hEDS is an inherited disorder that affects a person’s connective tissues, mainly ligaments and tendons in their joints. The result is unusually weak joints that make normal, everyday living difficult. Here is Dr. Wood’s perspective on the condition and its treatment.

Dr. Wood: Connective tissues provide strength and elasticity to muscles, bones, ligaments, blood vessels, and tendons. One of the many proteins found in our connective tissue is collagen. hEDS occurs when the gene that determines how to make collagen is faulted, weakening the connective tissue in joints. The result: very weak joints, with frequent dislocations and general instability from common activities.