The Role of Podiatric Care in Managing Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Symptoms
Updated: Nov 2
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of genetic connective tissue disorders that affect the skin, joints, and blood vessels. One of the most common challenges faced by individuals with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is joint hypermobility, which can lead to chronic pain, instability, and recurring injuries through the feet, ankles and legs.
Because connective tissues provide structural support to joints and ligaments, people with EDS often experience foot-related issues that impact their ability to walk comfortably and perform daily activities. These problems can lead to long-term mobility challenges if left unaddressed.
This is where podiatric care plays a role. By working with a podiatrist who understands Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and hypermobility, people with EDS can get care aimed at stabilising the feet, managing pain and keeping them moving comfortably.
Understanding Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Its Effect on Feet
What is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)?
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of inherited conditions that affect connective tissue, often involving collagen. Most types have a known genetic cause, but hypermobile EDS (hEDS), the most common type, does not yet have an identified gene and is diagnosed clinically. Common features include hypermobile joints, soft or fragile skin and easy bruising.
One of the most common subtypes is Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), which primarily affects joint stability and musculoskeletal function, leading to frequent foot and ankle problems.
How Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Affects Foot Structure and Function
People with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome often experience:
Flat feet due to ligament laxity, leading to foot pain and fatigue.
Joint hypermobility and instability, increasing the risk of subluxations (partial dislocations) or full dislocations.
Frequent sprains and dislocations due to weakened joint support.
Chronic foot pain and fatigue from muscle overuse and joint misalignment.
Given these challenges, working with a podiatrist who is familiar with hypermobility and connective tissue disorders makes managing foot problems a lot easier.
How Podiatric Care Can Help With EDS Feet
Because EDS affects joint stability and proprioception (your sense of where your body is in space), people with the condition often struggle with balance and mobility. Podiatric care aims to support foot function, reduce the risk of injury and improve comfort.
The Role of a Podiatrist in EDS Foot Care
Assessing how the feet and ankles move, including gait, arch collapse and joint instability.
Improving mobility and pain management by addressing overuse injuries, muscle fatigue, and soft tissue damage.
Supporting the feet with orthotics, footwear advice and strengthening exercises to improve control of the feet and ankles.
Managing foot problems early so they are less likely to become long-standing.
Working alongside your wider team, including your GP, rheumatologist and physiotherapist, gives you a multidisciplinary approach to treatment.
Key Podiatric Treatments for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Supportive Therapy
A. Custom Orthotics for Foot Support
People with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome often benefit from custom foot orthotics, which provide extra support and stability.
How Custom Orthotics Help
Help limit excessive joint movement caused by hypermobility.
Support the arch, especially for people with flat feet.
Absorb shock and pressure, reducing foot and ankle pain.
Choosing the Right Orthotics:
Every individual will have a unique foot position and the degree of control they need will differ. This is where custom foot orthotics are important. These will be designed to your unique foot structure and requirements with features including:
Shock-absorbing insole materials to cushion the impact of walking.
Support for the heel and arch of the foot to reduce excessive flattening of the feet and rolling of the ankles.
B. Supportive Footwear Recommendations
Supportive shoes make a real difference for EDS feet. Features to look for include:
A firm heel counter to control the heel position.
Appropriate width through the forefoot to ensure the toes are not squashed. Long term use of narrow shoes can increase the risk of conditions such as bunions.
Enough depth and a removable insole to fit custom foot orthotics.
Footwear Tips
Avoid flexible, unsupportive shoes like ballet flats or thongs.
Opt for lace-up shoes with good ankle support.
Consider high-top sneakers or hiking boots for extra stability.
C. Strengthening Exercises
In people with hypermobility, the ligaments are excessively stretchy. We want to build as much strength into the muscles of the feet and ankles to provide some support and stability to these joints.
Strengthening Exercises
Toe curls and foot doming exercises to build intrinsic foot muscles and strength through the arch.
Toe swapping exercises: Lift your big toe while keeping your small toes down then lift your smaller toes while keeping your big toe on the ground.
Calf raises with a lower off a step build strength through the calf and Achilles tendon.
Massage Techniques
Aggressive stretching is usually not helpful, because the joints are already very flexible. Self-massage with a foam roller, massage gun or trigger ball can ease muscle tightness instead:
Calf and Achilles massage to relieve tightness.
Rolling the arch of the foot on a trigger ball to reduce tension through the foot.
Balance and Proprioception Training
Standing on one foot to improve coordination.
Use of wobble boards to train ankle stability.
D. Pain Management Strategies
Managing chronic foot pain in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome can require a combination of protective strategies and therapy. These can include:
Taping Techniques
Kinesiology tape to support joints and limit excessive movement.
Rigid taping for structures that require more support such as the ankle and arch.
Bracing and Compression Sleeves
Ankle braces to reduce the risk of sprains.
Compression socks to reduce swelling (check with your GP first if you have circulation problems).
Alternative Therapies
Massage therapy to relieve muscle tension.
Hydrotherapy (water-based exercises) to support mobility while minimising joint stress.
When to See a Podiatrist About Ehlers-Danlos Foot Problems
If you are dealing with the foot problems that come with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and you have persistent pain or instability, it is worth seeing a podiatrist who is familiar with connective tissue disorders.
Signs You Need Podiatric Care
Frequent ankle sprains or dislocations.
Chronic foot or leg pain affecting daily life.
Difficulty finding supportive footwear.
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis, bunions, or flat feet.
How to Find the Right Clinician for EDS Foot Care
Look for podiatrists with experience in hypermobility disorders.
Seek referrals from rheumatologists, physiotherapists, or genetic specialists.
Choose a clinic that offers the treatments you may need, such as orthotics, strengthening programs and taping.
Foot problems associated with hypermobile EDS can affect mobility and daily comfort. Podiatry can help manage pain, improve foot stability and reduce the risk of ongoing problems.
By working with a podiatrist who is experienced in connective tissue disorders, people with EDS can access options such as custom orthotics, supportive footwear, exercise rehabilitation and pain management strategies.
If you are dealing with foot pain or instability related to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, contact My Family Podiatry in Albany Creek for an assessment and a treatment plan built around your feet. For some people with persistent tendon or soft tissue pain, we also use shockwave therapy for hypermobility and EDS alongside exercise.
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