Hypermobility in Adults and Children

Rachel Miller is a highly experienced HCPC-registered podiatrist who sees many patients who have hypermobility.

Joint hypermobility is when one or more joints can move beyond the typical range of motion.

Hypermobility is common, particularly in children, and does not always cause symptoms or require treatment. In fact, in some people such as athletes, dancers or gymnasts, hypermobility might be considered an advantage because it gives an extra range of movement.

However, some people with joint hypermobility experience symptoms such as joint and muscle pain, recurrent sprains, joint instability, dislocations or difficulties with balance and movement. This may cause concern and you may want the condition to be assessed by an experienced podiatrist.

Please see below if you want more detailed explanation of hypermobility and its management.

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When should you see a podiatrist for hypermobility?

You may benefit from a podiatric assessment if hypermobility is associated with foot or lower-limb pain, recurrent ankle sprains, problems with balance, difficulty walking or running, foot instability or difficulties with footwear. A podiatrist can assess your foot function and biomechanics and advise whether treatments such as footwear changes, exercises or bespoke orthotics may be appropriate.

Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD)

Joint hypermobility does not always cause problems, but it can lead to pain, joint instability and other symptoms. When these problems are related to hypermobility but do not fit another specific condition, you may be diagnosed with a Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD).

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS)

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) is an inherited condition that affects the body’s connective tissues and is associated with widespread joint hypermobility and other symptoms. Diagnosis of hEDS and other inherited connective tissue disorders should be made by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

Symptoms associated with hypermobility

Symptoms can vary considerably between individuals and may include:

pain and stiffness in the joints and muscles
back and neck pain
bruising easily
tiredness
recurrent sprains and injuries
soft tissue injuries, such as bursitis
impaired joint position sense

Certain hypermobility disorders can also be associated with symptoms affecting other parts of the body, including gastrointestinal symptoms, dizziness or skin changes. These symptoms should be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional.

Symptoms may become worse later in the day or following strenuous or prolonged activity.

Causes of hypermobility

Joint hypermobility can run in the family and appears to affect more women than men.

The causes of joint hypermobility vary. Genetic factors affecting connective tissue may contribute to increased joint flexibility. The structure and shape of joints, the properties of ligaments and other connective tissues, and muscle strength and control can also influence joint stability and range of movement. For example, the shape of certain joints, such as a relatively shallow hip or shoulder socket, may contribute to joint instability or dislocations.

Joint hypermobility can also be associated with an underlying inherited connective tissue disorder, such as Marfan syndrome or another type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. These conditions are examples of heritable disorders of connective tissue (HDCTs) and require assessment by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

Joint hypermobility can occur on its own, or it may be associated with a Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD), hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) or another inherited connective tissue disorder.

Hypermobility and the feet

Hypermobility can affect the way the feet and lower limbs move and bear weight. Increased foot pronation, flexible or unstable foot joints, altered gait mechanics and difficulty controlling foot position during movement may occur.

An experienced podiatrist can assess the feet, lower-limb alignment, walking pattern and biomechanics to identify factors that may be contributing to pain or instability.

Treatment of Hypermobility

Joint hypermobility itself does not necessarily require treatment, but symptoms and associated problems can often be managed.

Depending on the individual, treatment may include:

postural and movement advice
self-care and lifestyle advice
exercises tailored to you or your child’s needs
muscle strengthening
footwear suggestions
advice about pain management and medication, where appropriate
an orthotic insole

A bespoke orthotic insole can be prescribed as part of an individual treatment plan. For some people with hypermobility, orthotics may help reduce pain and improve foot and lower-limb stability by providing support and helping to optimise movement. This may help reduce stress on the feet, knees, hips and lower back during movement.

Rachel Miller is a highly experienced podiatrist and a specialist in biomechanics and orthotic insoles who sees many children and adults with hypermobility. Her clinic, Highgate Podiatry, is in Highgate Village, 14 Pond Square, N6 6BA, London. Clinics are held every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Please contact the clinic for an appointment on 020 8348 5553. For clinic directions and maps see the Contact page and for information about chiropody see the Podiatry page and for information about biomechanical assessments, gait analysis and orthotic insoles see the Biomechanics page.

Can orthotic insoles help with hypermobility?Rachel2026-07-21T22:29:55+00:00

Can orthotic insoles help with hypermobility?

A bespoke orthotic insole can be prescribed as part of an individual treatment plan for hypermobility. For some people, orthotics may help reduce pain and improve foot and lower-limb stability by providing support and helping to optimise movement. This may help reduce stress on the feet, knees, hips and lower back during activity. Rachel will advise whether orthotics are appropriate following a full biomechanical assessment.

Can a podiatrist help with hypermobility?Rachel2026-07-21T22:38:23+00:00

Can a podiatrist help with hypermobility?

Yes. A podiatrist can assess how hypermobility affects the feet, lower limbs and walking pattern. Depending on your individual needs, treatment may include advice about footwear, exercises, strengthening and movement, or bespoke orthotic insoles to help improve foot and lower-limb stability and reduce pain. Rachel will advise on the most appropriate treatment following a full biomechanical assessment.

What happens during a biomechanical assessment for a child?Rachel2026-03-20T17:02:20+00:00

What happens during a biomechanical assessment for a child?

The assessment is a gentle, painless examination of your child’s feet, posture and walking pattern. Rachel will take a full history, examine your child, assess movement and development and provide clear advice or treatment if needed, which may include exercises, footwear guidance or orthotic insoles.