How Does Hypermobility Affect Your Feet and Ankles? What Podiatrists Look For

Joint hypermobility can affect people of all ages. Some experience it without any issues, while others develop ongoing pain, instability and difficulty keeping up with daily activities. Because the feet and ankles absorb load with every step, they are often one of the first places symptoms appear. When ligaments are more elastic than usual, the joints rely heavily on muscular control, and this can lead to discomfort or injury.

This blog explains how hypermobility affects the feet and ankles and what podiatrists look for when assessing symptoms.

Why Hypermobility Affects the Feet and Ankles

The feet contain many joints that should move smoothly while still staying stable. Hypermobility increases joint motion beyond what the soft tissues can comfortably support. This increased movement changes how the foot loads and how the ankle controls balance.

Common mechanical effects include:

Excessive pronation

The arch may drop more than usual during walking, placing extra stress on the plantar fascia and surrounding muscles.

Ankle instability

The ankle ligaments provide less resistance, making rolling injuries more likely.

Muscle overuse

Small stabilising muscles work harder to control each step. They fatigue quickly, especially on hard surfaces or long walks.

Altered gait mechanics

Extra motion through the foot can change the way the knees and hips move. This contributes to pain further up the chain.

Foot and Ankle Problems Commonly Seen in Hypermobile Patients

Plantar fasciitis

The plantar fascia works harder to support the arch when the foot collapses repeatedly. This can create heel or arch pain, especially first thing in the morning.

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction

This tendon is a major stabiliser of the medial arch. Hypermobility places significant load on it, leading to pain and weakness.

Recurrent ankle sprains

Lax ligaments allow the ankle to roll more easily. Even small movements on uneven surfaces can trigger a sprain.

Metatarsalgia and forefoot pain

Instability at the arch transfers load to the ball of the foot, creating pressure and discomfort.

Bunions and toe deformities

Excess motion through the forefoot can gradually shift joint alignment.

Calf tightness

Muscles tighten in response to instability. Over time, this affects ankle movement and increases strain on the forefoot.

Signs That Foot Pain May Be Related to Hypermobility

• Fatigue or aching that worsens through the day

• Foot pain during or after standing and walking

• Frequent ankle sprains

• Difficulty balancing

• Arch collapse or “rolling in” during gait

• Discomfort when wearing flat or unsupported shoes

• Feeling unsteady on uneven ground

These signs are common in both adults and children living with hypermobility.

What Podiatrists Look For During Assessment

When assessing hypermobility related foot pain, podiatrists focus on structure, control and load tolerance.

Foot posture

The arch height, heel position and midfoot mobility are assessed under load.

Muscle strength and endurance

Intrinsic foot muscles and the tibialis posterior are commonly weak or easily fatigued.

Balance and proprioception

Hypermobile patients often have reduced joint awareness, which affects control and stability.

Gait analysis

We assess how the foot loads, whether excessive pronation is present and how stable the ankle is during mid stance and push off.

Joint mobility testing

This helps identify which joints are simply flexible and which are unstable.

Associated conditions

We look for signs of plantar fasciitis, tendon overload and ankle instability.

Management Strategies That Help

Treatment aims to improve stability, reduce overload and strengthen supportive tissues.

Strengthening programs

Targeting the foot, ankle, hips and core improves overall stability and endurance.

Custom orthotics

Orthotics help support the arch, reduce excessive motion and unload fatigued structures. We commonly assist patients across north Brisbane with custom orthotics to reduce foot pain and return them to the activities they love.

Supportive footwear

Shoes with structured heel counters and midfoot support can provide immediate stability.

Balance and proprioception training

This reduces the risk of sprains and improves confidence on uneven ground.

Shockwave therapy

Useful for chronic plantar fasciitis or tendon overload that does not respond to standard care.

Load management

Adjusting walking distances, sports activity and rest periods helps prevent flare ups.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hypermobility and Foot Pain

Does hypermobility cause flat feet?

It can cause the feet to flatten, not always making the foot flat though. Increased ligament laxity can allow the arches to collapse more during weightbearing.

Why do hypermobile people sprain their ankles easily?

Loose ligaments provide less restraint, so the ankle is more likely to roll when balance is challenged.

Can orthotics help hypermobility?

Yes. Orthotics can improve function in the structures of the feet, support the arch and reduce excessive joint motion.

Can hypermobility cause heel pain?

Yes. Instability through the arch places strain on the plantar fascia which can progress to plantar fasciitis.

Do children grow out of hypermobility?

Some do as their strength improves. Others remain hypermobile and benefit from strengthening and supportive footwear.

Is hypermobility always a problem?

No. It becomes an issue only when it leads to pain, instability or reduced function.

If hypermobility is affecting your feet or ankles, our podiatrists can help you improve stability, reduce pain and build long term strength. Book an appointment at My Family Podiatry today.

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