Överböjliga

Överböjliga is a Swedish term that translates to "overly flexible" or "excessively supple." It is often used to describe a person's physical characteristics, specifically their joints, which can bend or extend beyond the normal range of motion. This condition is also known as hypermobility or joint hypermobility.

Hypermobility can be a benign trait, meaning it doesn't cause any pain or problems for the individual. Many people are naturally hypermobile and experience no adverse effects. However, in some cases, hypermobility can be associated with certain medical conditions or can lead to issues such as joint pain, dislocations, sprains, and fatigue. It can also affect the connective tissues throughout the body.

The causes of hypermobility are varied. It can be inherited, with certain genetic conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Marfan syndrome being strongly linked to increased flexibility. In other instances, hypermobility might develop without a clear underlying cause. Assessment typically involves a physical examination where a clinician evaluates the range of motion in various joints.

Management of hypermobility depends on whether it causes symptoms. For individuals experiencing pain or dysfunction, treatment may involve physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the joints, improve proprioception (the sense of the relative position of one's own parts of the body), and develop strategies to protect the joints. For those without symptoms, no specific intervention is usually required.