised into 13 different types:
• Classical EDS (cEDS): Stretchy skin, atrophic scarring, generalised joint hypermobility
• Classical-like EDS (clEDS): Fragile skin and joint hypermobility
• Cardiac-valvular EDS (cvEDS): Severe cardiac-valvular disease
• Vascular EDS (vEDS): Arterial rupture risk, thin translucent skin, characteristic facial features
• Hypermobile EDS (hEDS): Generalised joint hypermobility and chronic pain
• Arthrochalasia EDS (aEDS): Congenital hip dislocation, severe joint hypermobility
• Dermatosparaxis EDS (dEDS): Extremely fragile skin and easy bruising
• Brittle Cornea Syndrome (BCS): Joint hypermobility, blue sclera, and thin cornea
• Spondylodysplastic EDS (spEDS): Skeletal abnormalities and muscle hypotonia
• Musculocontractural EDS (mcEDS): Fragile skin and congenital contractures
• Myopathic EDS (mEDS): Muscle weakness, hypotonia, and joint hypermobility
• Periodontal EDS (pEDS): Severe early-onset periodontitis and joint hypermobility
HSD
HSD, also known as Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder, is another group of connective tissue disorders that affect the joints, ligaments, and tendons in the body. As children, our bodies are naturally very flexible, but this becomes less so as we grow into adulthood.
Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder isn't always symptomatic, and in these cases, it doesn't require any treatment. However, people experiencing HSD with painful symptoms should take care and get support.
The most common HSD symptoms to look out for are:
• Muscle/joint stiffness or pain
• Extreme fatigue
• Poor balance
• Frequent sprains/strains
• Thin, stretchy skin
• Joint dislocations/subluxations
It's not possible to cure these symptoms or HSD, but there are treatment options for those living with symptomatic HSD. Physiotherapy is the main solution, strengthening joints and muscles.
Joint pain caused by HSD can also be treated with paracetamol and ibuprofen. For some, using joint supports can also ease symptoms.
HSD is a group of disorders, categorised into 4 different types:
• Generalised HSD (G-HSD): Widespread joint hypermobility, affecting multiple joints
• Localised HSD (L-HSD): Excessive joint laxity in a limited number of joints or a specific area
• Peripheral HSD (P-HSD): Affecting joints in hands and feet
• Historical HSD (H-HSD): Diagnosed later in life based on a history of generalised hypermobility
There is still a lot of information that is unknown about EDS & HSD and what causes these disorders to occur. That's why it's important to bring awareness to this issue this May.
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of EDS or HSD, it's important to speak to your local GP. At Solent Mobility Centre, we offer mobility supports and solutions for anyone affected by these disorders - from joint supports to wheelchairs.