Would I “qualify” as hypermobile?
I was told I was hypermobile as a child, but I feel like I’ve been getting worse as I age, eg more pain and popping in joints.
I’m not looking for a diagnosis, of course, but I just need the confidence and assurance that there could be something more serious going on, so that I can go to a GP without so much fear of rejection! I’m just worried my very-specific-but-not-hypermobile-enough symptoms won’t get me anywhere, since I can’t touch my toes or do the splits or whatever.
Some things about me: My feet are quite flat, and my ankles are really flexible -but strong due to consistent ballet dancing- so no spraining
When I walk I feel my knee joints getting “stuck” in a painful position, and need to stamp or bend my leg to resolve it.
When I stand up sometimes I feel a horrible grinding sensation in my knees, as if the bone is grinding against the other one.
Sometimes my knees and hips feel like they’re going to “fall out” and I feel an extremely painful burning sensation after a long day of walking (I assume incorrectly due to my flat feet, and so misaligned knees, hips etc etc.)
My finger joints will “get caught” in things, causing an unnatural bending and pain! I often “stub” my fingers as they bend more than I want them to.
I have a hard time opening things and just generally using my hands. The mind body connection isn’t really there, which of course does not help with my dancing.
I have a hard time swallowing food and drink, and my jaw feels loose, cracks and becomes easily misaligned if I lean on one side of it.
I feel like I have discomfort in most of my body, especially where connective tissue is present. When I’m ill I get an obscure skin and joint pain.
My elbows, shoulders, neck and fingers bend past the usual range of motion, but not my hamstrings. They’re so tight! Which is why I’m wondering if it fit the criteria, since touching your toes is usually a common test.
Sorry that was so long, just wanted to give a full picture. Does anyone experience similar things? Could this even be a sign of hEDS? Thank you!
Posted Jul 9, 2025, 6:07 PM UTC