Joint hypermobility disorders :
So how many others out there are Hypermobile???? - - Posted by Shazinoz (Shazinoz), 4 September 2002
I was just wondering how many others out there are hYpermobile (Double jointed/ extremely flexible)?? and have knee problems .
I am one and I am sure there are others. I was just curious in how many others have this problems too. 
Posted by Helen (Helen), 4 September 2002
Hi Shazinoz
I wouldnt say Im hypermobile (dont think so anyway) but have experienced overextension on occasion, esp since surgery. Hurts like hell and I try hard not to do it. I am very flexible tho'. I can get my feet (foot at the moment) up to my hip. Looks really weird, but it my fav freaky party trick. Trying it when drunk is very amusing LOL.
Helen
Posted by Shazinoz (Shazinoz), 4 September 2002
For peoples information they use the Beigton scale as a guide to give the diagnosis of Hypermobility. The beighton score is as follows.
The Beighton score gives a patient
one point for each of the following characteristics:
*passive extension of the fifth metacarpophalangeal (MCP)(Finger joint at lowest knuckle) joint past 90 degrees,
*passive apposition of the thumb to the forearm (thumb bent down to touch forearm),
*hyperextension of the elbow past 10 degrees(if elbow strightens beyond (straight),
*hyperextension of the knee past 10 degrees, and
*trunk flexion allowing the palms to be placed flat on the floor (bending forward at waist with legs straight and together and palms of hands flat on the floor).
Beighton et al scored each limb separately for the first 4 items, generating a possible score of 9.
A score of 5/9 or more is usually a sign of significant hypermobility.(as far as I know).
Just thought I would add this for those who don't know but would like to know what criteria is used to diagnose Hypermobility.
There is a new scale too called the breighton Criteria which is used to diagnose HMS (Hypermobility Syndrome a pain and more serious problem that just hypermobility (Hypermobility iself is a benign condition).
See http://www.hypermobility.org/diagnosis.shtml
Posted by Helen_uk (Helen uk), 4 September 2002
Hi my hypermobliity was diagnosed in my late teens and althouhg some areas arent as mobile now I am still significantly mobile as to put my children to shame when it comes to flexibility.
I have had shoulder surgery 5 times and 30 plus knee ops.
My fingers give me problems as they dislocate quite often, the shoulder surgery seems to have been great but we are still trying to get there on the knee bit.
My neck and back are very athritic now and cause alot og discomfort.
But I mangae and have a very fullfilling life.
Good luck to all you other bendy folk.
I also have hypoplastic femoral disoeder aand arthritis and collagen disoerder so I am pretty duff but ok.
H xxx
Posted by Stacey (Stacey), 4 September 2002
Hello
I am hypermobile to an extent. All joints will hyperextend but as of right now only my knees (and sometimes wrists) give me any trouble. The OS thinks that this is the source of most of my knee troubles and is wondering if there is a corelation between hypermobility and premature births (i was 3 months early)
Posted by wriggley (wriggley), 11 September 2002
i have always been pretty flexible and my knees and fingers met the criteria. This bloody amazing as i can put my palms on the floor but lying on my back i cant lift my legs of the floor past about 60 degrees because my hamstrings are way to tight! i tend to be walking down stairs when my knees decide that one or the other would like to bend in the wrong direction which as you can guess results in me landing on my butt. My fiancee thinks this is hilarious but it is a major pain. i think that about covers it
Posted by Kris (Kris), 13 September 2002
Mostly my problem is with overextension which is causing a lot of problems with recovery. A lot of the time that my knee tends to lock is in that overextension phase of walking or I guess any activity. My therapist wants a brace, my doc doesn't.
Posted by Iona_-Uk (Iona_-Uk), 13 September 2002
Hi Shaz
My OS thinks I am over flexible but to me, I am just normal. He asked me to get my thumbs on to my wrist which I did, and I can also nearly get the back of my hand to touch my forearm- YUK!.
I can do weird things with most of my joints but I think this comes with years of dancing and gynastics both of which make you more flexible.
Iona
Posted by Shazinoz (Shazinoz), 13 September 2002
A lot of Hypermobiles end up in Ballet and Gymnastics (LIke I did) because of their Natural Flexability. This can be a good and a bad thing (good in that it is pretty easy as you are naturally flexible and bad in that it makes you even MORE flexible). There are a number of syndromes and diseases that can have hypermobility as a symptom. TO me I am also NORMAL in flexibility as this is the way that I have always been but technically I am Hypermobile. I to can do the thumb on the forearm and the palms on the floor with legs straight and others but I can't do the back of hand to forearm (You must have VERY flexible wrists to be able to do that). Try asking your parents if you were flexible when you were very young or "floppy" or even abnormally clumbsy (I was) and this is an indicator of Hypermobility. Try the above test and see what you rate, if you are Hypermobile it is worth mentioning it to your medical practioners as this can have a bearing on recovery, injury and pain. I have some web sites on Hypermobility and HMS (Hypermobility Syndrome which is Hypermobility +Symptoms) most of these sites are UK based.
Posted by Iona_-Uk (Iona_-Uk), 13 September 2002
Hi Shaz
I've always been very flexible, my parents have always said that they couldn't believe I was like I was. I was also very clumsy and still am now, I didn't know that was a symptom.
My parents took my along to ballet and gym classes in the hope that it would build my muscle tone and stop me being so bendy, but it has the opposite effect.
It's not something I am unduly worried about unless it starts becoming a problem, which it may or may not do, but I will ceratinly mention it when i next see my Gp or OS as it may well be they key to the last 6-7 years of pain.
iona xx
Posted by wriggley (wriggley), 13 September 2002
thanks for the info Shaz, because like Iona, I was a very clumsy child and still fall over things and walk into stuff. V. interesting stuff!
wriggley
Posted by Shazinoz (Shazinoz), 5 October 2002
Well the trials of the hypermobile continues.
I am in a cast from fingers to my elbow including my thumb. Doc's think I have either tendonitis/ tenosynovitis or a fracture.
I go back to see OS about knee end oct and see my new rehab doc on friday (he works on and with people with difficult cases like mine with hypermobiles etc. here is hoping. i have also been seeing an osteopath lately and he is helping i think.
Posted by angie_chadwick (angie_chadwick), 16 May 2003
I have recently been diagnosed with joint hypermobility,
I used my bendy arms as my party trick when i was in my teens (and made all my mates cringe!) but now i am 30 i am suffering with it, hip cluncking,knees slipping and bending the other way. i did have two huge kids 1st weighing at 10lb 10oz and second premature at 9lb 6oz im only 5ft 3in but had no problems then walking or joints hurting etc.
And as i live in the uk i am still awaiting further treatment on the NHS,so far ive been told that i have joint hypermobility by the reumatologist and thats it so far. maybe this is why we are called patients (pacience) maybe the spelling is wrong there but you know what i mean. angie x 
Posted by Pirate (pirate), 18 May 2003
After years of Problems mainly in my lower limbs, especially my knee, I was finally diagnosed by a Phsio, earlier this year.
Currently awaiting an appointment with a Rheumatoligist, Dr Harvey, From Pontefract General Infirmairy.
I too did Ballet and a bit of Gymnastics. loads of swimming. tried horse riding but found it very uncomfortable.
Posted by Femin3m (Femin3m), 3 August 2003
ME ME ME, im hyper-mobile!!!!!
i can do all my finger by perpous and ive done
knee - both once
wrists - both 5 or 6 times
alkles - left once
sholders - both to meny times to count
neck - once
hips - once
Posted by KJ (KJ), 3 August 2003
I've never thought of myself as having a hypermobility disorder but i AM flexible (even at 45) and did a lot of gymnastics and trampolining in the past.
I score 7/9 on the wrists, hands on floor, hyperextendable arms etc. (Beighton score). Ironically the only thing I don't score on is hyperextensible knees.
I'm sure my flexibility contributed to the severity of my skiing injury. I simply fell and twisted and whereas someone else would probably only have ruptured their ACL I managed to dislocate the knee rupturing ACL, PCL MCL and posterolateral corner.
This next lot of surgery in 6weeks time is using allografts (from a donor) for my revision ACL and PCL and probably also to mend the posterolateral corner for the first time - let's hope they are a bit more rigid than my own specimens!!
KJ
Posted by Riciamarn (Riciamarn), 3 August 2003
I am Hypermobile. Knees {especially right one} often dislocates. Shoulders & ankles sometimes do. Score 7/9 0n Beighton Scale.
Posted by Jennie (Jennie), 4 August 2003
I am also one of the lucky ones that is hypermobile as well 
My pt could not believe just how hypermobile that I was, the day that I went in for pt on my broken wrist that I had just had surgery one I had 10 degrees more flexion in that one than normal people do in normal wrists!!
Anyway just thought I would share!
P.S I am also one that can do all of the fun tricks like putting their legs behind their heads ect.
Take care all
Love,Jennie
Posted by stewarth (stewarth), 13 January 2004
Well I am 'double jointed' as is my father, my brother and all 4 of my kids. I, my brother and one of my kids all have knee and joint problems. It would seem, especially in my family anyway that there are quite a lot of us out there. I have had 4 ops on one of my knees and I am not keen on letting them near the other one, all sorts of problems with soft tissue healing and muscle wastage. Ach well, just have to get on with life eh? 
Posted by Lynette (Lynette), 30 January 2004
I too am hypermobile with my knees. I've had three partial meninsectomys, two total menisectomy's of my lateral menisi [left and right leg] and a lateral release. I currently have mal-tracking in my other leg and trying to get over "open knee" surgery but have a major flexion problem at the moment.
I have never injured my knees but have just had symptoms of locking, catching and stiffness. When I ask my surgeons why I suffer like this as I'm not even sporty they say it could be because I'm hypermobile as it puts extra pressure on your joints. For example, when I stand my knees and calf go further back than a normal persons. They may be clutching at straws or there may be a link.
Posted by mlesq (mlesq), 8 February 2004
I am hypermobile. I score high on Beighton. I have had knee problems since age 10 or earlier. Haven't had dislocations in either knee since I had surgery 2 on left and 1 on right. I can do all the odd tricks and I have frequently been asked to "do the leg thing." Hah.. but anyway, the hypermobility is causing hip, knuckle, ankle, and all sorts of joint pain. Also, when i sit down for an extended period of time or sleep, getting up to walk is difficult due to pain. Anybody else experience that?
Posted by FieryMayhem (FieryMayhem), 12 March 2004
All 3 of my physical therapists will confirm that I'm hypermobile. We've tried working on my muscles to help stop it, but I guess I'm just stubborn and it doesn't seem to be working. However, I think I've made a little progress.
-Jessa
Posted by tiggy (tiggy), 27 August 2004
I have HMS as well, found out about 5 years ago. Sure did explain why everything moved all the time .
Posted by Jessca (Jessca), 18 November 2004
I always have knee problems. The are always dislocating. I know I am hypermobile because I can do that knee thing where you move them into the W position. Do you think I should see a doctor to see if I can fix them?
Posted by angel_face (angel_face), 18 November 2004
Hey am hypermobile 
, i jst dislocated ma knee a few weeks bk , i neva used reli hav knee probz ma knee jst locked sumtimes nd nuthin was thought of it nd then i was told i hav very very lose joints, do u hav 2 do tons of exercises?
Posted by gcflex (gcflex), 12 December 2004
i am also hypermobile, with the odd exception of my right arm. my hips are the worst ( the whole feet behind the head thing) i also have the odd ability to turn both feet 180 degrees at the same time... can anyone help me with that little detail?
Posted by HK_Aubie (HK_Aubie), 15 December 2004
I had a doctor in college say my joints were all "loosey-goosey." In my records he wrote the more professional term "hyperextensive."
It's presumed to be part of the problem with my knees subluxing and dislocating. I have joint pain in most joints, except the hips. This is presumably also related to the hypermobility. My fingers are less flexible now that I'm an adult (25), but they hurt more than ever.
I used to be able to do the feet behind the head thing and sit that way quite comfortably. As a kid that went over great at sleepovers. Sometime in my late teens it got uncomfortable, and I haven't tried it since, but people still find my flexibility entertaining.
Posted by shadehawk (shadehawk), 15 December 2004
I seem to be a member of this club also especially my kneecaps. I was always flexible but now I realize it is not exactly the best thing to have.
On the test I can do most of that stuff and I totally dislocated my left elbow. It sure looked wierd hanging in two pieces. (hubby wanted to take a picture) not likely I'd want to be reminded of that one.
Posted by tensing (tensing), 18 December 2004
I'm very hypermobile always have been, untill recently when my back started to lock up, it now looks like I have ankylosing spondylitis as well.
Posted by Fox (Fox), 29 December 2004
Me too hypermobility and hyperextension of the knees - refered to as a 'classic case' and just loved by doctors who want their students and trainee carvers to have a 'waggle'.
Why do they always want to play with the knees instead of listening?
The left knee hurts most but the right is the best plaything - I've even had to remind quacks which one I'm there for and one prescribed a brace for the wrong knee........
Fox
Posted by libertynm (libertynm), 29 December 2004
Somewhat hypermobile. I hyperextend in my knees (presurgery) and elbows, but not enough to cross the 10 degree Beighton criteria. I'm positive for:
*passive extension of the fifth metacarpophalangeal (MCP)(Finger joint at lowest knuckle) joint past 90 degrees,
*trunk flexion allowing the palms to be placed flat on the floor (bending forward at waist with legs straight and together and palms of hands flat on the floor).
(not sure about thumb to forearm. . .depends on whether it's the forward or backward direction that counts as positive).
Practically, it's the knee and wrist flexibility that bother me. . .My OS says my patellae are hypermobile.
I used to think of myself as clumsy (a bit tall and lanky growing up), but seem to have "grown out of it" in my mid twenties. I think that might have been due to learning how to control my core muscles via astanga yoga and a few ballet classes.
Posted by OneLeggedViolin (OneLeggedViolin), 5 January 2005
I guess I am somewhat hypermobile. I never noticed it because I'm not that active, but when I dislocated my patella, the OS pointed it out. Now I realize I can do 8 of the 9 steps in the Beighton test (can't get the palms quite flat yet... but my knee is in pain and I haven't tried hard on that one).
Besides my recent dislocation, I have had pain in the elbows and knees and alot of clumsiness. I run into things all the time. I guess this is why?
Posted by taz77 (taz77), 18 January 2005
just been told i have hypermobility ,i have sufferd with pain for 15 years to most of my joints but it was good to know it wasnt to serious and it is good to find others who understand ,still got a lot to learn 
would love to hear from anyone wishing to chat and help me understand that little bit more
Posted by nmcbride (nmcbride), 20 January 2005
Yeah, me too! It appears I'm also a bit hypermobile, although it is mostly confined to both my knees which have dislocated too many times to count! I can also click my hip in and out of its joint and have dislocated fingers - also have very mobile ankles, can bend ankles inwards way too far according to my physio! not much fun eh!!
Natalie.
Updated Mon Oct 13 2008