Hypermobile joints and joint pain: when flexible becomes sore
What joint hypermobility is, how it relates to hypermobility spectrum disorder and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, what helps, and when to see your GP.
Being unusually flexible, or 'double-jointed', is fairly common. The NHS says joint hypermobility is relatively common and, on its own, is unlikely to be caused by Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) if there are no other symptoms. For some people, though, loose joints come with pain, fatigue and frequent minor injuries, and then it is worth getting looked at.
When to get urgent help
Go to A&E or call 999 if you have any of these. They can be signs of a fracture, infection, blood clot or other emergency.
- A limb that looks deformed, or a joint that you cannot move or put weight on after an injury
- A cold, pale or numb foot or hand after injury
- A hot, red, swollen joint with a high temperature
- A painful, swollen, warm calf, with or without breathlessness or chest pain
What it can feel like
- Joints that move beyond the usual range, and can feel unstable or click, slip or dislocate
- Joint and muscle pain that builds with activity
- Fatigue, and easy bruising
- Other symptoms the NHS lists for hypermobile EDS include digestive problems, dizziness and a faster heart rate on standing, and bladder control problems
Common contributors
- Differences in the connective tissue that holds joints together, which can run in families
- The NHS says people diagnosed with hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) are managed in the same way as those with hypermobile EDS
- Joints that work at the end of their range can load tendons and muscles more, so strength and control matter
General self-care
These are general comfort measures many people find reasonable. They are not a treatment plan, and what suits one person may not suit another.
- The NHS says a physiotherapist can teach exercises to strengthen the joints, reduce the risk of injury and manage pain
- Pace your activity, and learn to conserve energy on tired days
- The NHS says some activities, such as heavy lifting and contact sports, may be best avoided, and that lower-risk options such as swimming or pilates may be suggested
- An occupational therapist can advise on joint protection and daily tasks, and psychological support such as CBT may help if long-term pain is hard to cope with
- Avoid stretching joints to the end of their range, and avoid forcing them into extreme positions
When to see your GP
See your GP promptly, or call NHS 111, if you have any of the following:
- Pain after a significant injury, fall or twist
- Pain that is constant, severe or getting worse, or wakes you at night
- Unexplained weight loss, fever or feeling generally unwell with limb pain
Consider seeing your GP if:
- Several troublesome symptoms together, such as joint pain, fatigue, easy bruising, digestive problems, dizziness on standing or joints that dislocate. The NHS says to see your GP, who may refer you to a rheumatologist
- A joint that dislocates or locks, or pain after a fall
- Fainting, a racing heart or chest pain. Call 999 if severe
Where an osteopath fits in
There is limited good-quality research showing that hands-on treatment changes the course of hypermobility and joint pain, so I do not claim that osteopathy treats it.
What an osteopath can usefully do is assess how your joints move and where they are overloaded, guide graded strengthening and control exercises, advise on pacing, and avoid forceful stretching or manipulation of loose joints. If your symptoms suggest a wider condition, I will suggest you see your GP. If the assessment suggests you need your GP, a physiotherapist or a specialist instead, I will tell you.
If you would like your symptoms assessed, you are welcome to book an appointment. Osteopathic care is not right for everyone, and if something needs medical attention first, I will tell you.
Common questions
Is being double-jointed a problem?
Not by itself. The NHS says joint hypermobility is relatively common and is unlikely to be caused by EDS if there are no other symptoms. It becomes worth getting checked if you have joint pain, fatigue, easy bruising or joints that slip out.
What helps hypermobility joint pain?
The NHS says a physiotherapist can teach exercises to strengthen joints, reduce injury risk and manage pain, and an occupational therapist can help with daily activities. Lower-risk activities such as swimming or pilates may be recommended, while heavy lifting and contact sports may be best avoided.
Sources and further reading
Links open in a new tab. Sources were checked in October 2026.
Related guides
This page is general information to help you understand common aches and pains. It is not medical advice and cannot diagnose your problem. If you are worried about your symptoms, please speak to your GP or call NHS 111.