Hypermobility: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Double-Jointed, Achy Legs Or Frequent Sprains?

Joint hypermobility means your joints move beyond the normal range of movement expected for that part of the body. Many people describe themselves as being "double-jointed" or naturally flexible.

For some people, hypermobility causes no problems at all. For others, it can contribute to foot pain, tired legs, joint instability and recurring injuries that affect comfort, confidence and everyday activities.

Many people with hypermobility describe:

• Tired, aching legs

• Pain in the feet or ankles

• Frequent ankle sprains

• Flat feet or collapsing arches

• Pain after walking or exercise

• Difficulty standing for long periods

• Joint instability

• Balance or coordination problems

• Generalised fatigue during activity

At Callen Olive, we regularly assess and support both adults and children with hypermobility, helping them understand how their joints move, why symptoms develop and how to improve comfort, stability and movement.

What Is Hypermobility?

Hypermobility occurs when the connective tissues that support the joints are more flexible or stretchy than usual.

Connective tissues, including ligaments and tendons, help provide stability and control movement throughout the body.

When these tissues are more flexible, joints may move beyond their normal range of motion.

This can affect many areas of the body, including:

• Feet

• Ankles

• Knees

• Hips

• Lower back

• Hands and fingers

Some people are naturally flexible and never experience any symptoms.

Others may develop pain, fatigue or recurrent injuries because their joints have to work harder to remain stable.

How Can Hypermobility Affect Your Feet & Legs?

The feet form the foundation for movement.

When the joints of the feet are more flexible than usual, they may become less efficient at absorbing and transferring forces during walking and activity.

This can increase the demands placed on muscles, tendons and ligaments throughout the lower limbs.

Over time, some people may experience:

Flat Feet

Hypermobility often contributes to lower arches or flat feet because the supporting structures of the foot are more flexible.

Foot Fatigue

The muscles within the feet and legs may have to work harder to stabilise the joints, often resulting in tired, aching feet and legs.

Heel Pain

Increased strain through the feet may contribute to conditions such as Plantar Fasciitis and persistent heel pain.

Tendon Problems

The additional demands placed on soft tissues may increase the risk of tendon irritation and overload injuries.

Joint Instability

Some people experience a feeling that their ankles are weak, unstable or frequently "give way."

Recurring Sprains

People with hypermobility are often more prone to sprains and strains because joints can move further than intended.

What Causes Hypermobility?

For many people, hypermobility is inherited and tends to run in families.

Research suggests that some individuals have differences in the collagen that makes up connective tissues, making ligaments and tendons naturally more flexible.

Hypermobility may also be associated with:

• Low muscle tone

• Differences in joint shape

• Reduced joint awareness (proprioception)

• Certain connective tissue disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or Marfan Syndrome

Hypermobility In Children

Hypermobility is very common in children.

Many children are naturally flexible and experience no problems.

However, some may experience:

• Growing pains

• Tired legs

• Flat feet

• Frequent trips or falls

• Reduced endurance

• Ankle pain

• Difficulty keeping up with sports and activities

Many children gradually become less flexible as they grow older.

Others continue to experience symptoms into adulthood.

Hypermobility In Sport

Many highly successful athletes are hypermobile.

However, increased flexibility can sometimes increase the demands placed on muscles and soft tissues.

We commonly see symptoms in:

• Runners

• Footballers

• Dancers

• Gymnasts

• Netball players

• Tennis players

• Active children and teenagers

Understanding how the feet and lower limbs function can often help reduce the risk of injury and improve comfort during activity.

Why Early Assessment Matters

Many people assume that being flexible is simply something they have to live with.

However, understanding how hypermobility affects your movement can often make a significant difference.

Early assessment may help:

• Improve stability

• Reduce pain

• Improve comfort during activity

• Reduce fatigue

• Prevent recurring injuries

• Improve balance and confidence

• Support long-term foot health

• Help maintain an active lifestyle

At Callen Olive, we focus on understanding how hypermobility is affecting your movement and identifying strategies that support long-term comfort and function.

How We Assess Hypermobility

Assessment may include:

• Detailed medical history

• Assessment of joint flexibility

• Foot posture assessment

• Biomechanical assessment

• OptoGait gait analysis

• Lower limb alignment assessment

• Footwear review

• Activity and lifestyle assessment

This allows us to develop a personalised treatment plan designed around your symptoms, goals and daily activities.

Your Personalised Treatment Plan

Treatment depends on how hypermobility is affecting your comfort, mobility and function.

Education & Advice

Understanding your condition is often the first step towards improving symptoms and reducing injury risk.

Footwear Advice

Appropriate footwear can help improve comfort and provide valuable support during everyday activities.

Strengthening & Rehabilitation

Targeted exercise programmes may help improve muscle strength, joint stability and movement efficiency.

Custom Foot Orthotics

For some people, Custom Foot Orthotics may help support the feet, improve alignment and reduce excessive strain on joints and soft tissues.

Activity Modification

Simple changes to activity levels and recovery strategies can often improve symptoms whilst allowing people to remain active.

Our goal is not to reduce flexibility.

Our goal is to help you move comfortably, confidently and efficiently whilst supporting long-term foot and lower limb health.

Why Choose Callen Olive?

We Care.

We understand that hypermobility can affect much more than flexibility alone.

Tired legs, foot pain and recurrent injuries can affect confidence, activity levels and quality of life.

Our experienced clinicians combine biomechanics, gait analysis and personalised treatment planning to understand how your body moves and identify practical solutions that support long-term comfort and wellbeing.

Because healthy movement plays an important role in living an active, fulfilling and independent life.

Healthy Feet. Healthy Body. Healthy Mind.

Treatment Fees

No two patients are the same.

That's why every treatment plan is tailored to your individual needs, lifestyle and goals. Following your assessment, your clinician will explain the treatment options available and help you choose the most appropriate pathway to achieve the best possible outcome.

Our focus is always on helping you achieve the best possible outcome for your comfort, mobility and long-term wellbeing.

New Patient Biomechanics Assessment: £180

New Patient Biomechanics Assessment with Principal Podiatrist: £225

Our team will support you throughout every stage of your recovery to ensure you feel informed, reassured and cared for.

If you are unsure which appointment is most suitable, our Patient Care Team will be happy to help.

Call us on +44 333 305 8347.

Related Conditions

• Flat Feet

• Plantar Fasciitis

• Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction

• Heel Pain

• Shin Splints

• Children's Foot Pain

Related Treatments

• Biomechanical Assessment

• Gait Analysis

• Custom Foot Orthotics

• Rehabilitation Programmes

• Footwear Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hypermobility the same as being double-jointed?

Many people use the term "double-jointed" to describe hypermobility. It simply means that joints move beyond the normal expected range.

Can hypermobility cause foot pain?

Yes. Increased flexibility can place additional demands on muscles, tendons and ligaments, sometimes leading to foot and lower limb pain.

Can hypermobility cause flat feet?

Yes. Hypermobility is commonly associated with lower arches and flat feet because the supporting structures of the feet are more flexible.

Can hypermobility improve with age?

Many children become less flexible as they grow older. However, some people remain hypermobile into adulthood.

Can orthotics help hypermobility?

For some people, Custom Foot Orthotics may help improve comfort, support the feet and reduce excessive strain on joints and soft tissues.

Struggling With Tired, Achy Legs Or Frequent Sprains?

Early assessment can help you understand how hypermobility is affecting your movement and identify practical strategies to improve comfort, stability and confidence.

Book your assessment today and take the first step towards moving with comfort, confidence and ease.