I think that for people with mild hypermobility, it can probably be ignored. I think it is more interesting that there is a connection to hypermobility, as it is not immediately obvious why there should be in ME. It is a clue to pathophysiology.
My understanding is that in severe cases of hypermobility, it is not a benign disease and needs treatment. Type IV (vascular) EDS, for example, is often fatal due to rupture of arteries or other internal organs (e.g. colon) Some things can be done to monitor for these problems and possibly treat them, extending life or improving quality of life. Even people with more severe classical EDS can use various types of braces to prevent excessive range of motion. There is no cure - but learning how to manage the disease can reduce the incidence of side effects - the main one being arthritis. Vascular EDS is quite rare, and I'm not sure if it's at all associated with ME. If we are talking about type 3 hypermobility, there is possibly an increased risk of valvular disease, which should be monitored probably (although again, as Dr. Edwards mentions, there really aren't any good studies to measure outcomes).
So I think it depends how severe it is. For most ME patients with hypermobility, it might make sense to learn what not to do, and to make use of braces and such, so as to prevent the development of osteoarthritis, at least until such time as we know a lot more about these diseases.
Hypermobility is a spectrum. My dad has some - and he has had a lot of ortho and joint issues in his life. Tendon rupture has been a major theme. However, he's in his late 60's, working full time in his chosen career (not physical labor), and able to do what he likes (including exercise and physically demanding hobbies / sports) - so in his case, it hasn't been a major problem, more of a nuisance. On the other end of the spectrum you see 25 year olds who have had multiple surgeries, are in constant pain, and have bad osteoarthritis. The latter is rare though - most people are more in the former category like my father, who still has no major health issues.
Dr. Edwards also mentions that he didn't see many hypermobile patients as a rheum - I think this may also have to do with some referral bias. My dad has seen MANY orthopedists and had probably 10-15 orthopedic surgeries in his life, many steroid injections, etc. He has separate, specialized docs for his back, feet, hands, and general ortho (knees, shoulders, other). When you present with these problems, your GP will treat or refer to an orthopedist. You'll see a rheum (at least in the US) only if they suspect autoimmune disease. There may be some exceptions to that, but really rheums in the US seem to be entirely focused on autoimmunity. Non-inflammatory joint disease is treated by GP's and orthopedists, who do likely see a fair amount of hypermobile patients - most of whom are treated with conventional treatments - they just require more of them and more often.
My understanding is that in severe cases of hypermobility, it is not a benign disease and needs treatment. Type IV (vascular) EDS, for example, is often fatal due to rupture of arteries or other internal organs (e.g. colon) Some things can be done to monitor for these problems and possibly treat them, extending life or improving quality of life. Even people with more severe classical EDS can use various types of braces to prevent excessive range of motion. There is no cure - but learning how to manage the disease can reduce the incidence of side effects - the main one being arthritis. Vascular EDS is quite rare, and I'm not sure if it's at all associated with ME. If we are talking about type 3 hypermobility, there is possibly an increased risk of valvular disease, which should be monitored probably (although again, as Dr. Edwards mentions, there really aren't any good studies to measure outcomes).
So I think it depends how severe it is. For most ME patients with hypermobility, it might make sense to learn what not to do, and to make use of braces and such, so as to prevent the development of osteoarthritis, at least until such time as we know a lot more about these diseases.
Hypermobility is a spectrum. My dad has some - and he has had a lot of ortho and joint issues in his life. Tendon rupture has been a major theme. However, he's in his late 60's, working full time in his chosen career (not physical labor), and able to do what he likes (including exercise and physically demanding hobbies / sports) - so in his case, it hasn't been a major problem, more of a nuisance. On the other end of the spectrum you see 25 year olds who have had multiple surgeries, are in constant pain, and have bad osteoarthritis. The latter is rare though - most people are more in the former category like my father, who still has no major health issues.
Dr. Edwards also mentions that he didn't see many hypermobile patients as a rheum - I think this may also have to do with some referral bias. My dad has seen MANY orthopedists and had probably 10-15 orthopedic surgeries in his life, many steroid injections, etc. He has separate, specialized docs for his back, feet, hands, and general ortho (knees, shoulders, other). When you present with these problems, your GP will treat or refer to an orthopedist. You'll see a rheum (at least in the US) only if they suspect autoimmune disease. There may be some exceptions to that, but really rheums in the US seem to be entirely focused on autoimmunity. Non-inflammatory joint disease is treated by GP's and orthopedists, who do likely see a fair amount of hypermobile patients - most of whom are treated with conventional treatments - they just require more of them and more often.