What Hypermobility Means for Your Feet and Ankles
Have you ever been told you’re “double-jointed” or super flexible? While that might sound like a party trick, too much flexibility—especially in your feet and ankles—can actually lead to instability, pain, and injury over time.
This condition is called hypermobility, and for many patients, it’s a hidden cause behind chronic tendonitis, ankle sprains, and even flat feet. Let’s take a closer look at what it means to be hypermobile, how it affects your lower limbs, and what a podiatrist can do to help.
What Is Hypermobility?
Hypermobility means your joints move beyond the normal range of motion. It’s often due to looser ligaments, more elastic connective tissue, or certain genetic traits. Some people have hypermobility in just one or two joints, while others experience it throughout their entire body (this is sometimes called generalized joint hypermobility or part of conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome).
How Hypermobility Affects the Feet and Ankles
Your feet and ankles are built to support and stabilize your body with each step. But when the ligaments and tendons are too loose, they can’t provide enough control.
Here’s what that can lead to:
- Ankle Instability – Frequent sprains or a feeling like your ankle might “give out”
- Flat Feet – Collapsed arches from poor structural support
- Tendonitis – Overuse injuries in the posterior tibial tendon, peroneals, or Achilles
- Plantar Fasciitis – Extra stress on the plantar fascia from poor foot mechanics
- Balance Issues – Increased risk of tripping or falling
Over time, this added strain can cause chronic pain and even joint damage if left untreated.
Signs You Might Be Hypermobile
Wondering if you might be hypermobile? Here are a few clues:
- You can bend your thumb to touch your forearm
- Your elbows or knees hyperextend
- You can place your hands flat on the floor without bending your knees
- You were naturally flexible as a child or excelled at gymnastics, dance, or yoga
- You often sprain your ankles, feel “wobbly” on your feet, or experience tendon pain
If these sound familiar, it’s worth being evaluated by a specialist.
How a Podiatrist Can Help
A podiatrist plays a key role in identifying and managing foot and ankle hypermobility. Here’s how we can help:
Detailed Evaluation
We assess your range of motion, joint alignment, muscle strength, and foot structure. If needed, we may use gait analysis or imaging to see how your body responds to movement and load.
Custom Orthotics
We can design orthotics that stabilize your arches, control motion, and reduce stress on overloaded tendons and joints—especially helpful if you suffer from flat feet or tendonitis.
Physical Therapy Referrals
Targeted exercises can strengthen the muscles that support hypermobile joints, improving stability without sacrificing necessary flexibility.
Bracing or Taping
In some cases, short-term ankle braces or kinesiology taping techniques can support joints during activity or recovery.
Footwear Guidance
Supportive, structured shoes with good arch support and cushioning are essential for protecting hypermobile feet.
Injury Prevention
If you’re active or play sports, we help you modify activities or train smarter to avoid recurring injuries.
Don’t Ignore the “Wobbly” Feeling
If your feet feel unstable, you have frequent ankle sprains, or tendons seem to be constantly inflamed, hypermobility may be the root cause. The good news? You don’t have to give up the activities you love—we can help you build a support plan that protects your feet and reduces pain.
Call 207-774-0028 or book online to schedule an evaluation at Lighthouse Foot and Ankle Center. Let’s get you on solid footing—no matter how flexible you are.
