Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Symptom Checker

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Quick Quiz

Joint pain, loose joints, and stretchy skin can sometimes seem like quirks or minor issues. But if they keep causing problems or seem unusual, they could be signs of something more. 

This short quiz can help you figure out if your symptoms might be related to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Ask yourself the following:

• Do your joints often feel loose or unstable?
• Have you experienced frequent joint dislocations or sprains, even from small movements?
• Can you bend your fingers, elbows, or knees further than most people?
• Do you have skin that seems unusually soft or stretchy?
• Do your wounds take longer than expected to heal?
• Have you noticed unexplained bruising or fragile skin?
• Does your pain or fatigue feel out of proportion to your activity level?

Take a moment to think about each question. Be honest, this is just for you.

If you answered “yes” to one or more, your symptoms could be connected to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Consider speaking with a healthcare professional to learn more.

Note: This quiz is not a diagnosis. Only a medical professional can confirm what’s truly going on.

If these questions sound familiar, try the Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Symptom Checker to better understand what your symptoms could mean.

What Is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of conditions that affect the body’s connective tissues — the parts that help hold your skin, joints, and organs in place. 

In EDS, the connective tissues don’t work properly because of problems with collagen, a protein that gives your body strength and flexibility.

When collagen is weaker or made differently, it can make your joints too loose, your skin too stretchy, and your tissues more fragile than usual.

In most people, EDS is inherited from a parent, but in about half of the cases, it appears as a completely new change in the genes, even if no one else in the family has it.

If you have EDS, your connective tissues are weaker or more stretchy than usual, which can lead to loose joints, fragile skin, and other issues.

Because the symptoms can seem like “just being flexible” or “clumsy,” EDS is often misunderstood or even missed for years. Many people live with it without knowing why their body feels different from others’.

Common Symptoms to Watch For

People with EDS can experience a range of symptoms, and they’re not the same for everyone. The most common signs tend to show up in your joints, skin, and energy levels.

Here are some key symptoms to look out for:

• Joints that feel loose or often pop out of place
• Unexplained joint pain or frequent injuries like sprains
• Skin that is very soft, stretchy, or bruises easily
• Wounds that take a long time to heal or leave wide scars
• Feeling more tired than usual, even with enough rest

What Causes Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?

EDS happens because of changes in the genes that control how your body makes connective tissue. These genetic differences affect the strength and flexibility of your joints, skin, and other tissues.

It’s important to remember that EDS isn’t something you “caused”, it’s something you were born with. In many cases, it runs in families, so others in your family might have similar symptoms even if they’ve never been diagnosed.

Tip: If you notice symptoms and know of relatives with similar issues, mention that family history when you talk to a doctor.

When to See a Doctor

• Joints feel loose or unstable during normal activities.
• Frequent sprains, dislocations, or unexplained injuries.
• Skin seems unusually soft, stretchy, or bruises without reason.
• Wounds heal slowly or leave wide scars.
• Pain or fatigue feels out of proportion to your activity.

How Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Is Diagnosed

Doctors usually diagnose EDS by looking at your present and past medical history (PMH), checking your body, and asking about your family. They’ll test how flexible your joints are, examine your skin, and ask about past injuries or unusual symptoms. Sometimes, genetic tests are done to confirm the type of EDS, but they’re not always necessary.

How Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Is Treated

Although there’s no cure for EDS, there are many ways to manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life. Doctors often recommend lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and support to help keep your joints stable and reduce pain.

With the right care, many people with EDS can stay active and feel better day-to-day.

Tip: Stay active with gentle exercises to keep your body strong, but be mindful of your limits to avoid hurting yourself.

Complications of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can cause serious complications if not recognized and managed properly. These may include:

• Arterial rupture, which can be life-threatening
• Organ rupture in severe cases
• Frequent joint dislocations and long-term damage
• Chronic pain that interferes with daily life
• Constant fatigue that makes it hard to stay active

Get the right diagnosis to improve health and reduce the risk of these complications.

You can also use the symptom checker to better understand your symptoms and prepare for a conversation with your doctor. 

Remember, it’s not a substitute for a real diagnosis; only a healthcare professional can confirm what’s going on.