InterestingFacts: It's Technically Impossible to be "Double-Jointed"

 




It’s technically impossible to be “double-jointed.”

Growing up, many people encounter that one friend who seems to be especially flexible — thumbs curve back, limbs jut out at awkward angles, and legs bend with unparalleled pliability. While this contortionist act is often said to be the result of being “double-jointed,” such a medical diagnosis doesn’t actually exist. Instead, a large portion of humanity is best described as having “hypermobility” or “joint laxity.” This means that some people are born with loose ligaments or other bone oddities that make them more flexible than most. For the majority, hyperflexibility isn’t harmful, but a small percentage — those with joint hypermobility syndrome — can experience pain. So in the end, all humans have the same number of joints, but as for the tautness of our ligaments? Well, that’s a different story.


Note:  The above comes directly from the Interesting Facts website.

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