Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Author: Mr Oliver Eaton BSc (Hons), PG.Cert – Orthopaedic Specialist
Reviewed by: Mr William Sharples BSc (Hons) – Pain Management Expert
Last Updated: September 2025

In this article, you will find out everything you need to know about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and the most effective ways to treat it, including an advanced treatment called prolotherapy.

Introduction to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), also known as joint hypermobility syndrome or hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, is a group of rare connective tissue disorders that often go undiagnosed for years. EDS primarily affects the skin, ligaments, and joints, leading to joint hypermobility, increased skin laxity, easy bruising, poor wound healing, neurological and spinal manifestations, and abnormal scarring. EDS is caused by genetic mutations affecting collagen production, impacting the entire body.

Connective Tissue Disorder

EDS is a multisystem disorder linked to blood vessel fragility and organ involvement. Multiple genetic mutations result in various subtypes, each with unique features and risks. EDS can cause cardiovascular complications, organ rupture, and other life-threatening issues.

Pathophysiology of Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS)

EDS is caused by mutations in genes responsible for collagen production (mainly type I and III). Collagen provides structure and stability to connective tissues, including skin, bones, blood vessels, and organs. Defective collagen metabolism leads to skin hyperextensibility, joint hypermobility, and loss of tissue strength. People with EDS often have distinct facial features, such as a thin nose, small earlobes, large eyes, and a thin upper lip.

Different Types of Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes

There are at least 14 subtypes of EDS, each with varying morbidity and mortality. The most severe forms are classical EDS and vascular EDS, which can cause health emergencies.

Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

This severe form is associated with thin skin, arterial and uterine fragility, and easy bruising. Distinct facial features include stretchy skin, thin lips, a small tongue, and a narrow nose. Life-threatening complications include arterial rupture, aneurysm, and intestinal perforation. Neurological issues may also occur, such as cauda equina syndrome symptoms.

Classical Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Combines features of EDS types 1 and 2: overly flexible joints, increased skin laxity, and easy bruising. Loose joints can cause fractures and pain, and skin folds around the eyes are common.

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Presents with muscle fatigue, joint pain, loose joints, and valvular issues. Degenerative joint disease and frequent dislocations are common, leading to permanent disability in severe cases.

The Pattern of Inheritance

1. Autosomal dominant: One affected parent can transmit EDS to offspring, affecting both sexes equally.
2. Autosomal recessive: Both parents must carry the gene for a child to be affected.
3. De novo mutation: New mutations can occur spontaneously due to environmental or unknown factors.

Signs and Symptoms

• Mildly loose joints (joint hypermobility)
• Chronic joint pain
• Skin hyperextensibility (stretchy skin)
• Loss of hearing
• Increased fatigue and muscle weakness
• Brittle cornea syndrome (eye complications)
• Frequent joint dislocations (especially shoulders)
• Delayed wound healing

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is challenging and often delayed. It requires a combination of clinical evaluation, family history, and genetic testing. Diagnostic criteria include:

Minor Criteria

• Soft, thin skin
• Increased skin fragility
• Easy bruising
• Pseudotumors
• Subcutaneous nodules
• Hernia

Major Criteria

• Skin hyperextensibility
• Scarring
• Joint hypermobility

Genetic testing is essential for confirmation and to distinguish EDS from similar conditions like Marfan syndrome or congenital heart diseases.

Treatment of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

There is no cure for EDS, but management focuses on symptom relief, pain control, and prevention of complications. Treatment is multidisciplinary and tailored to the individual.

Medicinal Management

• Pain management with analgesics and, if needed, opioids
• Blood thinners for vascular EDS to prevent atherosclerotic plaques
• Physical therapy for joint stability and mobility
• Posture braces to prevent dislocations

Prolotherapy

In recent years, Prolotherapy has built its reputation within the medical community for its clinically proven ability to treat Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

Published research has proven its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and regenerative benefits.

Prolotherapy involves injecting a natural regenerative solution with tiny needles. This has been shown to stimulate the production of collagen cells, the small cells needed to help with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

As prolotherapy is helping to treat the root cause of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, it is deemed to be a permanent fix, preventing the symptoms from returning.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this section is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Prolotherapy may not be suitable for everyone, and outcomes can vary. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information you have read here.

Surgical Management

Surgery may be required for congenital contractures, aortic dissection, aneurysms, or other critical complications. Post-surgical rehabilitation and careful management are essential due to tissue fragility.

Genetic Counseling & Prevention

Genetic counseling is vital for families with a history of EDS. Early genetic testing can help identify carriers and inform family planning decisions. Support groups and foundations, such as the Ehlers-Danlos National Foundation, provide resources and community support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the life expectancy of someone with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?

The average life expectancy is around 50 years, but this varies by subtype and severity.

Why does EDS make you look younger?

EDS causes loss of collagen, resulting in smooth, velvety, and lax skin, which can make individuals appear younger, especially in vascular EDS.

At what age is Ehlers-Danlos usually diagnosed?

Diagnosis is often delayed until adulthood, except for vascular EDS, which may be identified in childhood due to early symptoms.

What does Ehlers-Danlos pain feel like?

Chronic musculoskeletal pain, often from joint fractures or ligament overstretching, is common. Pain is usually persistent and can be severe.

What can be mistaken for Ehlers-Danlos?

Marfan syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Fibromyalgia can present with similar symptoms and must be ruled out.

What do Ehlers-Danlos syndrome eyes look like?

Prominent, bulging eyes and a flat cornea are common, increasing the risk of brittle cornea syndrome, myopia, and corneal rupture.

Contact ProHealth Clinic Today for Your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call

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Author Bio

Having performed over 10,000 procedures, Mr Oliver Eaton is one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the field of treating Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, with patients travelling to see him from across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.

With over 12 years of clinical experience, Oliver is dedicated to helping patients understand their symptoms associated with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and providing effective treatment options to alleviate them.

He qualified in Prolozone Therapy and Prolotherapy in America with the American Academy of Ozonotherapy. He continued on to complete further qualifications at the Royal Society of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital in London, Keele University’s Anatomy & Surgical Training Centre, and the medical department of Heidelberg University in Germany.

Mr Eaton’s expertise has been featured in many national news and media publications, including The Telegraph, The Daily Mail, The Daily Express, Women’s Health Magazine, and The Scotsman.

Over the years he has had the privilege of treating many elite-level athletes, including both Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.
LinkedIn profile

References

1. Bowen, J. M., Sobey, G. J., Burrows, N. P., et al. (2017). Ehlers–Danlos syndrome, classical type. American Journal of Medical Genetics, 175(1), 94–97.
2. Byers, P. H., Belmont, J., Black, J., et al. (2017). Diagnosis, natural history, and management in vascular Ehlers–Danlos syndrome. American Journal of Medical Genetics, 175(1), 40–47.
3. Hauser, R. A., et al. (2011). Prolotherapy for musculoskeletal pain and injury. Curr Sports Med Rep, 10(5), 255-259.
4. ProHealth Clinic. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatments. prohealthclinic.co.uk
5. Case studies and further reading available upon request.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.