Hypermobility is a condition that affects connective tissue. Connective tissue is found throughout the body and helps keep everything in place. When someone has hypermobility, their connective tissue is more elastic than usual. This can cause problems in certain body parts, including the feet.
Your foot may feel unstable, and you may be more likely to experience foot pain or injury. A podiatrist may check your feet and recommend the right course of treatment.
Read more: 10 Signs Its Time to See a Podiatrist
What Is Hypermobility and How Does It Affect Your Feet?
The musculoskeletal system comprises bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments. Hypermobility occurs when there is an increased range of motion in the joints. This can be due to several things, including:
- Loose or lax ligaments
- Hyaline cartilage that covers the ends of bones at the joint is thin
- The shape of the joint socket is shallow
The feet are particularly susceptible to problems related to hypermobility because they have a high number of joints and are constantly bearing weight. When the ligaments and muscles supporting the feet are not able to do their job correctly, it can lead to a host of problems, including:
- Painful bunions
- Hammertoes
- Plantar fasciitis
- Metatarsalgia
If you think you may be suffering from any of these problems, you must see a podiatrist or other medical professional for an evaluation. They will properly diagnose the condition and recommend the best course of treatment.
1) What Are Bunions and How Are They Treated?
Bunions are a common problem for people with hypermobility. They are bony bumps that form on the inside of the foot at the base of the big toe. Bunions are painful and make it difficult to wear shoes. Treatment for bunions includes wearing wider shoes, using bunion pads, and doing exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles around the joint. Surgery is sometimes needed to correct the problem.
2) Hammertoes
When you suffer from hypermobility, your tendons and ligaments are constantly overstretched. This will cause the muscles in your feet to weaken and the joints to become misaligned. As a result, you may develop hammertoes.
Hammertoes occur when one or more of the toe joints becomes permanently bent. The affected toe will rub against the inside of your shoe, which can cause pain, calluses, and corns. If left untreated, hammertoes can become increasingly rigid and challenging to treat.
Some ways to address hammertoes include:
- Wearing shoes that have a wide toe box and avoid constricting the toes
- Using toe supports or splints to hold the joint in place
- Undergoing physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the muscles
- Undergoing surgery to correct the deformity, if non-surgical methods are unsuccessful
3) Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendonitis
These are common overuse injuries in people with hypermobile feet.
The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, from the heel to the toes. Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which attaches the calf muscle to the heel bone.
Both of these conditions can be painful and make it difficult to walk. You may experience symptoms like heel pain, stiffness, and swelling. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, and stretching exercises. You may need to wear a boot or splint to immobilize the foot.
Contact The Advanced Foot and Ankle Institute of Georgia to get in touch with a qualified podiatrist in Marietta. Our expert podiatrists can treat a variety of conditions, including hypermobility. We use the latest technology and techniques to provide our patients with the best care.
