First things first, WTF does "double-jointed" even mean?
And despite how freaky it looks, showing off your double-jointedness probably won't hurt you.
"There's no clear evidence that these 'party tricks' people do with their hands or other body parts are harmful, especially if you just do it occasionally," Hand says. However, if you do have hypermobile joints and you start to feel pain, you should stop. Likewise, if your joint ever becomes dislocated, you should definitely see a doctor.
That said, if you have EDS or Marfan syndrome, there's a larger chance of pain or dislocation associated with hypermobility, especially as you get older, she says. So if you have one of these conditions, it's best to talk to your doctor about what that means for you and your flexibility.
SO, let's see some hypermobility. Ready?
1. Are you even slightly bothered by this thumb?
2. What about these freaky phalanges?
3. Does this hyperextensible hand trick make you feel uneasy?
4. What about these knobbly knees?
5. "Oh don't mind me, just folding my fingers in a way that should be physically impossible."
6. How do you feel about this harmless hand holding a Dasani?
7. Can you watch this nightmare in action?
8. Is this ankle off-putting?
9. Or are you more disturbed by these backwards-bending legs?
10. What about these flexible fingers battling with a toothpick?
Pretty cool, right?
11. But how cool is this loosey-goosey leg?
12. Or these finger goggles?
13. What about this extra-extensible elbow?
14. Does this make you just shrug your shoulders?
15. How do you feel about this hypnotizing hand trick?
16. Ain't it the bee's knees?
Congrats! You made it!
K BYE.
Update
This post has been updated to better explain the risks that can be associated with hypermobility as a symptom of EDS or Marfan syndrome.