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We have had a few clients this past week that have presented with hypermobility related issues that are affecting the way they are walking.  Read below to find out some more information about how it can affect you or your children!

Have you noticed that you or your child seem to have poor balance and/or coordination? Or maybe you hang back and seem disinterested when it comes to sports or activities? Well, a possible reason for this could be joint hypermobility, otherwise known as ligamentous laxity, or in layman’s terms, double-jointedness or floppy, loose joints.

What To Look Out For

Now bear in mind that it is normal for children to be more “floppy” than adults. After all, when we are still young (<4 years), all the bones our feet aren’t fully formed yet! However, if you’re suspecting you or your child might be “overly floppy”, here are some signs/symptoms to look out for:

  • Poor balance/coordination – constant tripping or falling
  • Disinterest or lack of participation in sports and activities
  • Muscle fatigue with generalised aches and joint pain – might be confused with “growing pains”
  • Frequent sprains, rolled ankles, dislocations and injuries
  • Flat feet – due to the lax ligaments allowing the arch to flatten/”flop”
  • Kids waking at night complaining of sore legs or asking to be massaged

Hypermobility doesn’t necessarily cause pain or problems. In fact, in most cases, we tend to lose some of the flexibility as we get older. However, if we are experiencing aches and pains, or if we have a lack of balance and coordination, then treatment is highly recommended. Usually the younger we are when we start treatment, the better the outcome. With that being said, hypermobility can sometimes carry over into adulthood and cause similar problems or musculoskeletal complaints.

At Foot Factor Podiatry, our podiatrists spend time assessing the foot mechanics, and prescribe individualised treatment plans. These can include a range of treatment options depending on the patient’s needs, such as exercises to improve balance, coordination and walking, footwear advice and if required, in-shoe padding or orthotic therapy to provide stability, support and pain relief, as well as correction of poor foot mechanics associated with flat feet and muscular/ligamentous overuse.

If you’re concerned you or your child may have hypermobility or are displaying any of the above symptoms, call 3133 8143 now for an assessment at Foot Factor Podiatry:

1/1 Laurinda Cres, Springwood;  OR 2/124 Orange Grove Rd, Coopers Plains.

Don’t let pain restrict your participation in life!