Here at Inspire Health, we often treat children with joint and muscle injuries. From scooters, to trampolines and team sports, we see all the usual scenarios, but did you know that being hypermobile can make your child more prone to joint injury? Hypermobility syndrome is when the connective tissues that make up the tendons and ligaments around the joints are more stretchy than normal. It is part of your genetic make-up and not the result of injuries to the joint, though an individual joint can become hyper-mobile from injury, for example a chronic ankle sprain.
Hyper-mobile children can also present as lethargic and tire easily. Handwriting ability can be difficult due to muscle weakness and looser joints in the hands. It is interesting when you start to think about the implications for a school age child and you can see the importance of a diagnosis to help you navigate and prepare for these challenges.
A child can be assessed for hyper-mobility using the Beighton hyper-mobility score from school age (6 years), and if found to be hyper-mobile you can begin strategies to improve your child's posture and strength to reduce the incidence of injury.
Strong muscles is key for these children and seeing an osteopath to treat tired, tight and sore muscles can be helpful for your hyper-mobile child. Osteopaths can help to implement strategies and exercises to meet any extra challenges.
Your GP will be an important part of your team also, as some conditions that cause hypermobility should be ruled out with further testing.
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