Hypermobility
Many people don’t realize that general aches and pains in the feet and body might be linked to hypermobility. Although hypermobility is fairly common in Singapore, it’s not widely known and is often connected to flat feet.
Types of hypermobility
There are two main types of hypermobility syndrome:
The first type is localized, affecting specific joints. This means that some joints can move more than normal, beyond the usual range of motion for a person’s age, gender, and ethnicity.
The second type is more widespread and affects both bones and soft tissues. This can lead to additional issues like arthritis, muscle pain, or problems inside the joints. In more severe cases, this kind of hypermobility is linked to conditions like Marfan Syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and Muscular Dystrophy.
What are the risk factors
There are two main types of hypermobility syndrome:
The first type is localized, affecting specific joints. This means that some joints can move more than normal, beyond the usual range of motion for a person’s age, gender, and ethnicity.
The second type is more widespread and affects both bones and soft tissues. This can lead to additional issues like arthritis, muscle pain, or problems inside the joints. In more severe cases, this kind of hypermobility is linked to conditions like Marfan Syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and Muscular Dystrophy.
Pregnancy
Flexible joints (hypermobility)
Shoes that don't offer good support
Suddenly increasing physical activity
Hypermobility is more common among women than men and also tends to run in families. Asians are also more prone to have hypermobility due to a defect in the Tenascin-X gene, which is also responsible for the higher incidence of hypermobility in Singapore.
A significant portion of painful adult flat foot is due to joint hypermobility, as the arch of the foot collapses upon weight bearing. Other symptoms include, but are not limited to:
Pain in the joints
Weak or ineffective muscles
Back pain
Problems with gait
Difficulty in writing
Clicking joints
Frequent ankle sprains and injuries
Clumsiness or lack of coordination
For some people, hypermobility can cause pain or discomfort. If it’s not addressed, it can lead to several issues that affect daily life. These problems might include:
Scoliosis (curved spine)
Misalignment of joints
Osteoarthritis (joint inflammation)
Frequent sprains and dislocations
Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (a condition affecting the tendon in the lower leg)
Chronic pain
Even though stretching exercises might seem like a good way to relieve muscle tension, they can actually make hypermobility worse by increasing flexibility and joint laxity. The discomfort happens because the muscles around the joints tighten up to compensate. Addressing the hypermobility can help reduce this discomfort.
To prevent overstretching, you’ll be given a suitable exercise and stretching plan. Regular exercise and muscle conditioning help protect and support your joints. Joints without strong muscle support are more likely to develop osteoarthritis.
Podiatrists can assist people with hypermobility by improving joint stability. They may use orthotic devices, like ankle-foot orthotics or knee braces, to correct body movement and reduce the risk of ankle sprains and lower limb pain. These devices can help realign your feet, knees, and hips, support flat feet related to hypermobility, and lower the chance of developing tendinopathies and arthritis.
If non-surgical treatments aren’t relieving your pain, surgical options to stabilize the joints may be considered.
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