Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, often abbreviated to EDS, is an inherited genetic disorder that impacts the body’s connective tissues including skin, joints, and even blood vessel walls (Mayo Foundation, 2022). EDS affects the body’s collagen formation and function, which composes the body’s connective tissue (Miklovic et al., 2023). There are 13 total types of EDS. The most common type of EDS, known as hypermobile EDS, typically causes overly flexible joints and fragile skin, and damaged skin often heals poorly (Mayo Foundation, 2022).
Common Symptoms of Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos:
Stretchy skin - folks with EDS typically have unusually stretchy skin, and are able to pinch and pull skin up and away from their flesh a significant amount, although the skin will move back in to place when it is let go.
Overly flexible joints - Because of the loose and weakened connective tissue that characterizes EDS, joints often have an extended range of motion and are frequently and easily dislocated.
Joint pain/clicking joints
Fatigue
Digestive Issues
Diagnosis and Treatment
There is no test for hypermobile EDS. Instead, hypermobile EDS is diagnosed through a combination of medical history and a physical examination. Some rarer forms of EDS do have corresponding genetic tests which can be used for diagnosis.
EDS in all of its forms is incurable. Treatment is focused on helping to manage the symptoms of EDS and prevent additional complications (Mayo Foundation, 2022). Common interventions to treat EDS include medications, physical therapy and muscle strengthening, and in severe cases surgeries may be recommended (Mayo Foundation, 2022). Medications often include anti-inflammatory medications and may also include low-dose naltrexone. Physical therapy and muscle strengthening is beneficial because strong muscles can help to stabilize joints and hold them in place, minimizing joint dislocation and alleviating some joint pain. Similarly, it’s recommended that folks with EDS avoid stretching-based activities like yoga, which can increase the flexibility of already unstable connective tissues.
References
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, August 25). Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ehlers-danlos-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20362125
Miklovic T, Sieg VC. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. [Updated 2023 May 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549814/