What is the best pain relief for hypermobility?

The best approach depends on the individual. Options may include a combination of exercise, physical therapy, joint protection strategies, and temporary pain relief options when appropriate.[1,2,3] Always talk with your doctor to determine the best approach for you.

Can exercise help hypermobility pain?

Appropriate exercise and strengthening programs are commonly recommended because stronger muscles can help support joint stability and function.[2,3]

Is hypermobility the same as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome?

No. Some people have hypermobile joints without Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. However, hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) is one condition that includes hypermobility among its features.[1,4]

Can TYLENOL® PRECISE® be used for hypermobility-related aches and pains?

topical pain relief products provide targeted pain symptom relief for temporary relief of minor muscle and joint pain. Consumers should read and follow all label instructions and talk with a healthcare provider if symptoms persist.

Hypermobility-Related Pain Relief: Understanding Joint Pain and Ways to Find Comfort

What helps relieve hypermobility pain?

Hypermobility-related pain relief often involves a combination of joint protection, physical activity, physical therapy, healthy movement habits, and appropriate pain relief options.^[1,2,3] People with hypermobile joints may experience joint or muscle pain due to increased joint movement and instability. To temporarily relieve minor muscle and joint pain, some adults may consider topical options such as TYLENOL® PRECISE® when used as directed.

Key takeaways

Hypermobility means joints move beyond the typical range of motion.^[1]
Some people with hypermobility experience joint and muscle pain.^[1,2]
Physical therapy, regular exercise, and lifestyle strategies may help support joint and muscle strength.^[2,3]
Pain relief options for the temporary relief of minor muscle and joint pain may include topical pain relief products such as TYLENOL® PRECISE® when used as directed.
Talk with a healthcare provider if pain is persistent, worsening, or affecting daily activities.^[1,2]

What Is Hypermobility?

Hypermobility occurs when one or more joints move beyond the range considered typical for most people.^[1] Some people may be naturally flexible without experiencing symptoms. Others may experience pain, fatigue, joint instability, or other symptoms that affect everyday life.^[2]

Healthcare professionals may describe symptomatic hypermobility as a hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD).^[5] Some people with hypermobility may also have hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), a connective tissue disorder that can affect joints and other body systems and present with additional symptoms.^[6]Both HSD and hEDS would be diagnosed by a medical professional.

Why Can Hypermobility Cause Pain?

People with hypermobility may experience pain because joints can move more than normal, placing added stress on muscles, ligaments, and surrounding tissues.^[1,2]

What Does Hypermobility Pain Feel Like?

Hypermobility pain can vary from person to person. Symptoms may include:^[1,2]

Joint pain
Muscle pain
Back pain
Joint stiffness
Fatigue
Joints that move beyond the typical range of motion

Some people experience pain in a single area, while others notice more widespread symptoms.^[2]

Which Joints Are Most Commonly Affected?

Joints are most affected because the ligaments that hold joints together are loose or weak.^[1]

Commonly affected joints may include:^[1]

Elbows
Wrists
Fingers
Knees

Although hypermobility can affect many joints, symptoms can vary based on the individual.

How Can You Reduce Hypermobility Pain?

There is no single approach that works for everyone. Some people may benefit from combining several strategies to help manage symptoms.^[1,2,3]

Stay Physically Active

Appropriate exercise may help strengthen muscles that support joints and improve stability.^[2,3] A healthcare provider or physical therapist can recommend activities appropriate for an individual's symptoms and fitness level.^[2,3]

Consider Physical Therapy

Physical therapy may be recommended for people experiencing hypermobility-related symptoms. A physical therapist can help create an individualized program that may address improving strength, balance and joint control.^[1,2]

Practice Joint Protection

Simple daily habits may help reduce stress on joints, including:^[2]

Maintaining good posture
Avoiding positions that overextend joints
Using supportive footwear when appropriate
Taking breaks during repetitive activities

Explore Pain Relief Options

Pain relief is often one component of an overall symptom management plan.

Topical Pain Relief

Some adults may also consider topical pain relief options when appropriate. TYLENOL® PRECISE® Creams and Patches is a line of over-the-counter topical pain relief products designed to temporarily relieve minor muscle and joint pain at the site of application.

TYLENOL® PRECISE® products are applied directly to the skin, so pain relief stays focused where you need it most. Most TYLENOL® PRECISE® creams and patches are formulated with maximum strength* 4% lidocaine, a topical analgesic that targets pain receptor nerves to help block pain signals, so you can get back to moving comfortably. Always check the Drug Facts Label for the exact ingredients in each product.

· Targeted, penetrating pain relief
· Rapid-absorbing, non-greasy formulas
· Contains no acetaminophen and works directly at the source of pain
· Hands-free rollerball^ or patch application

Consumers should always read and follow the Drug Facts label and talk with a healthcare provider if they have questions about managing hypermobility-related pain.

_{*Maximum strength lidocaine without a prescription}_{^2.5 oz also available without rollerball}

Can TYLENOL^® Help With Hypermobility Related Pain?

For adults seeking targeted pain symptom relief, TYLENOL® PRECISE® topical products may also be an option. TYLENOL® PRECISE® topical pain relief products can be applied to common areas affected by minor muscle and joint pain, including:

Back
Shoulders
Knees
Elbows
Ankles

Learn more about TYLENOL® PRECISE® and if it is right for you.

Because hypermobility-related pain can have different causes and levels of severity, treatment approaches vary. If symptoms are ongoing, frequently recurring, or interfering with daily life, speak with a healthcare provider to discuss appropriate evaluation and management options.^[1,2]

When Should You See a Healthcare Provider?

Talk with a healthcare provider if you experience:^[1,2]

Persistent joint pain
Frequent joint dislocations or instability
Pain that interferes with work, exercise, or sleep
Unexplained fatigue
Symptoms that continue despite self-care measures

A healthcare professional can help determine whether symptoms may be related to hypermobility, HSD, hEDS, or another condition.^[1,4]

Tips for Everyday Life

Consider the following tips to help support a healthy lifestyle and manage symptoms when needed:^[2,3]

Building strength gradually
Staying active with low-impact exercise
Prioritizing recovery after activity
Maintaining regular sleep habits
Following healthcare provider recommendations
Using oral or topical pain relief products as directed when appropriate

Small changes may help support joint comfort and function over time.^[2,3]