Hypermobility in Adults and Children

Hypermobility belong to a spectrum of conditions that affect your connective tissue, allowing you to move your joints beyond a normal range of movement. People with hypermobility can often move their limbs into positions others would find very difficult.

The condition is common in children and may not cause any problems or need any treatment. In fact, in some people such as athletes, dancers or gymnasts, hypermobility might be considered an advantage because it gives an extra range of movement.

However, hypermobility can produce such symptoms as pain, stiffness, swelling or dislocations, which may cause concern and you may want the condition to be assessed by an experienced podiatrist.

Rachel Miller is a highly experienced podiatrist who sees many patients who have hypermobility. Please see below if you want more detailed explanation of hypermobility and its management.

Contact the Centre for an appointment on 020 8348 5553

Hypermobility in Adults and Children

Symptoms of hypermobility syndrome (JHS)

Some people with hypermobility present with a range of symptoms which is known as joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS).

Symptoms can include –

  • pain and stiffness in the joints and muscles
  • back and neck pain
  • bruising easily
  • tiredness
  • recurrent sprains and injuries
  • digestive problems, such as constipation, heartburn, bloating or pain
  • dizziness and fainting
  • thin or stretchy skin
  • soft tissue injuries, such as bursitis
  • impaired joint position sense

Many conditions are worse later on in the day and after strenuous activity.

Causes of Hypermobility

Hypermobility often runs in the family, affects more women than men and is more prevalent in certain ethnic backgrounds.  The condition cannot be prevented, although it can be managed.

One of the main causes of hypermobility is thought to be genetically determined changes to a type of protein called collagen that is found throughout your body.  Ligaments join bone to bone at joints and allow movement of the joints. In people with hypermobility, the structure of the collagen fibres, which give ligaments strength and flexibility, are looser and more elastic, allowing a greater range of motion in the joints. In turn, the tendons, which attach bone to muscles which move the joints, have to work harder to control the joint movement and stabilise the joints.

Other causes could be the shape of your bones, such as if a person’s hip or shoulder socket is shallow, this can mean more dislocations.

In some people their muscles, controlled by the nervous system, are more relaxed and there will be more movement in the joints.  This symptom is called hypertonia and there can be a number of causes, many of which are inherited.

Most experts agree that joint hypermobility syndrome is part of a spectrum of hypermobility disorders. Hypermobility can also be a sign of possibly more serious underlying inherited conditions such as Marfan syndrome and  Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. These are known as Heritable Disorders of Connective Tissue (HDCT).

Treatment of Hypermobility

If you or your child have symptoms that are causing you concern, a biomechanical assessment can help diagnose the condition and there are treatment strategies that may be helpful.

Treatment can include:

  • postural advice
  • self-care and lifestyle advice
  • exercises tailored to you or your child’s needs
  • muscle strengthening
  • footwear suggestions
  • medication advice
  • an orthotic insole

A bespoke orthotic insole can be prescribed as part of a treatment plan which may help relieve pain as well as reduce the risk of foot, knee, hip and lower back pain progressing.

 Call 020 8348 5553 to make an appointment

Rachel Miller is a highly experienced podiatrist and a specialist in biomechanics and orthotic insoles who sees many children and adults with hypermobility. Her clinic, Highgate Podiatry, is in Highgate Village, 14 Pond Square, N6 6BA, London.  Clinics are held every Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday. Please contact the clinic for an appointment on 020 8348 5553. For clinic directions and maps see the Contact page and for information about chiropody see the Podiatry page  and for information about biomechanical assessments, gait analysis and orthotic insoles see the Biomechanics page.

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