People with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) often have abnormalities such as small gaps in the upper part of their spine and may hold their heads differently than individuals without the disorder, according to a study that suggests these differences could help with diagnosis and treatment. The study, “Head…

In a new study, parents highlight the challenges of raising children with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), including emotional distress, difficulties interacting with healthcare professionals, and struggles accessing medical and psychological support. Researchers stress the need for family-focused interventions to improve the physical and psychological health of hEDS children and…

Stretch marks in the esophagus, the muscular tube that carries food and liquid into the stomach, are a potential new sign of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), according to a case report from Germany describing a woman in her 20s with hEDS — the most common form of the…

Temporomandibular disorders, or conditions that affect the jaw joint and muscles, are highly prevalent among people with classical Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (cEDS), hypermobile EDS (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders in Sweden, a study reports. While conservative treatments resulted in positive outcomes, more than half the patients who were asked said there…

People with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) produced less force when extending their hips during walking and had weaker muscles associated with hip extension compared to healthy people, according to a recent analysis. Researchers believe this muscle weakness may contribute to joint instability and related joint damage that tends to…

Children with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) who are in pain or anticipating pain show certain walking patterns, leading researchers to believe walking assessments may help to better understand clinical characteristics of the conditions and to develop coping strategies. Compared with typically developing children, those…

A 33-year-old woman with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) experienced less systemic (body-wide) pain and inflammation, as well as greater overall functioning after starting treatment with omalizumab, a medication for asthma and allergies, according to a recent report. Omalizumab is an injectable therapy that blocks the interaction of immunoglobulin…

Women with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) experience rear foot pain — pain in the back of the heel — more frequently than do those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), two other rheumatic diseases, a new study reported. In addition, ankle pain was found to…

People with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) often face uncertainty and feelings of dismissal from healthcare providers, a new review paper highlights. The findings underscore how important it is for clinicians to have open and honest conversations with patients, building relationships to foster collaboration, and make patients feel empowered to…

People with classical Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (cEDS) or hypermobile EDS (hEDS) commonly have disorders affecting the jaw muscles and often experience chronic pain, a study reported. Moreover, according to researchers, many cEDS and hEDS patients among the study population were found to have psychological distress. Specifically, more than 50% reached the threshold…