How Can Podiatry Help with Hypermobility?
As podiatrists we regularly see varying degrees of hyper mobility in patients of all ages and backgrounds.
Hypermobility isn’t necessarily a problem or an unhealthy condition that is detrimental to one’s quality of life. For some people, hypermobility causes no issues. But for others, it can lead to joint pain, muscle fatigue, poor balance, or frequent injuries. This often happens because the joints lack the proprioception (the sense of where they are in space) or muscular support they need.
In simple terms, it means your joints move more than usual and they’re extra flexible or “bendy.” This can be a great advantage in sports such as gymnastics, dance, swimming, and aerial acrobatics. However, in high-impact sports, extra caution is advised and often needed. Specific training is important to reduce the risk of joint strain or unexpected dislocations.
Common concerns in podiatry seen alongside hypermobility include:
Bunions
Symptomatic flat feet otherwise known as ‘Pes Planus’
Knock knees (Genu Valgum)
Recurrent ankle sprains
Fatigued lower limbs (this is particularly common in children and adolescent patients).
Podiatrists play a key role in managing and supporting these concerns through a personalised and holistic approach.
Here are some ways podiatry can help:
1. Detailed Assessment
Podiatrists perform a biomechanical assessment that assesses foot posture, gait, joint range of motion, muscle strength, and functional movement. This helps identify areas that are overworking or lacking strength.
2. Footwear Advice
Recommending appropriate, well-fitted footwear helps stabilise the foot — which in turn supports the ankle, knees, and hips. Podiatrists may also encourage the use of more minimalist footwear for non performance based activities gradually over time to encourage strengthening of the feet whilst performing everyday activities. This can be introduced once a solid foundation and understanding of a patients footwear spectrum is achieved.
3. Education, Strength & Rehab Exercises
Targeted exercises can strengthen the small muscles within the foot and improve balance and proprioception. Podiatrists also provide guidance on physical activity and strategies to prevent injury flare-ups. They will also incorporate dynamic warm ups and appropriate static stretching if beneficial.
4. Padding, Strapping, and Orthotic Therapy
If extra external support is needed, orthotics, padding or taping can be used to provide structural support tailored to the individual’s biomechanics.
If you are experiencing pain in your lower limbs and have a history of hyper mobility or you are aware of a history of repeated injuries, we strongly advise booking in to see a podiatrist for a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment.
We also recommend taking your regularly worn footwear with you to the appointment!