Managing Hypermobility in the Hands: Support for Joints and Daily Function

Hypermobility can sound like a flexible superpower—but for many people, it comes with daily challenges. If your hands, wrists, or thumbs move beyond their normal range, you might experience discomfort, weakness, or frequent joint strain.

At Hands for Living, we work with individuals who are managing hypermobility in the hands, helping them move with more stability, less pain, and greater confidence.

What Is Hypermobility?

Hypermobility refers to joints that move further than expected. It often results from differences in the connective tissues—like ligaments and tendons—that support and stabilise joints.

Some people have generalised hypermobility, while others may be diagnosed with related conditions such as:

• Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) – a group of connective tissue disorders
• Joint Hypermobility Syndrome (JHS) – where hypermobility is paired with ongoing pain or instability

In the hands, hypermobility can lead to joint fatigue, misalignment, repeated strain, and a higher risk of injury.

How Hypermobility Affects the Hands, Wrists, and Thumbs

While flexibility may not seem like a problem at first, excessive motion in small joints can lead to:

• Pain after use or during repetitive tasks
• Difficulty with handwriting, gripping, or pinching
• Frequent joint strain, sprains, or dislocations
• Instability that limits control and coordination

Because these joints are used constantly throughout the day, even minor issues can have a big impact on comfort and independence.

How Support Can Help Protect Hypermobile Joints

Supportive devices are often essential for managing symptoms and maintaining function. These include splints, braces, and tapes designed to limit extreme motion while still allowing you to use your hands comfortably.

Hand Supports

Finger and hand splints offer control without restricting daily use.

• Ring splints keep finger joints from bending backward without limiting grip
• Compression gloves provide gentle stability and warmth, which can help with fatigue and swelling

Wrist Supports

The wrist is a key stabiliser—and one of the first areas to tire in hypermobile hands.

• Flexible wrist wraps support without full restriction, ideal for daily tasks
• Rigid braces may be used during flare-ups or heavy activities to maintain alignment

Thumb Supports

Thumb hypermobility can make even simple tasks like buttoning or holding a phone painful.

• Thumb spica splints stabilise the base of the thumb while leaving other fingers free
• Custom thumb supports provide more tailored control for unique joint patterns

Benefits of the Right Support

When used correctly and consistently, supports can:

• Reduce joint strain during everyday activities
• Improve your ability to grip, lift, and perform fine motor tasks
• Prevent further injury by limiting excessive motion
• Help manage flare-ups and reduce long-term wear on joints

But choosing the right support matters. The wrong fit or type can do more harm than good.

How to Choose the Right Support

Every person with hypermobility is different, which is why professional guidance makes a difference.

A hand therapist can help you determine:

• Which joints need support, and how much
• Whether you need a flexible or firm option
• How to wear your support during work, rest, or activity
• When to adjust or replace your splint as your needs change

Custom splints may be recommended when off-the-shelf options don’t provide adequate control or comfort.

Supporting Your Joints—And Strengthening Them Too

Supports help stabilise, but therapy goes beyond braces. At Hands for Living, we combine protective tools with strategies to improve long-term joint health. That includes:

• Strengthening exercises to build muscular support around hypermobile joints
• Activity modifications to reduce stress on small joints
• Education on joint protection and posture
• Techniques to pace activity and manage fatigue

This holistic approach can make a big difference in how you function throughout the day—and how confident you feel using your hands.

Find Relief, One Joint at a Time

Living with hypermobility in the hands doesn’t mean you have to live in pain. With the right support, education, and care, you can regain stability, protect your joints, and continue doing what you love.