What is Ehlers-Danlos syndrome?
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a collection of disorders affecting connective tissues around the body that support and attach bones, skin, muscles, organs, and blood vessels. There are six main classifications of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome:
- Classical
- Hypermobile
- Vascular
- Kyphoscoliosis
- Arthrochalasia
- Dermatosparaxis
Each of these variations is a distinct condition, inherited from one or both parents. There’s no cure for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, so treatment focuses on alleviating the symptoms.
What are the symptoms of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome?
The most common symptom of all types of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is hypermobility, where joints bend and move to a degree beyond what would be typical.
You may have heard this condition referred to as double-jointedness, but the joints aren’t double. They merely have a more extensive range of movement than most people’s joints.
Other symptoms of Ehlers-Danlos include:
- Being able to pop joints in and out of position
- Having flat feet
- Early onset of osteoporosis
- Bruising easily
- Having thin skin that’s fragile and extremely stretchy
- Soft, velvety skin
- Taking a long time to heal after incurring a wound
- Non-typical scar formation
People who have Ehlers-Danlos syndrome often seem clumsy because they have neurological problems that cause them to have trouble balancing and focusing.
How is Ehlers-Danlos syndrome diagnosed?
Genetic testing can identify Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, but if you have the symptoms and there’s a history of EDS in your family, diagnosis is clear without the need for testing.
Ehlers-Danlos is sometimes misdiagnosed initially because the symptoms may resemble those of conditions such as lupus. Children with Ehlers-Danlos may be told they have growing pains instead.
How is Ehlers-Danlos syndrome treated?
As Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is incurable, the initial treatment is likely to consist of pain-killing medication and therapies to reduce other symptoms, such as custom orthotics to help with flat feet or splints to support joints.
The primary treatment for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is physical therapy, and the team at Chicagoland Pain Management includes staff members who have specialized skills in designing physical therapy programs for patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
If you or your child has Ehlers-Danlos or you’re concerned you have the symptoms, call Chicagoland Pain Management today or book an appointment online.
