Hyper flexible children can sometimes develop physical challenges. While flexibility may seem like a cool trick, extreme flexibility—known as hypermobility—might signal an underlying joint or connective tissue disorder that needs attention.
“Kids who are overly flexible can develop joint pain, recurrent sprains or dislocations, and even changes in their posture or gait,” says Matthew Bauer, MD, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Atlantic Health System. “We often see hypermobility in children between ages 10 and 14. We help parents monitor their child’s development to determine if the injury was just unlucky, or if their joints are excessively loose and more prone to damage.”
Why are some kids extra flexible?
Dr. Bauer explains that hypermobility means a child’s joints can move beyond the normal range of motion, which is often referred to as being "double-jointed.” Although hypermobility is common in young children, it's usually asymptomatic and improves over time as joints tighten with age.
“Hyper flexibility often runs in the family, and girls tend to be more flexible than boys,” says Dr. Bauer. “If your child is hypermobile and living pain-free, moving normally, without repeat sprains or dislocations, no treatment is required. In this case, monitoring and physical therapy could be all that’s needed to strengthen and stabilize the joints.”
When Is hypermobility a concern?
- Pain in multiple joints after physical activities
- Frequent sprains, strains, dislocations, or injuries
- Fatigue or clumsiness from tripping and poor coordination
- Flat feet, knock knees, and postural issues
- Delayed motor development for walking or jumping
“If your child is experiencing any of these issues, it’s worth talking to your doctor,” says Dr. Bauer. “We can evaluate and measure the range and, if necessary, connect parents to a physical therapist, a pediatric rheumatologist, or a geneticist if there’s suspicion of Down syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or Marfan syndrome, which are all associated with hyper flexibility.”
Using a test called the Beighton Score, Dr. Bauer can accurately assess joint hypermobility with five simple maneuvers:
- Extending the pinky finger beyond 90 degrees
- Pulling the thumb into the forearm
- Hyperextending elbows beyond 10 degrees
- Hyperextending knees beyond 10 degrees
- Bending the trunk with knees extended and palms resting on the floor
What is the best way to treat hypermobility?
Dr. Bauer explains that the first line of defense after an injury is rest, followed by physical therapy. Targeted exercises can help strengthen the muscles surrounding a hypermobile joint and counteract the forces working against it.
“Most people eventually outgrow hypermobility, especially if their physical therapy exercises become part of a regular fitness routine,” he says. “For example, if your shoulder is hypermobile and easily dislocates, the best thing to do is strengthen your rotator cuff muscles. Not only does the joint become stronger, but over time as it becomes less flexible, there’s a far less chance of getting injured, especially once you transition from organized sports to recreational activities.”
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