Treatment Options For Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a type of connective tissue condition affecting the bones, blood vessels, skin, and a variety of other tissues and organs. The complications and symptoms range from mild to life-threatening. There are multiple types of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, but most involve hypermobile joints. With the classic type, patients may also have fragile and stretchy skin. The vascular type is often characterized by certain facial features, such as a thin upper lip, prominent eyes, thin nose, and small earlobes. With this type, the risk of arterial rupture is possible since these vessels can be weakened. The intestinal and uterine walls are also at risk of weakening and rupture. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is incurable, but there are treatment options to help patients manage the disorder.

Pain Relievers

Joint discomfort is not uncommon, so patients may need medication to alleviate this pain. In most cases, doctors recommend over-the-counter pain relievers, such as naproxen sodium, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen. It is important to use these precisely as directed. Patients taking other medications should talk to their physician to ensure it is safe to add these drugs to their regimen. Individuals at risk for bleeding or taking blood thinners should not use ibuprofen or naproxen sodium without their doctor’s permission. When pain is especially severe, such as following a joint dislocation or other acute injury, doctors might prescribe stronger pain medicines. These might include tramadol or opioid drugs, such as hydrocodone or oxycodone. These are typically only used for a short while until the heightened pain alleviates, at which point they can be downgraded to over-the-counter pain relievers.

Continue reading for the next method of treating Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.