What’s the difference between hypermobility, HSD, and hEDS?

Hypermobility simply means joints that move beyond the normal range and can be entirely asymptomatic. Hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) is the diagnosis given when hypermobility causes symptoms such as pain, instability, or fatigue, but does not meet the criteria for a defined connective tissue disorder. Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) is a more specific diagnosis with defined clinical criteria. Both HSD and hEDS are managed similarly, but the distinction matters for genetic counselling and specialist referral.