Many people with joint hypermobility syndrome or hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome experience extensive and ongoing problems with their feet, such as frequent ankle sprains, high arches, calluses, and overpronation. Unfortunately, it often takes 10-20 years to get a diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and, during that lengthy time, patients may not know where else to turn or how to get help with their painful condition. However, don't let the lack of a diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome prevent you from getting help with your painful joints and feet. Custom orthotic care can help. Here's what you need to know. 

What Are Joint Hypermobility and Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes? 

Joint hypermobility syndrome and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome may present similarly in a clinical setting but they are not the same. Joint hypermobility is acquired and hypermobility Ehlers-Danlos is a genetic condition that results in faulty connective tissue. Both are on the hypermobility spectrum. For purposes of seeking medical care to alleviate pain and improve functionality in the feet and ankles, a diagnosis of being on the hypermobility spectrum should suffice for any requirements your health insurance may have to cover equipment such as custom orthotics. 

Why Are Feet and Ankles Susceptible to Injuries? 

Your feet and ankles essentially carry the weight of your body and the forces you put your body through while performing daily activities such as walking. People on the hypermobility spectrum often experience painful ankle injuries, such as sprains. They also tend to have painful arches and pronate (ankles turn inward) or supinate (ankles turn outward), which can in turn cause calluses to form on the feet. These types of problems can be alleviated with the use of custom orthotics, especially when they are combined with physical therapy and strengthening exercises. 

What Types of Custom Orthotics Are Used? 

The type of custom orthotics that will be beneficial for patients depends on the patient's particular complaints, biomechanical functionality, and gait. Some may see improvement with the use of ankle braces combined with custom insoles while others may only need to use custom insoles. Your podiatrist can prescribe custom orthotics equipment and a physical therapy protocol regimen to help reduce your pain and improve your mobility and functionality. 

Your podiatrist will recommend a specific number of hours a day in which you will need to wear custom orthotic devices. Depending on the type of work you do for your employer, you may want to schedule several days of time off when you start wearing the custom orthotics to give you a period of time to adjust to wearing them. This is especially important for people who spend a lot of time on their feet during the workday. 

When Should Physical Therapy Be Done?

Physical therapy should be combined with custom orthotics so your muscles and ligaments don't lose strength and flexibility. Your physical therapist will follow the protocol given to them by your podiatrist. The therapist will teach you exercises and stretches to do in the mornings and evenings that will help reduce the risks of adverse situations that could possibly develop while your body adjusts to wearing custom orthotics. 

If you are considering getting evaluated for custom orthotics, it's important to understand that you want to start with the minimum and build up from there instead of using too much assistance through orthotics than you really need. While custom orthotics are beneficial, relying on too much support from them will not benefit you in the long run, especially if you don't follow through with physical therapy sessions. You want to start with the minimum equipment necessary and combine it with physical therapy then add more from there, if necessary. 

Talk to your doctor if you need more info about orthotics.