Joint hypermobility means a child's joints move further than most people's – often called being 'double-jointed'. It is common and usually causes no problems, and can even be an advantage in some activities. Some children, however, have pain, tiredness or frequent sprains, and they usually benefit from education, activity and strengthening.
Also known as being double-jointed, hypermobility spectrum disorder, joint hypermobility syndrome
Symptoms
- Joints that bend further than usual, such as knees or elbows that bend backwards
- Aching joints or muscles, often after activity or later in the day
- Tiredness or reduced stamina
- Frequent sprains or joints feeling unstable
- Clumsiness or difficulty with handwriting in some children
Causes and risk factors
- Mostly inherited – it often runs in families
- More common in girls and younger children
- Differences in the collagen that gives tissues their stretch
- Lower muscle strength and fitness can make symptoms more likely
- Rarely, part of a wider connective tissue condition that needs specialist assessment
What the evidence says helps
- In a UK randomised trial of children with symptomatic hypermobility, education and advice on healthy exercise and self-management was linked with improved pain, coordination and strength, and a more intensive programme added no further benefit.2
- Children in both a general fitness programme and a targeted joint-control physiotherapy programme had less pain, with no clear difference between the two.3
- A supervised, progressive exercise programme reduced knee pain in hypermobile children in a randomised trial.4
- Systematic reviews support exercise as the main approach but find the evidence limited in size and quality, with no clear best type or dose of exercise.5
Things you can try at home
- Keep active – regular activity and sport build strength and confidence
- Focus on strength and control rather than extra stretching
- Pace busy days and build activity up gradually
- Wear supportive footwear if feet or ankles ache
- Use regular breaks and grips if handwriting is tiring
When to get urgent help
Contact your GP urgently, call NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency if you have:
- A joint that dislocates, or a sudden painful swelling – seek urgent care (A&E or NHS 111)
- A hot, red, swollen joint or fever – see a GP the same day
- Very stretchy or fragile skin, easy bruising, or poor wound healing – see a GP for assessment
- Fainting, a racing heart on standing, or ongoing gut problems – see a GP
- Pain that is stopping school or daily activities
How Apollo can help
We assess how your child moves, where pain is coming from and how active they are, and explain hypermobility in a positive, practical way. Care may include a progressive strength and control programme, activity pacing advice and support to return to sport. We refer to the GP if we notice features that need wider assessment.
No GP referral needed. Clinics in Sheringham, Coltishall and Norwich.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
Is being hypermobile bad for my child?
Usually not. Many hypermobile children have no symptoms at all. It only needs attention if it causes pain, tiredness, injuries or affects daily life.
Should hypermobile children avoid sport?
No. Staying active and building strength is one of the most helpful things they can do. A gradual build-up and good technique help.
Will my child grow out of hypermobility?
Joints often become less flexible with age, and symptoms often improve as children get stronger, although some people stay hypermobile as adults.
References
- Blajwajs L, et al. (2023). Hypermobility prevalence, measurements, and outcomes in childhood, adolescence, and emerging adulthood: a systematic review. Rheumatology International. View source
- Bale P, et al. (2019). The effectiveness of a multidisciplinary intervention strategy for the treatment of symptomatic joint hypermobility in childhood: a randomised, single centre parallel group trial (The Bendy Study). Pediatric Rheumatology. View source
- Kemp S, et al. (2010). A randomized comparative trial of generalized vs targeted physiotherapy in the management of childhood hypermobility. Rheumatology. View source
- Pacey V, et al. (2013). Exercise in children with joint hypermobility syndrome and knee pain: a randomised controlled trial comparing exercise into hypermobile versus neutral knee extension. Pediatric Rheumatology. View source
- Smith TO, et al. (2014). Physiotherapy and occupational therapy interventions for people with benign joint hypermobility syndrome: a systematic review of clinical trials. Disability and Rehabilitation. View source
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for medical advice. If you are worried about your symptoms, speak to your GP or a registered healthcare professional. Content prepared from the sources above, November 2026.
