Is It EDS? Why Your Joints Are Failing & Medically Approved Next Steps

If your joints feel like they're "failing"—slipping out of place, constantly aching, or getting injured easily—you may have come across the term EDS (Ehlers-Danlos syndrome). It's natural to wonder: Is this what's happening to me?

Joint instability and chronic pain can be frustrating and sometimes frightening. The good news is that there are clear medical criteria for diagnosing EDS, and there are practical next steps you can take to protect your joints and your long-term health.

Let's break this down in clear, realistic terms.

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What Is EDS?

EDS (Ehlers-Danlos syndrome) is a group of inherited connective tissue disorders. Connective tissue provides structure and strength to your skin, joints, blood vessels, and internal organs. In people with EDS, this tissue is weaker than normal due to genetic differences in collagen or related proteins.

There are several types of EDS. The most common form is hypermobile EDS (hEDS).

Common Features of EDS

Depending on the type, symptoms may include:

• Very flexible (hypermobile) joints
• Frequent joint dislocations or subluxations (partial dislocations)
• Chronic joint pain
• Soft, stretchy, or fragile skin
• Easy bruising
• Slow wound healing
• Fatigue
• Digestive issues
• Autonomic symptoms (like dizziness on standing)

More rare types of EDS may involve:

• Fragile blood vessels
• Organ rupture
• Serious pregnancy complications

Those complications are uncommon but medically serious. If you have sudden severe chest, abdominal, or back pain, seek emergency care.

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Why Do Joints "Fail" in EDS?

In EDS, collagen doesn't function normally. Collagen is the protein that gives ligaments and tendons their strength. When it's weaker:

• Ligaments stretch too easily
• Joints become unstable
• Muscles overwork to compensate
• Repeated strain leads to chronic pain

Over time, joint instability can lead to:

• Early wear and tear
• Cartilage breakdown
• Osteoarthritis

So if your joints feel like they are "giving out," slipping, or deteriorating faster than expected, connective tissue weakness may be one possible explanation—but it's not the only one.

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Could It Be Something Else?

Many conditions can cause joint pain and instability. Before assuming EDS, it's important to rule out more common causes.

These include:

• Osteoarthritis (OA)
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Previous injuries
• Hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD)
• Autoimmune diseases
• Hormonal changes
• Deconditioning or muscle weakness

In fact, Osteoarthritis (OA) is far more common than EDS and often causes similar symptoms like joint breakdown, chronic pain, and reduced mobility—making it crucial to explore whether your symptoms align with OA before pursuing rarer diagnoses.

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How Is EDS Diagnosed?

There is no single blood test for hypermobile EDS. Diagnosis is based on:

1. Detailed medical history
2. Physical examination
3. Beighton score (a test of joint flexibility)
4. Family history
5. Exclusion of other conditions

Other types of EDS may require genetic testing.

Doctors look for:

• Generalized joint hypermobility
• Systemic signs (skin, tissue fragility)
• Chronic musculoskeletal complications
• Family patterns

If you suspect EDS, the best next step is seeing:

• A primary care physician
• A rheumatologist
• A geneticist (in some cases)

Self-diagnosis can be misleading. Many people have flexible joints but do not have EDS.

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Red Flags That Need Urgent Attention

While most cases of EDS are not immediately life-threatening, certain symptoms require urgent medical evaluation:

• Sudden severe chest, abdominal, or back pain
• Fainting with injury
• Unexplained internal bleeding
• Recurrent organ rupture in family history

If you experience any of these, seek emergency care immediately.

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Medically Approved Next Steps If You Suspect EDS

If your joints are unstable or painful, here are evidence-based steps doctors commonly recommend:

1. Get a Proper Evaluation

Start with a thorough medical assessment. Bring:

• A symptom timeline
• Family medical history
• Records of dislocations or injuries
• Photos of swelling or bruising (if relevant)

A correct diagnosis changes management.

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2. Prioritize Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is the cornerstone of treatment for EDS, especially hypermobile EDS.

Goals include:

• Strengthening stabilizing muscles
• Improving joint control
• Reducing injury risk
• Teaching safe movement patterns

Important: Overstretching is not helpful. Many people with EDS already have excessive flexibility. Controlled strengthening is far more important than flexibility training.

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3. Protect Your Joints

Practical joint protection strategies include:

• Avoiding repetitive high-impact activities
• Using supportive footwear
• Bracing unstable joints (under medical guidance)
• Pacing activities to avoid overexertion

Small changes can prevent long-term damage.

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4. Manage Pain Appropriately

Chronic pain in EDS is common and real. Treatment may include:

• Physical therapy
• Topical medications
• NSAIDs (if appropriate)
• Neuropathic pain medications
• Cognitive behavioral therapy for pain coping
• Multidisciplinary pain management programs

Long-term opioid therapy is generally avoided due to risks and limited benefit in chronic connective tissue pain.

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5. Screen for Related Conditions

EDS can overlap with:

• POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome)
• Gastrointestinal motility issues
• Pelvic floor dysfunction
• Anxiety or mood disorders

If you have symptoms beyond joint pain, mention them. Whole-body care matters.

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6. Address Early Osteoarthritis

If joints have already begun to wear down, early osteoarthritis management is critical:

• Weight management (if needed)
• Strength training
• Anti-inflammatory strategies
• Joint-friendly movement like swimming or cycling

Again, if you're unsure whether arthritis may be contributing to your symptoms, consider the free online symptom check for Osteoarthritis (OA) as a starting point.

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What EDS Is Not

It's important to stay grounded:

• Not every flexible person has EDS.
• Not every painful joint is genetic.
• Not every injury means connective tissue failure.

Social media has increased awareness of EDS, which is positive—but it has also led some people to assume the diagnosis without medical confirmation.

A careful, evidence-based evaluation protects you from unnecessary fear and ensures you receive appropriate care.

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Long-Term Outlook

There is currently no cure for EDS, but many people live full, productive lives with proper management.

Key principles for long-term joint health:

• Strength before stretch
• Consistency over intensity
• Early intervention
• Collaborative medical care

Joint damage can worsen if instability goes untreated. That's not meant to alarm you—but to encourage action. The earlier you address instability, the better your long-term outcomes.

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When to Speak to a Doctor

You should speak to a doctor if you have:

• Frequent joint dislocations
• Chronic unexplained joint pain
• Family history of EDS
• Early-onset osteoarthritis
• Symptoms affecting daily function

And urgently seek care if you experience any symptoms that could be life-threatening, such as severe unexplained chest or abdominal pain.

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Bottom Line

If your joints feel like they're failing, EDS is one possible explanation—but not the only one. A proper medical evaluation is essential. Many joint conditions, including osteoarthritis, are far more common and highly treatable when caught early.

Take the next step:

• Gather your symptoms
• Consider a symptom check for clarity
• Schedule a medical appointment
• Protect and strengthen your joints

You don't need to panic—but you also shouldn't ignore persistent joint instability. The right diagnosis leads to the right plan. And that plan starts with speaking to a qualified doctor.