Elhers Danlos Syndrome & Hypermobility

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Quoting The Elhers Danlos Society:

"The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of 13 heritable connective tissue disorders. The conditions are caused by genetic changes that affect connective tissue. Each type of EDS has its own set of features with distinct diagnostic criteria. Some features are seen across all types of EDS, including joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility, and tissue fragility."

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EDS and Hypermobility EDS is an inherited condition, that has 13 classified variations. Nevertheless, every case is unique. EDS patients are called "Zebras" as theres not 2 patients with the same "Marks"

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Which are the most common symptoms? 

• A really huge ROM on their joints, that sometimes feels like "Theres not a stop" on my joint.

• Easily developing bruises as well as "dough like" and flexible  texture on your skin are quite carachteristics too.

• Although we think EDS and Hypermobility symptoms are just those "visible" on our Muskuloesqueletical system, there is a range of other symptoms around other systems of your body that come hand in hand with it.

• Understanding that our whole body is built of Connective Tissue and Ehler Danlos/Hypermobility is all about having a  defective connective tissue, explains why so many other systems can potentially get affected.

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Some of the "non-visible" symptoms  we can mention are:

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•  Gastro Intestinal issues 

• Mast cell Activation disorders

• Autonomic Dysfunction

• Hormonal Issues

• Headaches

• Anxiety disorders

• Autoimmune disorders

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"The Body as a Whole"

For EDS, as with any other condition, it is crucial to understand the body as a global structure where everything is interconnected and influences one another.

A large range of motion (ROM) and weakness in a joint can impact the mechanics of the entire body, sometimes creating pain in areas we might not think are directly related. Additionally, understanding that this disorder affects connective tissue—rich with nerves and mechanoreceptors—reminds us that EDS doesn’t just influence movement; it can affect your entire health and well-being.

It is vital to adopt a holistic view of the body, recognizing that all systems are interconnected and influence one another. When one system becomes irritated or imbalanced, it can create symptoms in others. This is why it is important to be mindful of factors that might trigger a response, such as allergens, specific inflammatory foods, diseases that affect hormones, or even the stress levels we manage daily.

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The Zebras

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Although the Zebra teminology to call EDS patients comes from a quote they give to doctors in Uni, the most relevant of this name is to highlight EDS is a rare conditions that doesnt always follow a single guideline of symptoms, but actually every patient is like a Zebra, everyone has their own "marks" or symptoms, everyone is a unique case.

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