20 Products People With Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Swear By

When you struggle with pain, fatigue, and subluxations/dislocations of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) on a daily basis, it can quickly become frustrating and exhausting. EDS is a group of connective tissue disorders, and since connective tissue is so prevalent in the body, EDS can affect a number of bodily systems, causing widespread discomfort and health issues. While there are a variety of treatments that can help with the symptoms, every person with Ehlers-Danlos is different and will often have to go through many processes of trial and error to find which options work best for them.

• What is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?
• What Are Common Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Symptoms?

Although there is likely no single item that will totally alleviate your EDS symptoms, many of those in the chronic illness community have found some products (or a combination of products) that help them push through even their toughest flare days.

To help you find some relief from your symptoms, we asked our Mighty community to share products they swear by that help manage their Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Here are their recommendations.

1. Bodyprox Braces

Bodyprox offers braces that support different parts of your body and help to relieve pain.

Ashley B. told us, “The Bodyprox hip brace keeps my hip from subluxating or dislocating when I wear it. It’s great for support when I have to stand or walk for longer than usual.”

Buy the groin wrap above from Bodyprox.

2. Biofreeze

Biofreeze is a topical analgesic containing menthol, which is both cooling and pain-relieving for sore muscles and joints.

Sydney D. wrote, “[I use] Biofreeze on pretty much everything! It works wonders!”

Buy the roll-on gel.

3. BackJoy SitSmart Seat

BackJoy offers several types of products (including seats, pillows and massage devices) that can help improve posture and relieve back pain from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

“I can’t live without my BackJoy seat,” said Jaymie H. “It helps keep the pelvis in a neutral position.”

Buy the seat from BackJoy.

4. U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow

A contoured, U-shaped pillow can provide full-body support to those who struggle with pain and dislocations while sleeping.

Alexandria M. wrote, “Sleeping with hypermobility is a huge challenge and this pillow [featured above] is incredibly helpful for preventing my ribs and hips from subluxating while I sleep.”

“My U-shaped pregnancy pillow! Changed my life! They are a little pricey but so worth it!” added Marissa H.

Buy the pillow. 

5. Epsom Salt

Epsom salt has a number of health benefits, including soothing muscle pain and reducing swelling. Try adding some to a warm bath and give your body time to soak and relax.

Cathy I. told us, “Epsom salts for aches and pains. Sometimes I will use it on my hair if I have a bad migraine and it helps. Plus it’s great to soak in.”

Buy the Epsom salt.

6. RockTape

This kinesiology tape lifts the skin away from the muscles to allow for decompression in the area, which can reduce swelling and pain.

Lara C. recommended, “RockTape in rainbow… And Cavilon cream to go underneath to stop the blistering!”

Buy the RockTape.

7. Arnicare Gel

If EDS causes you to bruise easily, this gel may help reduce the pain, discoloration, and swelling of the area.

Amanda B. wrote, “Helps the bruising heal quicker and look less severe. Also helps tissue and muscle soreness.”

Buy the Arnicare gel.

8. Compression Sleeves

Compression sleeves can be used on your arms or legs to increase blood flow and help your muscles recover more quickly after injury or overexertion.

Jessica S. said she likes to use compression sleeves, especially for her wrists.

Buy the compression sleeves.

9. TENS Machine

A TENS machine uses small electric currents to help relieve any pain and soreness you may have in your muscles due to EDS.

“I have a wireless one so I have it on my hips all the time underneath my jeans, then when I need it I just press a button on the remote. Only form of pain relief I can find that truly helps,” said Leah R.

Buy the TENS machine.

10. CBD Lotions and Oils

CBD topicals, such as lotions or oils, are infused with cannabis that, when absorbed through the skin, can help with pain, soreness, and inflammation (check if CBD oil derived from marijuana is legal in your state).

Tera S. told us, “[I use] medical marijuana or CBD oil for the pain that comes with subluxations and dislocations. Only thing that really helps my pain.”

CBD oil derived from hemp is legal in all 50 states. Buy the Fay Farm Healing Hemp Lotion.

11. Cabeau Evolution Pillow

The Cabeau neck pillow is made with memory foam and offers 360-degree support for your head and neck, whether you’re traveling or just need some extra support in bed at night.

Jill D. recommended, “My Cabeau brand memory foam neck support pillow. It’s more supportive than a soft cervical collar and more comfortable.”

Dylan H. added, “Memory foam neck pillow to sleep with! Keeps my neck comfortable and in place. Lessens the pain I have to sleep with.”

Buy the Cabeau neck pillow.

12. Tiger Balm

Tiger Balm contains a blend of herbal ingredients that can help reduce joint and muscle pain. They offer ointments, rubs, and pain relief patches.

“Tiger Balm patches!” said Kelly S. “They’re affordable, come in a resealable package, and the adhesive is super gentle so it doesn’t tear my skin or give me blisters when it’s time to take them off.”

Amber R. said, “Not only does it help because of it being a muscle rub, but it can cool-burn so much it overpowers the internal pain for a while.”

Buy Tiger Balm patches.

13. Bauerfeind RhizoLoc Thumb Stabilizer

If you have issues with your thumbs dislocating, this brace can help stabilize the joint and prevent any injuries.

Cara S. wrote, “[I use] Bauerfiend RhizoLoc for my thumb that likes to dislocate. It is fantastic and a good-looking brace.”

Buy the brace.

14. Village Naturals Lotion and Body Wash

Village Naturals products contain a blend of eucalyptus and cooling menthol to help soothe painful muscles and joints.

“Village Naturals therapy muscle relief lotion is great for deep aches in my joints, especially my hips, knees and shoulders. It helps me sleep at night when the pain is really bad,” Ashley B. told us.

Buy the Village Naturals bath oil and body wash.

15. Z-CoiL Shoes

Z-CoiL shoes are made with a large spring in the heel to minimize impact, increase stability, and reduce pain.

Wendy L. recommended, “Z-CoiL shoes. They are the only shoes I’ve found to counter my ankle instability. They allow me to be able to walk on uneven surfaces without rolling my ankle.”

Buy Z-CoiL shoes.

16. KT Tape

Similar to Rock Tape, KT Tape can help improve circulation and reduce pain and inflammation in sore muscles and joints, which people with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome commonly experience.

Sam S. wrote, “It does wonders to help stabilize my SI joints and reduce swelling around my hands when I can’t tolerate compression.”

Rita W. added, “KT Tape! By far the most ‘bang for your buck.’”

Buy KT Tape.

17. Oval-8 Finger Splint

These lightweight and waterproof finger splints help limit hypermobility to prevent subluxations or dislocations of the fingers.

Lisa M. said, “Without them, I couldn’t hold a pen/pencil anymore. Without them, my fingers would dislocate. Without them, I couldn’t chop veggies or peel potatoes. Without them, I couldn’t hold the leash to walk my little Yorkie puppy. You get the picture…”

Kourteney K. added, “I’ve had less issues with my fingers hyperextending or locking, and for my thumb and pinky on both hands, I went from five to 10 daily dislocations to only a few when the splints slip.”

Buy the finger splint.

18. Dry Shampoo

For days when your pain and fatigue levels are high, you can use dry shampoo to help freshen up a bit. It’s much easier than washing your hair in the shower!

Rebecca E. said, “Dry shampoo for days when I am spoonless or saving spoons for other things.”

Buy the dry shampoo.

19. Toofypegs

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can lead to dental issues and fragile teeth, so if you find yourself breaking teeth often, this “dental first aid kit” may be useful.

“Recently… Toofypegs!” said Kerry A. “I’ve broken soooo many teeth this year.”

Buy Toofypegs.

20. Compression Leggings

A pair of compression leggings can help keep joints in place to prevent hyperextension in addition to ensuring proper blood flow and circulation.

Wynona M. said, “[I wear] compression socks and stockings (sexy, right?).”

Our community has recommended compression leggings from Under Armour and Old Navy.

Have a product you’d recommend? Let us know in the comments below.