Are you flexible?
We often take for granted how much we stress, strain, and pull our muscles and flex our joints every day. While stretching in even the most routine of activities, our skin is also stretching. This is thanks to collagen, and the skin’s natural elasticity, or ability to stretch. A condition called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome not only affects the collagen in our skin, but also in ligaments and blood vessels as well. This doesn’t seem like such a serious condition, but cases can range from mild, to life threatening.
Abnormalities in the collagen protein in the body can affect the heart, joints, digestive system and other crucial functions in the body. Although there is no cure for this condition, there is treatment available. Surgery can help correct certain problems caused by Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, but the condition itself cannot be addressed for fixed directly.
Depending on the type of this condition the individual has, the symptoms will vary. The most notable are hyper elasticity and flexibility in the limbs, joints, and skin. This causes the individual to perform impossible bends and stretches that are extremely abnormal to healthy individuals. Because of the loose nature of the joints and skin, the body is prone to sustain sprains and other injuries due to the weak structure. Bruising may also occur easily, and the individual may have flat feet or soles. Muscle weakness, and odd healing progress are also common.
The most serious affects of this condition affect the heart, nerves, spine and other bones. Because of the lack of strength and density in the joints, bones and skin, the body is at risk of injuries and other conditions. Constant monitoring is important for extreme cases, to be sure that the heart and digestive systems are functioning normally.
This condition can be inherited through hereditary genes. It is caused by a mutation in a gene that results in the development of this condition. It can affect an individual as young as an infant. Treatment is the only aid an individual suffering from Ehlers Danlos Syndrome can receive. There is no known cure as of yet. Patients are often monitored to ensure natural functions are occurring in the body. Help in the form of a wheel chair or leg braces might also be necessary, and treatment for stretch marks is available. Accurate diagnosis is essential, as other skin related conditions can have similar symptoms to this condition. Diagnosis can be made on clinical observation.
