If you’ve ever been told you’re “double-jointed” or that your joints move a little more than most people’s, you might have a form of hypermobility. For some, it’s a harmless trait. For others – especially those with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) or Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) – it can cause real pain, instability, and fatigue that affect everyday life.
As a podiatrist who works closely with people managing musculoskeletal and connective tissue conditions, I often see the foot and ankle as a common place where hypermobility shows itself. Understanding what’s happening, and how we can support it, can make a crucial difference.
What Is Hypermobility?
Hypermobility is when your joints move beyond the typical range of motion. This can be due to differences in collagen, the connective tissue that gives your body strength and stability.
Some people are naturally flexible and pain-free, but for others, hypermobility can lead to:
- Pain, aching, or fatigue (especially after activity)
- Increased risk of sprains and soft tissue injuries
- Muscle tightness or cramping
- Poor balance or coordination
- Multi-system involvement (skin, heart, eyes, etc.)
In these cases, hypermobility is often part of a broader connective tissue pattern, not just “weak ankles” or “tight calves.”
What Is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)?
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome refers to a group of genetic connective tissue disorders where the body’s collagen is more elastic or fragile than usual. The most common type linked to joint symptoms is Hypermobile EDS (hEDS).
People with EDS or HSD often describe feeling as though their body doesn’t quite “hold together”, their joints are more mobile, tissues feel delicate, and injuries take longer to heal. Skin may be softer, thinner, or bruise easily.
Although EDS is a lifelong condition; understanding the condition, and learning how to support your joints and tissues can significantly improve comfort, function, and confidence.
How Hypermobility Affects the Feet
The feet are the foundation for every step you take. When connective tissue is more elastic, the muscles and ligaments that stabilise you have to work harder to stay supportive.
Common presentations we see in clinic include:
- Joint pain or aching (especially after activity)
- Recurrent sprains or “rolling” of the ankles
- Poor balance or clumsiness
- Delayed healing after minor injuries
- Muscle fatigue, tightness or cramping
- Knee, hip, or back discomfort
- Flat feet or ‘collapsed’ arches
- Forefoot pain, bunions or callus build-up
- Skin irritation, bruising, corns, or blisters
- Persistent overuse injuries (e.g. plantar fasciitis or tendinopathies)
It’s not just about flexibility, it’s about how your body compensates for that extra movement. Symptoms can vary widely over time, often worsening with age or changes in activity level.
How Podiatry Can Help?
Every person’s experience with hypermobility or EDS is unique, so podiatric care focuses on personalised, holistic support. We also recognise that some patients may have had difficult healthcare experiences in the past – compassionate, collaborative care is key.
1. Musculoskeletal Assessment
We assess how your feet, ankles, knees, and hips move together. Subtle differences in alignment or timing can explain why some muscles overwork while others fatigue, leading to pain or instability.
2. Footwear Guidance
Finding the right footwear is vital. We help identify supportive, cushioned shoes that stabilise without over-restricting movement, particularly important if your joints are sensitive or prone to swelling.
3. Custom Orthotics & Support Devices
Orthoses can be game-changing for hypermobile feet. They help control excessive motion, offload high-pressure areas, and reduce fatigue — whether for everyday use, sport, or long work shifts.
4. Muscle Strengthening & Stability Work
Injury occurs when the forces applied to the body exceed the tissue’s current capacity. Understanding this relationship allows for targeted, gradual strengthening to build tissue resilience and reduce injury frequency.
We often collaborate with physiotherapists or exercise specialists to develop low-load, high-control programs that improve stability and confidence.
5. Skin & Nail Care
Fragile or pressure-prone skin can be supported with regular podiatric care, gentle debridement, and appropriate topical treatments to prevent fissures, callus, or infection.
6. Pain & Flare Management
We use gentle manual therapy, taping, and pacing education to help manage flare-ups. Pacing means recognising your body’s early warning signs — when to slow down, modify, or rest before pain and fatigue escalate.
Supporting Children with Hypermobility
Children can also present with HSD or EDS. Early identification allows for earlier intervention, helping to prevent more serious joint or soft-tissue problems later on.
Podiatry can support children through early identification and referral, footwear advice, activity modification, and coordination or strength training to help them stay active and confident.
Living Well with Hypermobility
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution but there’s always something that can be done.
Small changes in footwear, exercise, and foot support often lead to big improvements in comfort and mobility.
While symptoms can fluctuate, they can be managed, and quality of life can absolutely be improved. If you’ve been struggling with recurring foot or leg pain, slow-healing injuries, or fatigue that feels out of proportion, hypermobility may be part of the picture and a tailored podiatry plan can help you move with greater comfort and control.
Interested in learning more or booking an assessment?
I work with adults and children with Hypermobility, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and related musculoskeletal conditions. Whether you’re managing day-to-day discomfort, recovering from injury, or simply wanting to understand your body better, I’d love to help you find practical, evidence-based strategies that work for you.
