Hi, I have been told I have osteoarthritis and joint hypermobility syndrome - what are the implications of having both please?

Hello Anonymous,

Welcome to EmpowHER and thank you for such an interesting question.

Your physician is your best resource. Upon learning of this diagnosis, your physician should have discuss the implications with you. It would have been a good opportunity for you to ask this question.

I can provide you with general information about each condition.

Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of the bones wears down over time. It most commonly occurs in the joints of the hands, knees, hip and spine. Symptoms include joint pain with movement, joint tenderness when pressure is applied, joint stiffness that is most noticeable upon wakening in the morning or after a period of inactivity,and loss of flexibility or limited range of motion in affected joints.

The joint hypermobility syndrome is a benign condition that features joints that easily move beyond the normal range expected for a particular joint. Hypermobile joints tend to be inherited in specific genes passed on by parents to their children. It is felt that these certain genes predispose to the development of hypermobile joints.

Because the joints are capable of excessive motion in people with the joint hypermobility syndrome, they are susceptible to injury. Symptoms of the joint hypermobility syndrome include pain in the knees, fingers, hips, and elbows. There is a higher incidence of dislocation and sprains of involved joints.

Fibromyalgia is a common syndrome in which a person has long-term, body-wide pain and tenderness in the joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues.

Regards,
Maryann