- EHLERS-DANLOS SYNDROME
Meaning in short:
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, also known as EDS, is a group of connective tissue disorders, most commonly affecting the joints or skin. EDS occurs due to variations of more than 19 different genes which are present at birth. The specific gene affected determines the type of EDS.
There are 13 major types of EDS which includes:
- classic
- classic-like
- cardiac-valvular
- vascular
- hypermobile
- arthrochalasia
- dermatosparaxis
- kyphoscoliotic
- brittle cornea
- spondylodysplastic
- musculocontractural
- myopathic
- periodontal
Symptoms of classic EDS:
- highly elastic, velvety skin
- fragile skin
- skin that bruises easily
- redundant skin folds on the eyes
- muscle pain
- benign growths on pressure areas, like elbows and knees
- heart valve problems
Symptoms of hypermobile EDS (hEDS):
- loose joints
- easy bruising
- muscle pain
- muscle fatigue
- chronic degenerative joint disease
- premature osteoarthritis
- chronic pain
- heart valve problems
Cure and how to take care of the person:
There is no cure for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, but treatments like medication and physical therapy can help you manage your symptoms and prevent further complications.
Current treatment options for EDS include:
- physical therapy (used to rehabilitate those with joint and muscle instability)
- surgery to repair damaged joints
- drugs to minimize pain
Additional treatment options may be available depending on the amount of pain you are experiencing or any additional symptoms.Also, if your child has EDS, follow these steps to prevent injuries and protect their joints. In addition, put adequate padding on your child before they ride a bike or are learning to walk.
You can also take these steps to prevent injuries and protect your joints:
- Avoid contact sports.
- Avoid lifting weights.
- Use sunscreen to protect the skin.
- Avoid harsh soaps that may over dry the skin or cause allergic reactions.
- Use assistive devices to minimize pressure on your joints.
Alyssa Seely is an American para-triathlete who won a gold medal in the PT2 women’s triathlon at the 2016 Summer Paralympics. She was diagnosed with Chiari II malformation, basilar invagination and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome in 2010.
Seely was determined to keep competing despite her health challenges. “People of all different abilities can compete at the highest level of sport,” she wrote for ESPNW. “You don’t need to have two legs or two arms. I want to help promote that.”
''Vargshikshak" 