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Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Treatment Options Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a genetic disease. There are several different types of EDS but they all have a few symptoms in common, such as loose joints including elastic skin that bruises easily. Even with these common symptoms, each type of EDS has specific symptoms. For example, the symptoms pertaining to the classical type of EDS are primarily loose joints including elastic skin, while the main symptoms of vascular EDS are usually thin elastic skin that you should see the veins through, with the risk of blood vessels rupturing as you age. Because Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is genetic, there is absolutely no cure, but there are treatment options. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with EDS, there are some basic things you should do to help with the disease. You should take vitamin C to reduce the intensity of symptoms of some EDS types, exercise, make sure to receive yearly eye exams, take steps to protect your joints including avoid unneeded sun exposure. You should additionally take prescription medicine for the pain including inflammation in your joints. The most commonly prescribed medicines are pain relievers including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). All NSAIDs have certain risks associated with them. The most common complaint is stomach problems, such as ulcers including heartburn. Because of these problems, it is recommended that you do not take NSAIDs on a particular empty stomach. Even over the counter versions of NSAIDs (Advil or Motrin) should have these side effects, so for mild pain relief doctors often recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol). the over the counter drug is not a particular NSAID, so it should be safely taken with most prescription drugs. There are limits to the amount of acetaminophen you should take in a day though. If the allowed daily amount of acetaminophen does not relieve your pain completely, your doctor could most likely give you a prescription for pain relievers. A good strategy for preventing some joint problems is to protect your joints. There are several ways to accomplish this. The first way is to take a short break at the time doing a repetitive task such as typing, or switch to a different task for a short while. For example, if you work in a particular office including spend most of your time typing, you should either take a 15 minute break from work or you should make copies or file papers for 15 to 20 minutes. Another way to protect your joints is to use them in the proper manner to avoid stress on them. the means carrying a heavy box near your center of gravity (your waist for most people) or, if you have a bulky load, have someone help you carry your load. You should additionally use different products to help with some daily tasks. You should use a cane for extra stability at the time you walk, a wagon or cart to help carry grocery/shopping bags from your car to the house, or a grab bar in the shower to help you obtain in or out pertaining to the bathtub. Some other treatment options for EDS are eye exams, taking vitamin C supplements, reducing sun exposure, exercise including surgery. People with EDS should obtain yearly eye exams because nearsightedness is common among EDS sufferers including should be easily fixed with eyeglasses or contact lenses. Kyphoscoliosis EDS sufferers are especially at risk for eye problems including should see a doctor who has EDS experience. Some EDS sufferers have experienced success with vitamin C reducing the intensity of their symptoms. Avoiding sun exposure is important because pertaining to the skin problems associated with EDS. The best way to avoid the sun while maintaining a normal schedule is to wear long pants, long sleeves including a wide-brimmed hat including put sunscreen on the remaining exposed skin. A sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 is best. The point of a particular exercise program as a treatment option for EDS is to improve joint stability. Exercise accomplishes the by strengthening the muscles supporting the joint. Speak with your doctor for the best exercises for you, because you should avoid any exercise that puts stress on your joints. The final option, surgery, is often used as a last resort. If surgery is used, it is often to correct fractures or dislocated joints. You should always tell your surgeon that you have EDS at the time you are scheduled for surgery. the way they should avoid using stitches to close your wound because your skin is more likely to tear than someone not affected by EDS.
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