DS (2) has just been diagnosed with Hypermobility.....................................

[Flumpybumpy]

anyone else have any experience of this??

The paediatric consultant has given the diagnosis but thats all. I am waiting for a forther appointment to discuss what happens now.

Can anyone give me any advice on what I need to do? If anything?

[HeadFairy]

I'm not sure if it's what you're looking for but I'm hypermobile. I scored 7/9 on the Beighton scale. Did they do similar tests on your ds?

some more info here

[Flumpybumpy]

We saw a physio and she did loads of different things, checked his legs, how he walked, bending his thumb and his elbows. Not sure if that is the same thing. She didn't mention any scale or anything.

Do I need to do anythng special?? I am so worried whenhe runs around and falls over in case he gets hurt.

Thanks for the link I will have a good read.

[HeadFairy]

Sounds like a Beighton score she was doing. I haven't had any day to day problems. I have torn my cruciate ligament three times, but that could be to do with reckless skiing as much as it could do with hypermobility.

My mum recently had a fall that was a classic hypermobility thing. She tripped over the garden hose (it was in the summer) and put her arm out to stop herself falling, and the bone snapped just before the joint. That's apparently a classic hypermobility thing, the ligaments which are supposed to stop the joint over extending aren't strong enough so the pressure goes on to the joint, and when that pressure is too much the bone breaks at the weakest point, ie just before the joint.

In a practical sense, I've been told there's nothing I can do, being fit and strong is important as the muscles can compensate for some of the work the ligaments are supposed to be doing, but aren't.

I have had a few back problems which are probably down to hypermobility, I've damaged a disc because the ligaments supporting my back aren't strong enough, and if I'd known sooner I would probably have worked harder on my posture, pilates is excellent for this.

I hope you get some good support soon, but as far as I'm concerned it's not the worst thing, just something you need to be aware of, even more reason to keep fit and strong.

[Flumpybumpy]

Thank HF, I appreciate you telling me this.

I do feel a bit out on a limb at the moment. No-one has gone through what it is or what it means. I think I need to get back in touch with her and get some answers.

[whomovedmychocolate]

I'm hypermobile and my DD (2) has also been diagnosed as hypermobile. As Headfairy said, weight bearing exercise is v important because the muscles support the skeleton better when they are strong. My parents were not aware of it when I was growing up and I injured myself a lot and was considered clumsy until we realised my body just didn't work quite the same as other peoples.

Make sure you inform his nursery so they can check him out properly if he has any falls.

FYI dance classes really helped me get my balance sorted out - I needed to learn how my body worked to stop me overstretching etc.

[HeadFairy]

That's ok. Personally I wouldn't worry too much, but I can see how that's hard to do, esp if you don't know much about it. I only got diagnosed at 35, but obviously I've had it all my life. My mum too.

One thing the physio did tell me that struck a chord, she asked if I was quite clumsy. I am very clumsy and often trip up when walking. She said it's because the ligaments in my ankles aren't supporting the joint properly, so it's much easier to stumble. I've got a wobble board to strengthen the core muscles and the muscles in my legs which help (not that I'm very good at doing my exercises )

[CharleeheartsherChains]

I have severe hypermobility, i sadly wasn't diagnosed untill a few months ago and its got so bad i have been told there is a good chance i will und up wheelchair bound by the time i am 40 due to my knee ligiments and muscles completley collapsing.

I have some excersises to do from the physio and i have foud hydotherapy really helpfull.

Don't worry though mine is a real extreme case, my physios face was like this when she was manipulating my limbs into various positions.

Excersise is so important, things like swimming are fab as they really support the body whilst gently stretching it.

I have torn both my major ligiments in my leg numerous times and keep doing it, (usually while stretching at night) so i hae to be really carefull and know my limits.

I haven't been hindered day to day except when i walk to excess i get in alot of pain in my hips and knees but thats due to the extent of the problem not the problem itself.

I am clumsy, so, so clumsy i will walk down the road and suddelnt be flat on my bum for no reason other than my ankle has given way and i have crumpled, its so !

He has been DXed at a young age so you can mae sure he has a healthy diet and alot of excersise.

[HeadFairy]

charlee. I've been told to expect a couple of knee replacements later in life, but I'm sure that's because I really haven't taken care of myself.

[Flumpybumpy]

He started collapsing about 6 months ago and then not wanting to put his weight down on his legs afterwards. After sevral xrays and lots of tests we fianlly have a diagnosis. I was worried he would be just written off as clumsy or as 'growing pains'.

I do feek a bit 'abandoned' by the physio and consultant now they have madea diagnosis, I have just been left worrying that every fall or bump will hurt him.

[Milliways]

My DS has mild hypermobility. First noticed when he had Physio for a broken leg & they discovered both knees bent backwards.

He was given a large rubber band to do resistance training with to strengthen the muscles.

Similarly he hurt his back a year ago and we discovered his shoulder blades cross at the back. Swimming is a good strengthener but butterfly make his back worse. He needs to work on core stability exercises to help stabilise his spine & protect himself.