Do your joints bend too much? Let's learn about the 'Beighton Score'!

Have you ever noticed how some people bend their fingers back in an odd way, or their knees and elbows are much longer than others? For some, this may just be a natural occurrence. But sometimes, this kind of joint hyperflexibility, or excessive bending, can be linked to certain health conditions. In such cases, there's a simple, easy test that doctors use to find out exactly how flexible your joints really are. It's called the Beighton Score . Let's talk about this in more detail today, shall we?

Do you know what the 'Beighton Score' is?

Simply put, the Beighton Score is a method of measuring the flexibility of your joints, or how far you can move a joint. It involves a few very simple activities. For example, you bend your little finger back and see what angle it is at. There is a scoring system for this test, which ranges from 0 to 9. The higher the score you get, the more flexible your joints are. Sounds easy, right?

This test mainly looks at these joints:

• The base of both your thumbs (on both sides)
• Both elbows
• Both knees
• Knuckles , that is, the joints on the fingers
• Spine (spine)

These are the main areas of focus.

When is the 'Beighton Score' used?

The Beighton Score is a widely used standardized test that helps diagnose a condition called Joint Hypermobility Syndrome . Did you know that about 3% of the general population has Joint Hypermobility Syndrome?

Even in very healthy people, joints can be quite flexible, which is normal. However, sometimes this condition called Joint Hypermobility Syndrome can be caused by another underlying condition. In particular, it may be associated with Heritable Connective Tissue Disorders (HCTD) . "Connective tissue" simply refers to the fibers that hold different parts and organs of our body together and give them strength. These disorders occur when there is any weakness or change in these.

Some of the main conditions that fall into this category of HCTD are:

• Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) : This can affect things like the skin, joints, and blood vessel walls.
• Marfan Syndrome : This can affect the eyes, bones, heart, and blood vessels.
• Osteogenesis Imperfecta : In this condition, the bones become very fragile, which can lead to frequent fractures.

So, you probably understand how important this 'Beighton Score' is, because it is based on the information provided by this that the doctor can determine whether you have simple joint hypermobility, or whether there is something else underlying it.

How does this test measure the flexibility of your joints?

Your doctor will gently bend and unbend your joints. On a scale of 0-9, you will receive a score if you can do the following:

Part One: Things You Can See by Moving Your Body

These are the activities that the doctor will have you do, or they will move your joints themselves.

• Can you bend forward, without bending your knees, and place your hands completely on the ground? (1 point for this) Imagine, when you bend forward and reach, you are trying to see if your knees are straight and your palms are touching the ground.
• When you straighten your elbows, can you extend them back beyond their normal range? (This is called ``hyperextending''. One elbow is worth 1 point, and both elbows are worth 2 points.)
• Also, when you straighten both knees, can you extend them back beyond their normal range? (This is also a ``hyperextend''. One knee is scored 1 point, and both knees are scored 2 points).
• Can you bend your pinky finger (the smallest finger on your hand) back more than 90 degrees? (1 point for each pinky finger, 2 points for both fingers).
• Can you bend your thumb back and touch the underside of your forearm? (1 point for one thumb, 2 points for both thumbs).

Now look, adding these together gives a maximum score of 9, right? (1 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 9).

Part Two: Questions about your past experiences

In this, the doctor asks you a few questions about your joint flexibility and joint pain. You get 1 point for each question you answer "yes".

• Have you ever been able to put your hands on the ground without bending your knees?
• Have you ever been able to curl your thumb and rub it on the back of your hand?
• When you were a child or young adult, did you ever have fun bending and twisting your body in front of your friends? Were you able to do 'splits'? (That is, sitting on the floor with your legs spread out to the sides).
• Have you ever dislocated a shoulder or knee more than once, whether you were a child or a teenager?
• Do you consider yourself to be "double-jointed"? (That is, do you feel that your joints bend more than others?)

How do you check for 'Joint Hypermobility Syndrome' based on these signs?

Your doctor will add up your total score. You may have Joint Hypermobility Syndrome if one of the following occurs:

1. If you have a score of 4 or more on the aforementioned body movement maneuvers, and you have pain in four or more joints for more than three months.

2. Or, if you answered "yes" to two or more of the questions asked about those past experiences.

This is how we basically get an idea of ​​this situation.

What should you expect when taking the 'Beighton Score' test?

This is a very simple test. Your doctor will tell you to move your joints in certain positions. You may have to lie down on a bed or sit in a chair to do these activities. The entire test only takes a few minutes, and you won't feel any pain. So there's nothing to worry about.

Are there any risks or side effects from this test?

No, absolutely not. There are no reported risks or side effects associated with the Beighton Score test. It is a very safe test.

What is a 'positive' Beighton Score?

A 'Beighton Score' becomes 'positive' , meaning that there is a suspicion that Joint Hypermobility Syndrome may be present, in these two situations:

• If you score four (4) or more on those flexibility activities .
• Or, if you received two (2) or more points (that is, two or more "yes" answers) from the questions asked about past experiences .

Simple, right?

What do the Beighton Score results mean?

The higher your score, the more laxity or flexibility you have in your joints. A positive Beighton Score test result means you most likely have Joint Hypermobility Syndrome .

But here's an important thing to remember. This syndrome can sometimes be a result of other underlying medical conditions. So, your doctor will talk to you and decide what to do next. In most cases, you will need to do some more tests to find out exactly what other conditions you may have.

Remember, the Beighton Score alone cannot diagnose conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Marfan Syndrome, or Osteogenesis Imperfecta. It is only one part of a series of tests that will help determine the exact cause of your symptoms.

How long does it take to know the results?

This is the best thing! You can get your Beighton Score results right away. The doctor can calculate your scores and give you the results as you complete each part of the test. So, there's no waiting around.

What questions should you ask your doctor about the Beighton Score test?

If you are undergoing this test, it is a good idea to ask your doctor questions like these, right after you know the results:

• Do I need to do any additional tests after the Beighton Score?
• If you have Joint Hypermobility Syndrome, how is it treated?
• What can I do to improve the health of my joints? (For example, exercise, dietary changes, etc.)
• What is the outlook for someone with Joint Hypermobility Syndrome? That is, can I live a normal life? What are the things I need to pay attention to?

It is very important to ask questions like these and gain a clear understanding of your situation.

So, the final take-home message:

Okay, so from what we've discussed, I hope you've got a good idea of ​​what the Beighton Score is. In summary:

• The Beighton Score is a very simple test that can be done right in your doctor's office.
• This measures the flexibility of your joints.
• If you get a score close to 9, it means your joints are very flexible.
• If this diagnosis indicates that you have Joint Hypermobility Syndrome , you may need to undergo further testing, as this syndrome can sometimes be caused by another underlying medical condition.
• Therefore, it is important to talk to your doctor to find out what the best next steps are, or if you need any further testing.

If you have any questions or concerns about your joints, don't be afraid to meet with your doctor or nurse and talk about it. They will help you.

` Beighton score, Joint Hypermobility Syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Marfan syndrome, Connective tissue disorders