Causes of Joint hypermobility

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There are four factors that cause hypermobility:

1. The shape of the ends of the bones.

A joint is the junction between two bones. The shape of the bones defines the flexibility of the joint. Your range of movement will be larger if the socket that the bone moves around in (e.g. shoulder, hip) is narrow because it will allow more movement.

2. Weak or stretched ligaments (bands that hold your joints in place).

This is caused by problems with collagen (the substance found in tendons, ligaments and cartilage) and other proteins like elastin. All the joints in the body will be affected (except the spine), especially the knees and thumbs. This type of hypermobility in particular can be hereditary.

3. The tone of your muscles.

The tone of your muscles is controlled by your nervous system. You can increase your suppleness with activities such as yoga.

4. Your sense of joint movement.

If you have an abnormal sense of joint movement you may not be able to sense when a joint is over-stretched. This may also make you clumsy.

Hormones also affect hypermobility, as the female hormone oestrogen increases flexibility. Therefore symptoms may increase before a period and reduce after the menopause.

Exercise and some sports, eg running or squash can aggravate the joints. Low impact sports such as swimming and cycling are more advisable.