A recent study published in BMJ Public Health has revealed that individuals with joint hypermobility, commonly known as being “double jointed,” may be at a heightened risk of developing long COVID. The research found that people with hypermobile joints were approximately 30% more likely not to have fully recovered from their last bout of COVID-19 infection than those without hypermobile joints. This increased likelihood was also associated with higher levels of fatigue in this group.
Hypermobility and Long COVID
Hypermobile joints, a condition in which joints have an unusually large range of motion, have been linked to an increased risk of developing long COVID. The study, which involved over 5,000 participants, showed that individuals with hypermobile joints were 30% more likely to experience persistent symptoms following a COVID-19 infection compared to those without the condition.
The increased likelihood of long COVID in individuals with hypermobile joints was also associated with higher levels of fatigue. This suggests that the underlying mechanisms behind joint hypermobility may play a role in the development of long-term COVID-19 symptoms.