23 Signs Your Child Has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a genetic condition affecting connective tissues throughout the body and manifested by joint hypermobility, skin elasticity issues and tissue fragility. Although symptoms and severity can differ between individuals living with EDS, those who were affected often share similar experiences and challenges; those familiar with it can often recognize 23 telltale signs as indicators.
Growing Up Unstable: Due to your lax connective tissues, as a child you may have experienced frequent joint dislocations or subluxations due to dislocated joint laxity. Its Easy Bruising: Your skin was perhaps more susceptible than usual to bruises from minor bumps or injuries that occurred regularly during childhood.
Delayed Healing: Wounds and injuries may have taken longer to heal compared to their peers, while your skin could have been more elastic or stretchy than expected. Stretchy Skin: Your skin might have been more elastic and stretchy than usual, while Chronic Pain may have plagued both joints and muscles of your body for an extended period of time.
Hypermobility: Your joints may have had greater range of motion than most. Joint Stiffness: Even though your joints were hypermobile, you may still experience stiffness and discomfort after periods of inactivity.
Joint Clicking: Your joints may have made clicking or popping sounds during movement. Difficulty with Physical Activities: Participating in certain physical activities such as sports or exercise could have become more challenging due to your joint instability and pain.
Chronic Fatigue: Fatigue may have become an all-too familiar companion even after getting an adequate night’s rest.
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS): Many individuals living with EDS also suffer from POTS – an abnormal increase in heart rate when standing up that often accompanies EDS symptoms.
Gastrointestinal Issues: You may have experienced digestive issues such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Skin Sensitivity: Your skin could have become increasingly sensitive to touch, temperature changes and fabrics used on you.
Easy Scarring: Scars from cuts or injuries may have been more visible and required more time to fade, as well as joint subluxations which caused pain and instability in your body.
Joint Hypermobility Syndrome: Additionally to EDS, you may also have been diagnosed with joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS), a condition characterized by joint laxity without other features associated with EDS.
Orthopedic Interventions: You may require orthopedic interventions such as braces, splints or even surgeries to support and manage pain in your joints and manage mobility issues. Chronic Dislocations: People living with EDS often experience frequent dislocations that require medical assistance to reposition the joint back into place.
Orthostatic Intolerance: Have you experienced dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting when standing up? Chronic Headaches (including Migraines ) may have become an ongoing problem for you.
Delayed Milestones: You may have reached developmental milestones such as walking or crawling later than other children. Anxiety and Depression: Living with EDS can take its toll on mental health, leading to feelings of anxiety and depression.
Supportive Community: While EDS can be difficult, you may have found comfort and strength through online or physical communities of those living with EDS.
Advocacy and Awareness: Living with EDS could have inspired you to become an advocate for yourself and others, spreading understanding about this condition while raising awareness.
Those living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome must remember they are not alone. Reach out to others with similar experiences, seek medical advice from specialists familiar with EDS, and prioritize physical and mental wellbeing – each journey is unique and you are stronger than you realize!
Note: If you suspect Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or any other medical condition, seek advice from healthcare professionals for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatments.
For more information about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, you may wish to visit the Ehlers-Danlos Society.