Ligament or joint hyperlaxity is a habitual and transient condition in childhood which is characterized by a movement of the joints beyond what is considered normal, due to an increase in the elasticity of the tissues.
We tell you what are the characteristics of babies and children with hyperlaxity of the joints, and how professionals advise to treat this condition.
What is hyperlaxity?
Ligament or joint hyperlaxity occurs when there is a high elasticity of tissues, due to an alteration in collagen of tendons and ligaments, which makes the fibers thinner and less stiff.
This condition is observed more frequently in girls than in boys, and although it usually occurs between the ages of two and six, there are also babies who may have hyperlaxity.The most common is that hyperlaxity decreases with age, and even disappear or not be so noticeable, although in two percent of cases this excessive hypermobility will continue in the adult stage.
Hyperlaxity in babies
Babies with ligament or joint hyperlaxity have less firm joints that bend easily, and are often diagnosed with low muscle tone. They can have the following characteristics:
- Newborns legs and arms do not shrink as usual, nor have stiffness in the hips and knees. On the contrary, when placed on a flat surface they tend to fully stretch their lower extremities, and no stiffness is observed in them.
They are babies less active than the rest, do not kick or move your joints vigorously.
They don't like to be turned upside down because they don't have enough strength to lean on their arms and raise his head.
They take longer to reach certain developmental milestones, such as rolling on themselves, sitting or walking.
They do not usually crawl, because they do not have enough muscular strength to do so. When placed in a crawling position, they often tend to lie down leaning only on the arms and separating both legs that remain completely lying on the floor. Sometimes they can move around sitting, that is, dragging the culete.
When they still do not walk and stand up, a back knee hyperextension, and sometimes they separate their feet a lot and turn them out.
When they begin to sit down they usually do it with a very rounded back, curved legs and thighs touching the floor. Some they sit with their legs wide open and stretched, and are able to throw the trunk forward to the point of touching the ground with the forehead.
As the child grows older, it is usual to sit with the W-shaped legs.
Normally, these types of characteristics are seen by the pediatrician and / or the nurse in the periodic reviews of the first year. In any case, it is always recommended consult with professionals any questions or aspects Let us worry or get our baby's attention.
Hyperlaxity in children
Children with joint hyperlaxity in one or more joints can often open their legs 180 degrees, extend the fingers of their hands back, touch their forearms with their thumbs, move their elbows and wrists in an exaggerated way, suck their big toe … In summary, contortion and adopt positions that are not possible for most people.
But when pain or other symptoms are added to these conditions We would talk about "Articular Hyperlaxity Syndrome", and could be accompanied, among many other manifestations, of:
Joint and bone pain, including spinal pain (scoliosis) and the so-called "growing pains."
Pain or difficulty when hold a pencil and write for a long time.
Problems in the hips, knees and flat feet.
Bruxism or jaw problems.
Tendonitis or recurrent lesions.
They can manifest tiredness or weakness.
Before any of these symptoms or manifestation of pain on the part of our child, we should immediately consult with your pediatrician or medical specialist.
My son has hyperlaxity, what can I do?
Once your baby has been diagnosed with hyperlaxity, The pediatrician will recommend a series of guidelines and stimulation exercises to do with it, since the important thing is to strengthen your muscle tone.
One of the exercises you can do is encourage him to stay on his stomach while playing with him, as you will be helping to strengthen his back, neck and hips, while preparing him for the crawling and gait.
As we have commented above, Babies with hyperlaxity do not usually accept this position willinglyThey protest, stir and look for ways to turn around on their own. Try to stimulate him with toys in front or sounds that encourage him to lift his head. You can also place him face down on your chest and call him gently to look at you.
As the child grows older, and if the hyperlaxity continues or worsens, it is important put yourself in the hands of professionals who tell you what kind of specific exercises you can do, as well as the treatment to follow in case of pain or other symptoms. Likewise, it is essential to practice sports and do muscle stretching.
If the child is already of school age it is recommended to avoid carrying heavy backpacks on his back, and to be careful when doing sports, because their hyperlaxity makes them more likely to suffer injuries.
In this sense, the most recommended exercises by experts would be swimming, bicycles and yoga for children, being avoid contact sports such as rugby, football or karate, which tend to produce recurrent sprains and problems due to excessive joint extension.
In any case, it must be a specialist who recommends the best sport for our child, depending on their specific characteristics of hyperlaxity and the affected limbs.
