Symptoms

- Hypermobile joints: Unusually flexible joints that can dislocate or stretch beyond the normal range.

- Skin that is easily bruised: Fragile skin that may tear or bruise easily.

- Elastic, hyper-elastic skin: Skin that can stretch further than typical, often appearing soft and velvety.

- Chronic joint pain: Persistent pain, instability, and frequent sprains or dislocations.

- Poor wound healing: Scarring may be more prominent or slower to heal, sometimes leading to "cigarette paper" scars.

- Frequent joint dislocations or subluxations: Partial dislocations that cause instability.

- Muscle weakness: Reduced strength or muscle tone.

- Fatigue: Persistent exhaustion, sometimes due to joint and muscle strain.

- Easy bruising: Bruises can form with little to no trauma.

- Internal bleeding: Spontaneous internal bleeding or easy internal bruising.

- Scoliosis: Curvature of the spine.

- Flat feet: Arch of the feet may collapse, causing pain and instability.

- Heart valve problems: Some types of EDS are associated with heart valve issues (e.g., mitral valve prolapse).

- Gastrointestinal issues: Digestive problems, such as bloating, constipation, or abdominal pain.

- TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems: Jaw pain or dysfunction due to joint instability.

The severity and range of symptoms can vary significantly across different types of EDS.

Comorbidities

- Chronic pain: Due to joint instability, frequent dislocations, and muscle strain.

- Osteoarthritis: Early onset of joint degeneration and damage.

- Cardiovascular issues: Including mitral valve prolapse, aortic aneurysms, and arterial rupture (depending on the EDS type).

- Gastrointestinal disorders: Such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), reflux, constipation, and bloating.

- Skeletal issues: Scoliosis, osteopenia, and easy fractures due to fragile bones.

- Mental health conditions: Anxiety, depression, and mood disorders, often related to chronic pain and disability.

- Sleep disorders: Including insomnia or disturbed sleep due to pain or discomfort.

- Dental issues: Soft, brittle teeth, gum disease, or delayed eruption of teeth.

- Cognitive difficulties: Such as brain fog, poor concentration, and memory problems.

- Vision problems: Including early-onset cataracts, myopia, and retinal issues in some types of EDS.

- Frequent infections: Due to immune system abnormalities or skin integrity issues.

- Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Dysfunction/Dysautonomia: Disorders of the autonomic nervous system, such as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), gastroparesis, colonic inertia, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), orthostatic hypotension, breathing difficulties, fatigue, temperature dysregulation, poor circulation, sleep disturbance, bladder dysfunction, incontinence, and cognitive problems such as brain fog, confusion, poor concentration, and memory problems.

Comorbidities vary depending on the type of EDS and the individual’s specific symptoms.

Mental Health and EDS

- Chronic pain: Persistent pain from joint instability, muscle strain, and frequent dislocations can contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression.

- Fatigue: Ongoing exhaustion due to physical strain or sleep disturbances, leading to irritability, mood swings, and difficulty coping.

- Physical limitations: Difficulty with mobility or performing daily activities, which can lead to frustration, feelings of isolation, and loss of independence.

- Anxiety: Constant worry about dislocations, injuries, or the unpredictability of symptoms can increase anxiety levels.

- Depression: The chronic nature of EDS, along with its impact on quality of life, can lead to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and withdrawal from social activities.

- Body image issues: Visible scars, joint deformities, or physical differences may lead to concerns about appearance or self-esteem.

- Cognitive difficulties: Brain fog or memory problems can lead to frustration and difficulty in processing or managing emotions.

- Social isolation: Chronic illness and pain can lead to withdrawing from friends and activities, which may contribute to loneliness and social isolation.

- Trauma-related stress: Repeated injuries, dislocations, or surgeries can create a sense of trauma, leading to post-traumatic stress symptoms.

- Sleep disturbances: Pain or discomfort may prevent restful sleep, which exacerbates mental health issues such as irritability and mood disorders.

These mental health challenges are often exacerbated by the physical aspects of EDS, creating a cycle that can be difficult to break without appropriate support and treatment.