Did you know that up to 12% of adults have some type of hypermobile joint? More simply put, they have more flexibility and range of motion than most of the population.
This issue can occur for several reasons, like underlying medical conditions and injuries. You’re also more likely to have loose joints if you’re an athlete or have a job with a lot of repetitive movements. However, some people have loose joints for no clear cause at all.
But why?
When we talk about a loose joint, it’s easy to assume it’s a problem with bones or cartilage. But it actually involves your ligaments — the tough connective tissue holding these bones together.
For your joint to function properly, a ligament has to stretch and give a little bit. Otherwise, your joint can’t move as intended. But too much stretch and your joint loses stability and strength, making it hyper-flexible and prone to injuries, like dislocation.
Dr. Thomas F. Saylor specializes in conditions affecting your upper body and its extremities, including your shoulder, elbow, hand, and wrist. If you have a loose ligament, here’s how Orthopaedic Care Specialists in North Palm Beach, Florida, can help.
A person has more than 900 ligaments, mainly in your arms and legs. They come in different shapes and sizes in order to:
When a ligament becomes too loose, it can’t perform these tasks effectively.
Sometimes, it’s easy to spot the signs of a loose ligament. For example, you may sustain a sprain that stretches or tears your tissue and requires medical attention. However, you can also experience loose ligaments without an obvious injury.
Signs of ligament issues often occur near or in your affected joint. When they occur, you might experience:
If you have loose ligaments causing any of these issues, it’s time to see an expert like Dr. Saylor.
Dr. Saylor uses cutting-edge treatments to address musculoskeletal issues. And, whenever possible, he starts with noninvasive approaches.
To determine the best course of action for your symptoms, Dr. Saylor starts with a comprehensive assessment. Based on this information, he puts together a personalized treatment strategy.
In some cases, physical therapy can offer numerous benefits for ligament issues by strengthening the muscles around your joint to create additional support. However, for more advanced ligament problems, Dr. Saylor could recommend surgical repair.
During these procedures, Dr. Saylor uses minimally invasive techniques to assess your joint and the surrounding tissue instead of creating one large incision. Then, he uses specialized tools to repair your ligament and build more strength and stability in your joint.
Minimally invasive procedures to tighten ligaments have fewer risks and complications than traditional approaches. They also come with less pain and faster recovery times.
If you have a loose ligament, Dr. Saylor can offer guidance on what you should expect based on your unique situation.
Do you have loose ligaments causing issues? Call 561-260-5993 to request an appointment with Orthopaedic Care Specialists today.
