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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffThere's no way to reverse the genetic alterations that cause Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Treatment focuses primarily on managing individual signs and symptoms and preventing further complications. Much of this consists of self-care strategies to protect your joints and prevent excessive bruising and injuries. Your health care team may include specialists from a variety of different fields, including medical genetics, surgery, pediatrics, orthopedics, cardiology and ophthalmology, to name a few.
Surgical considerations
If you're to undergo surgery, make sure your surgeon knows you have Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Your surgeon may use adhesive tape or medical glue rather than stitches to close up incisions, because stitches may tear out of fragile skin. Surgery is sometimes required to repair joints damaged by repeated dislocations. Elective surgery isn't recommended.
Managing pain
If you have chronic joint pain, talk to your doctor about ways to help manage the pain. This might include use of pain relievers or physical therapy or both. A physical therapist can help you develop an exercise program to strengthen your muscles, which in turn will help stabilize your joints. In general, people with EDS need to avoid activities that put pressure on locked joints, such as weightlifting. Your therapist or doctor can prescribe appropriate exercises for you.
Although a few reports indicate that vitamin C may help reduce the severity of kyphoscoliosis symptoms, this hasn't been established. Talk to your doctor if you're thinking about taking a vitamin C supplement.
