What Is Joint Hypermobility? The Difference Between Flexibility and Symptomatic Hypermobility
- My Family Podiatry
- 3 hours ago
- 5 min read
We all know someone who would describe themselves as flexible. They can stretch easily, sit comfortably in positions that feel impossible to others or move their joints through a large range of motion without discomfort. This is normal flexibility and, for many, a useful physical trait. Joint hypermobility, however, is different. While it can look similar from the outside, hypermobility involves a greater laxity in the connective tissues that support the joints. It can be completely harmless or it can become a clinical issue that leads to pain, instability and reduced function.
Understanding the difference between flexibility and symptomatic hypermobility is important for anyone living with persistent aches, recurrent sprains or difficulty controlling joint movement. As podiatrists in Albany Creek, we regularly support children and adults from across north Brisbane who are unsure why their joints feel loose, why they struggle with tasks that seem easy for others or why even simple activities can lead to pain throughout their body. This blog explains what hypermobility is, how it differs from flexibility and when it becomes something that needs proper assessment.
What Does Flexibility Mean?
Flexibility describes the ability of a muscle and joint to move through a healthy range of motion. People who are naturally flexible usually share these characteristics:
Well conditioned muscles that lengthen easily
Normal ligament tension
Good neuromuscular control
No pain during or after movement
Flexibility is often helpful in activities such as dance, gymnastics or martial arts. It does not involve joint instability, and it does not cause symptoms. A flexible person can stretch deeply, but their joints remain supported and controlled.
Flexibility becomes a concern only when it crosses into instability or is associated with other symptoms such as fatigue, pain or repeated injuries.
What Is Joint Hypermobility?
Joint hypermobility occurs when the ligaments and connective tissues allow the joint to move beyond the expected range. This can be localised to one or two joints or present throughout the body. For many people, hypermobility is benign and does not cause any problems. Some grow out of it during adolescence, while others maintain lifelong hypermobility without symptoms.
Hypermobility becomes clinically relevant when it leads to:
Joint pain
Recurrent sprains
Early muscle fatigue
Difficulty maintaining balance
Poor coordination
Feeling that joints “give way”
This is known as symptomatic hypermobility.
Why Do Some People Develop Symptomatic Hypermobility?
Several factors influence why one person with hypermobile joints remains pain free while another develops significant symptoms. These include:
1. Reduced connective tissue integrity
Some individuals are born with more elastic collagen. This increases joint range but decreases stability.
2. Muscle fatigue and poor endurance
When ligaments do not provide adequate support, muscles must work much harder to stabilise each movement. Over time, they fatigue and become less effective.
3. Coordination challenges
Hypermobile individuals often have reduced proprioception, meaning their brains receive less accurate information about joint position. This can make movement less precise and increase the risk of injury.
4. Rapid growth phases in children
During growth spurts, muscles and tendons may lag behind bone development. This reduces control and increases strain on hypermobile joints.
Flexibility vs Hypermobility: Key Differences
Flexibility | Hypermobility |
Muscles lengthen easily | Ligaments and connective tissues stretch excessively |
Joints remain stable | Joints may feel loose or unstable |
No associated pain | May cause pain, fatigue or recurrent injuries |
Useful for sport | Can limit function and reduce participation |
Controlled movement | Poorer control, balance and joint awareness |
The most important distinction is that hypermobility affects the structural support of the joint, not just muscle length. This increased laxity can overload the tissues around the joint and lead to chronic discomfort.
How Symptomatic Hypermobility Presents
People with symptomatic hypermobility may report:
Pain that worsens with activity or by the end of the day
Aching around multiple joints
Recurrent ankle sprains
Difficulty with balance or coordination
Muscle tightness and pain despite regular stretching
Feeling clumsy or unsteady
Painful feet after standing or walking
Early fatigue during exercise
Children with hypermobility may show:
W-sitting
Delayed milestones
Difficulty keeping up with peers
Frequent tripping
Poor endurance at school
Why Foot and Ankle Symptoms Are So Common
The feet and ankles work hard to stabilise the entire body. When ligaments are more elastic, the joints rely on muscular control for every step. Over time, this can cause:
Excessive foot pronation
Collapsing arches
Strain on the plantar fascia
Ankle instability
Calf tightness
Early fatigue when walking
This is why podiatrists play a key role in diagnosing and managing symptomatic hypermobility.
How Podiatrists Assess Hypermobility
A comprehensive assessment may include:
Joint range testing
Muscle strength and endurance evaluation
Balance and coordination screening
Gait analysis
Foot posture review
Assessment for conditions such as plantar fasciitis or posterior tibial tendon dysfunction
This allows us to determine whether the hypermobility is benign or contributing to symptoms that need intervention.
Management of Symptomatic Hypermobility
Treatment focuses on improving joint control and reducing strain on overloaded tissues.
Management may include:
Strengthening programs
Targeting feet, ankles, hips and core to build stability.
Custom foot orthotics
To improve foot position, stability and to reduce excessive motion through the foot and ankle.
Footwear advice
Supportive runners with good structure and cushioning can significantly improve comfort.
Activity modification
Adjusting load to prevent fatigue while still encouraging movement.
Manual therapy and taping
To support joints during painful periods.
Education
Understanding the condition helps patients manage symptoms confidently.
When to Seek Help
See a podiatrist if you experience:
Ongoing foot or ankle pain
Recurrent ankle sprains
Difficulty walking long distances
Pain that worsens with activity
Hypermobility is manageable with the right approach, and early assessment helps prevent long term problems.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joint Hypermobility
Is joint hypermobility the same as flexibility?
No. Flexibility refers to normal muscle length and the ability to move comfortably through a healthy range. Hypermobility involves increased ligament laxity, which can lead to instability, fatigue and pain.
Can you be hypermobile without symptoms?
Yes. Many people have hypermobile joints with no issues. It becomes a concern only when pain, instability or fatigue develop.
Why do hypermobile joints cause pain?
Loose ligaments provide less support. The muscles must work harder to stabilise each movement, which leads to early fatigue, overload and discomfort.
Do children grow out of hypermobility?
Some children do as their strength improves with age. Others remain hypermobile through adolescence and adulthood and may need support to manage symptoms.
When should I see a podiatrist?
If you experience foot pain, recurrent ankle sprains, fatigue during walking, balance difficulties or symptoms that worsen with activity, a podiatry assessment is recommended.
If you think hypermobility may be contributing to your pain or your child’s symptoms, book an assessment at My Family Podiatry. Our team will help you understand what is causing the problem and create a plan to improve strength, stability and comfort.
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