What is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?
The Ehlers-Danlos Society has a lot more information, which you can find here: https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/what-is-eds/ I will try to summarize a little of it for you.
Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes consists of a group of connective tissue disorders that are varied both in how they affect the body and in their genetic causes.
The patients that we treat with EDS are generally characterized by joint hypermobility (joints that stretch further than normal), skin hyperextensibility (skin that can be stretched further than normal), and tissue fragility.
Why The Zebra?
Ehlers-Danlos Society chose the zebra as their symbol because in medicine, a zebra denotes a rare illness or syndrome. I also like to think that just like a zebra, no 2 EDS patients are alike.
How is Ehlers-Danlos Diagnosed?
Testing for EDS is difficult. Most of the EDS syndromes do not have genetic markers that can be tested for. So many diagnoses come after ruling out a variety of other diseases and syndromes, clinical testing, and meeting with a geneticist. One of the clinical tests that is used is called the Beighton Score.
How Prevalent is EDS?
Research statistics show the total prevalence as 1 in 2,500 to 1 in 5,000 people. Recent clinical experience suggests that Ehlers-Danlos syndrome may be more common. The conditions are known to affect both males and females of all racial and ethnic backgrounds.
How is it Treated?
There is no specific treatment for EDS. Those with hypermobility often find benefit in working with a physical therapist to help improve joint position, decrease muscle spasms, and improve strength of the muscles to support the joints.
—Korey Pieper, DPT, OCS, CCI