Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of disorders that are inherited or passed down through genetics. EDS is caused by different genetic defects in collagen. Collagen is a protein that is tough and fibrous, and it is an essential and significant part of the body’s structural components. When a person has an insufficient amount of collagen, their connective tissues can become loose. The connective tissues are what help to support skin, bones, blood vessels, as well as other organs. This can cause problems with the skin’s elasticity, the muscle’s not being tight enough, bone and joint looseness and blood vessel problems. EDS usually affects the joints, skin, and blood vessel walls by weakening the connective tissues. People with EDS can be described as having “velvety” or “loose” skin due to the connective tissues not keeping the skin tight. EDS patients also have issues with wounds healing and extreme bruising.
There are many different types of EDS and symptoms vary depending on the type. Some types of EDS are mild, and some are more severe and may be life-threatening. All types of EDS are currently incurable; however, treatments are available to help manage symptoms. Treatments include pain management, physical therapy, etc. EDS can come with extreme symptoms but identifying symptoms can be difficult.
1. Bleeding
Bleeding can occur in many different ways in people with EDS. The most common type of bleeding problems arise in Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. However, bleeding can and does happen in almost every variation of EDS. EDS affects the blood vessels and can cause them not to be able to clot. In other words, when a person that suffers from EDS gets injured and has an open wound, it can be difficult or impossible to stop the bleeding, even if it just a minor injury. EDS bleeding symptoms can be very serious and can be life-threatening. Symptoms include: frequent nosebleeds, frequent sore and bleeding gums, small or large cuts or wounds that do not heal by themselves or bleed excessively, spontaneous internal bleeding, arterial ruptures, fragile blood vessels that tend to aneurysm, blood pressure problems, platelets do not clump together properly, etc.
Bleeding in any of these ways is very serious. If you feel that you are bleeding in a way that is abnormal it is important to see a healthcare professional immediately. Spontaneous arterial ruptures do happen in EDS patients however they are usually brought on by an aneurysm. Arterial ruptures can be fatal if not treated immediately. If you suffer from any of the bleeding complications listed above, this can be a sign of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]2. Double Jointed
In Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, the connective tissues that hold the joints together are very loose and weak. Because of this, it is ubiquitous for people who suffer from EDS to experience issues with their joints. Joint symptoms vary and can be affected in different ways. Joint symptoms include: Popping and aching joints, frequent joint dislocation, double jointed, loose joints, joints frequently moving beyond the range of motion, etc.
Joint dislocations are widespread in EDS patients. Many people that suffer from EDS are double jointed in their elbows, knees, and fingers. Some people also report a common symptom is what they call “owl neck.” This condition is when the neck can be rotated too far back causing pain and complications. If you suffer from frequent joint complications, this can be a sign of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]3. Easy Bruising
People who suffer from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome are prone to bruising easily because the capillaries and blood vessels surrounding the connective tissues are fragile. Bruising occurs when blood vessels are damaged or broken, and the blood seeps into a pool in the skin. Bruising in EDS can occur spontaneously, and the bruise usually looks very severe. EDS patients often talk about how easily they bruise and how large and colorful their bruises are. The bruises can also be very painful. EDS bruising symptoms include Easy bruising, spontaneous bruising (or bruises that seem to appear out of nowhere), large colorful bruises, bruises that seem to never heal, very painful bruises, etc. If you suffer from any of these bruising symptoms, this can be a sign of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]4. Heart Murmur
While heart problems are more common in Vascular EDS, they are also likely to arise in other types of EDS as well. Some people with EDS can develop heart valve problems. This condition is mainly an issue with elderly EDS patients, but heart problems still can arise at any age. It is also common for these people to develop a heart murmur. EDS heart symptoms include Heart palpitations or thudding, feeling too many or extra heartbeats, dizziness, and fast pulse rate when standing too quickly, heart murmur, chest pain, heart valve complications, etc. If you experience any of these heart symptoms, these can be a sign of Ehlers- Danlos Syndrome.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]5. Joint Dislocation
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome can weaken the connective tissues or proteins that surround the joints and keep them firmly in place. Because of this, joint dislocation is prevalent in EDS patients. People who suffer from EDS can experience a number of different joint symptoms and complications. Joint dislocation can be very painful, but it can also be painless. The problem with frequent joint dislocation is that people with EDS already have loose connective tissues surrounding their joints and when the joints are repeatedly dislocated, this can cause the connective tissues to become more and more loose at a faster rate. In EDS patients, joint dislocations can happen spontaneously or can be brought on by other factors. It is common for people with EDS to be able to dislocate their joints and put them back into place as well. If you suffer from frequent joint dislocation, this may be a sign of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]6. Muscle Weakness
Because Ehlers-Danlos syndrome weakens the connective tissues in many parts of the body, muscles can also be loose and weak. People who suffer from EDS can have issues with physical activities if they have muscle complications. These people can have trouble with walking, balance, and may fall over frequently. In more severe cases, EDS patients may become completely immobile and may use a wheelchair to move around effectively to avoid muscle pain or frequent falls. Muscle symptoms include Sore or weak muscles, trouble gripping objects, frequent falls, wobbly legs, trouble doing physical activities, feeling off balance, unable to stand for long periods of time, etc. If you suffer from any of these muscular symptoms, these may be a sign of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]7. Poor Healing
Poor healing in people with EDS occurs because the skin is too loose, the muscles are weak, and the bones are not adequately protected. Many people with EDS have loose skin that lacks in elasticity. This condition also causes easy bruising. For example, if a healthy person were to bump their leg on a table, they would most likely get a small cut or bruise that would heal in a few days. However, if a person with EDS were to bump their leg on a table, they would most likely experience far worse symptoms. Such as a large bruise or cut that would bleed profusely, and it would either not heal completely, or it would take a very long time for it to be healed naturally. People with EDS are more prone to scars as well due to the body reacting to minor injuries in a much more severe way. If you suffer from poor healing symptoms, these can be a sign of Ehlers- Danlos Syndrome.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]8. Physical Deformities
Some people with EDS can experience physical deformities due to muscles, joints, and connective tissues being weak and not supporting the body the correct way. EDS patients can experience deformities such as: Scoliosis (curve in the spine), clubfoot (foot appears twisted or upside down), Kyphosis (bend in the spine causing a hunch in the back) Osgood-Schlatter Disease (a painful lump on the knee), Swan Neck or Boutonniere deformity(deformities of the fingers) as well as other physical deformities. A symptom of physical deformities due to EDS that can be seen in infants are bottom shuffling instead of crawling and delayed walking. If you suffer from a physical deformity, these could be a sign of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
