What Is Joint Hypermobility?
Some individuals are naturally flexible without experiencing any problems, but in others, excessive joint movement can lead to pain, instability, fatigue, and repeated injury. This is called joint hypermobility, and it can range from mild looseness in a few joints to more widespread involvement affecting multiple areas of the body.
Some individuals with joint hypermobility have an underlying connective tissue disorder, including certain forms of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). EDS is a group of inherited conditions that affect collagen, which is one of the primary proteins found in skin, joints, and blood vessels. People with hypermobility or EDS may experience joints that partially slip out of position, frequent sprains, persistent muscle tension, fatigue, or chronic pain. These symptoms can affect nearly any part of the body, including the shoulders, knees, hips, spine, jaw, hands, and feet.
Diagnosing and treating joint hypermobility requires thoughtful consideration and extensive expertise. Dr. Mairin Jerome at the Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care has years of experience in regenerative medicine and interventional orthopedics, treating musculoskeletal disorders with minimally invasive techniques. If you suspect that you have joint hypermobility or are living with Ehlers-Danlos-related symptoms, reach out to our orthopedic practice in Atlanta, GA to learn how we can help your body move more efficiently.
Are you suffering from discomfort related to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome?
How Do You Treat Joint Hypermobility?
Hypermobility-related pain is often mistaken as a symptom of other musculoskeletal conditions, which is why Dr. Jerome will start with a thorough exam to learn more about your discomfort, assess the joint's range of motion, and rule out other possibilities. She may also assess your skin for soft spots or unusual scarring, which can be signs of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
We take a multi-pronged approach to treating joint hypermobility and EDS at the Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care, combining nonsurgical treatments with physical therapy to strengthen the ligaments. Depending on your needs, Dr. Jerome may recommend shockwave therapy, prolotherapy, or orthobiologic injections containing growth factors such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or microfragmented adipose tissue (MFAT). She'll also provide guidance on exercises and stretches you can perform between appointments to help strengthen your joints and prevent pain from flaring up.
What Are the Benefits of Treatment for Joint Hypermobility?
Stable joints are essential for smooth, comfortable movement. Joint hypermobility significantly impacts this stability, causing the rest of your body to work harder to maintain control and alignment. Effective management of joint hypermobility can go a long way toward restoring your comfort and quality of life, offering benefits such as:
- Improving joint stability during movement and weight-bearing activity
- Reducing the frequency of sprains, strains, and joint irritation
- Helping muscles work more efficiently
- Decreasing chronic tension and fatigue caused by joint instability
- Supporting better control and coordination during daily activities
- Reducing flare-ups linked to overuse or prolonged physical stress
- Helping joints feel more supported without relying entirely on bracing
Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care Reviews
Dr Jerome is incredibly thorough and knowledgeable! She took time to speak with me about all treatment options and how to eliminate my pain. She not only got me moving again, she got my life back! I highly, unequivocally recommend Dr Jerome!
I met with Dr. Jerome after experiencing difficulties with stiffness in my back and legs which was creating difficulty walking. Prior to meeting with Dr. Jerome I met with several doctors including a Neurologist who diagnosed me with spinal stenosis and suggested trying some PT but was told there wasn't anything that could be done and this will be your new normal. I had a friend recommend seeing Dr. Jerome for a second opinion after the success he saw with his daughters and wife who had their own issues and their success. Dr. Jerome met with me and spent well over an hour evaluating my X-Rays and MRI's and determined the root cause and said that there wasn't any reason for my issues to be my new normal! She conducted 2 surgeries using my own blood platelets which improved my mobility and my life drastically! During that same evolution she identified an issue with my hip which had deteriorated and was developing bone spurs (no other doctor caught or identified that issue) she said that the damaged hip was beyond anything she could do to repair and suggested seeing a surgeon for a 2nd opinion. She was right and I recently had my hip replaced! In closing I have to say that in my 58 years of life I have never met with a doctor who spent as much time and focus with me in order to try and improve my circumstances and my life. Dr. Jerome in my opinion is the best doctor I have ever interacted with! I would highly recommend her to any friend, family member, or anyone for that matter! Any patient with the good fortune of having Dr. Jerome in their corner will be blessed with someone who truly cares for them and is the best at what she does! Forever grateful! Rob Edgeton West Des Moines, IA.
On Feb 20, 2023, I had my first appointment with Dr Mairin Jerome at Regenexx in Des Moines IA and on March 27, 2023. I was impressed by her inquiries into my health, she examined my knee, finding the pain areas with her hands and used a ultra sound to get a better idea of my knee. (It was so very different then my Ortho physician who took x-rays and stood across the room and told me I needed two complete knee replacements and when did I want to schedule it, I felt like I’d been hit by a 2 x 4). I had platelets a prolotherapy injection; into my R knee and lower back. I was amazed after two days I had low to no pain, I only used only two pain pills. I was told what every step of the procedure was and asked if I understood, Dr Jerome called that evening to check on how I was doing, I felt supported and she knew what was going on with my PT on my follow up visit. Dr Jerome went above and beyond what she needed to do to make me comfortable. On Sept 20, 2023 I had a stem cell procedure done on my L knee and it went as easily as the first procedure. There were extra stem cells so she put them into my L hip, sweet! Again, I feel Dr Jerome took that extra measure of patient care. I am sensitive to medications and usually take half of what is prescribed, she ‘listens’ and prescribed my pain meds in a smaller dose so that I didn’t have to deal with breaking pills up. For me it’s the little gestures that make a doctor great. Dr Jerome is an excellent doctor, I and many others in Des Moines, will miss her as she goes back east to practice. Kathleen McLean (age 73)
Dr. Jerome got to the root of my issues was able to treat my spine comprehensibly. Enjoyed her humor and patience with my veins! Very sad to see her leave Des Moines!
Dr. Jerome is very professional, attentive and caring. She takes the time to listen not only with her ears but her eyes and heart as well. She noted symptoms I didn't realize I had. She provided personal follow-ups, not just relying on her staff, and supplied emotional support when I felt my issues were crashing down around me. There are not enough words to properly thank you, Dr. Jerome, for all you have done for my knees, back, neck and hands.
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Care and Management for Joint Hypermobility
There is no permanent cure for joint hypermobility, but with care and support from Dr. Jerome and our team at the Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care, you can still live an active, healthy life. If you suffer from chronic fatigue or discomfort related to joint hypermobility or EDS, or if you regularly experience injuries to certain joints, reach out to our interventional orthopedic practice in Atlanta, GA to learn how we can help. Our goal is to help you improve your daily comfort and function.