In grade school, kids would always gather around the double-jointed child in class, who would twist and bend their joints to the bemusement and applause of their classmates. In the medical field, double-jointedness is called hypermobility and, while it might seem cool as a kid, as you grow and your body changes, hypermobility can greatly affect your feet and ankles.

What is hypermobility?

Hypermobility means that your joints over-flex beyond the normal range of motion. Aside from double-jointed, it’s often called loose or floppy joints.

What are the symptoms of hypermobility?

Often hypermobility in children goes unnoticed and is eventually grown out of as your joints naturally stiffen with age. In severe cases of hypermobility, children might complain of pain or difficulty walking for long periods. It is also one leading cause of flatfoot in children. If hypermobility continues into adulthood, it’s best to get it assessed, especially if you’re experiencing the following:

  • Muscle fatigue
  • Joint pain
  • Poor coordination or balance
  • Pain in the morning and at night
  • Pain when participating in sports or long walks

What can it lead to?

When one of your joints is over-flexing, it causes the rest of your body to expend extra energy to keep you stable and strong. If you have hypermobility and are not maintaining strength in the rest of your body, you could end up dislocating a joint, causing a stress fracture or injuries to your tissues.

Can you treat hypermobility?

To avoid injury associated with hypermobility, you can work to strengthen the muscles that surround your double-jointed joints, straighten your posture, and try to correct the any “off” movements in your joints. Your podiatrist can help develop a treatment plan that works for your unique body and lifestyle.

Here at Feet First Foot Care Specialists, our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas can answer any questions you might have about hypermobility or any other foot or ankle issue you might be dealing with. To schedule an appointment at our convenient Cromwell Connecticut office, request one online or call us today at 860-632-5499.

Questions or Comments?

We encourage you to contact us whenever you have an interest or concern about our services.

Call Today (860) 632-5499

162 West St Ste K Cromwell, CT 06416