Some children have joints that move further than usual, including the joints of the feet. Hypermobile feet are often flexible and flat when standing, and some children experience tiredness, aches or clumsiness. This page explains hypermobile feet and how podiatry care, strengthening and orthotic therapy may help.
Joint hypermobility means joints move beyond the typical range. It is common in children, particularly younger children, and often becomes less noticeable with age. Many hypermobile children have no symptoms at all.
In the feet, hypermobility often shows up as flexible flat feet, ankles that roll inwards and feet that appear to ‘collapse’ when standing. Some children report aching legs after activity, foot fatigue during sport, frequent tripping or reluctance to walk long distances.
Podiatry management focuses on supporting comfort and function through orthotic therapy, footwear advice and strengthening programs that build control around flexible joints.
Children may not always describe symptoms clearly, so parents often notice changes in walking, activity or footwear first. Common signs include:
A podiatry assessment considers your child’s growth stage, symptoms, foot posture, walking pattern, activity levels and footwear.
A simple screen of joint flexibility, such as the Beighton score.
Assesses arch, heel and ankle position when standing and walking.
Observes walking, running and balance control.
Discusses when symptoms occur and activity levels.
GP or paediatric review if wider symptoms suggest a connective tissue condition.
Management is tailored to your child’s age, activity level, foot posture and goals.
For hypermobile children with symptoms, orthotic therapy may be considered to provide additional support to flexible foot joints, reduce the work muscles need to do to control the foot, and improve comfort and endurance during daily activities.
Orthoses are typically combined with supportive footwear and a progressive strengthening program, and are reviewed regularly as your child grows and their strength improves.
May be considered to support flexible feet and reduce fatigue.
Strength and control exercises for feet, ankles and hips.
Activities to build confidence and stability.
Shoes with good structure and secure fastening.
Balancing activity with rest to manage fatigue.
Understanding hypermobility and when to seek further advice.
Learn more about orthotic therapy, strengthening, stretching and strapping, or view all treatments. Related kids conditions include flat feet, foot fatigue in sport, frequent tripping, recurrent ankle sprains, growing pains.
Assessment may help if your child has regular aches, tires quickly, trips often or is avoiding activities they enjoy.
Please see your GP if your child has joint swelling, frequent dislocations, easy bruising, very stretchy skin, or pain that is worsening or affecting sleep.
Joint flexibility is common in children and often reduces with age. Many hypermobile children have no symptoms.
Orthotics may help support flexible feet and reduce fatigue or aching during activity, especially when combined with strengthening.
Usually no. Staying active is encouraged. Strengthening, footwear and load management can help children participate comfortably.
They often occur together. Hypermobile feet tend to flatten when standing because the joints and ligaments are more flexible.
We create a calm, supportive space to help children feel comfortable during assessment.
Where appropriate, prefabricated and custom foot orthoses are discussed based on assessment findings.
We help parents understand what is normal, what may need monitoring, and what can be supported.
Our clinic is located at 1/50 Kitchener Parade, Bankstown, and sees families from across Sydney, including Bankstown, Condell Park, Padstow, Revesby, Lakemba and Belmore. Visit our children’s podiatry page for more kids foot conditions, read about our clinic, or contact the clinic to make an appointment enquiry.
This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for individual assessment and advice. Outcomes vary between children. If you are concerned about your child’s health, please consult your GP or a registered health practitioner.
