The hypermobility crisis: A review and call to action

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) are common yet underrecognized connective tissue disorders characterized by joint hypermobility and multi-organ system involvement. Current diagnostic criteria inadequately capture the clinical heterogeneity of hEDS/HSD. Consequently, patients often face diagnostic delays and fragmented care, which exacerbate underlying comorbidities such as chronic pain and psychological distress. This narrative review explores the key limitations of existing diagnostic criteria, the burden of underrecognized comorbidities, and systemic barriers to health care access. We then propose actionable recommendations for clinicians, professional societies, educators, and researchers to standardize diagnostic practices, expand education and training, and invest in multi-site patient registries and large-scale genetic studies. Coordinated action is needed to build evidence-based, patient-centered care systems that recognize and address the full complexity of hEDS and HSD.