Dealing with Pain

If your pain is from an injury then you should follow the rule: RICE. Rest the injured joint, use Ice around the joint to reduce any pain and/or swelling, 'Compress' the injury (using an elastic bandage or something similar) and Elevate the injured joint (e.g. if you've sprained your ankle then put your foot up!)

If your pain is not from an injury then heat is very useful for easing pain - try an electric blanket, a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel or a warm bath. The sachet hand warmers that you can buy to slip inside your gloves on cold days are also very good!

If heat isn't enough, then paracetamol may help. Many people with Hypermobility Syndrome find that paracetamol is better than Ibuprofen or aspirin. However, all painkillers can have nasty side effects if taken too often and so you should only take them when absolutely necessary.

Pain can actually feel worse if you feel miserable or if you are bored and brooding on your pain. You will often feel better if you can try to take your mind off the pain by doing something you really enjoy.