What Is the Beighton Score?
The Beighton Score is the most widely used clinical tool for measuring generalised joint hypermobility. Developed by Professor Peter Beighton, it provides a quick, standardised way to assess how flexible your joints are compared to the general population.
The test involves nine simple movements and takes just a few minutes to complete. Each movement scores one point, giving a total score out of nine.
How Is the Beighton Score Measured?
The Beighton Score tests five areas of the body, with most tests performed on both sides:
1. Little finger extension (1 point each side)
Can you bend your little finger back beyond 90 degrees? This tests the flexibility of the small joints in your hand.
2. Thumb to forearm (1 point each side)
Can you bend your thumb forward to touch your forearm? This assesses wrist and thumb joint flexibility.
3. Elbow hyperextension (1 point each side)
Do your elbows bend backwards beyond straight (past 10 degrees of extension)? This tests elbow joint laxity.
4. Knee hyperextension (1 point each side)
Do your knees bend backwards beyond straight (past 10 degrees)? This assesses the ligaments supporting your knee joints.
5. Forward bend — palms flat on floor (1 point)
Can you place your palms flat on the floor with your knees straight? This tests hamstring flexibility and spinal mobility.
What Does Your Beighton Score Mean?
Your score is interpreted differently depending on your age:
- Children and adolescents (under 18): A score of 6 or more out of 9 suggests generalised joint hypermobility
- Adults (18–50): A score of 5 or more out of 9 suggests generalised joint hypermobility
- Adults over 50: A score of 4 or more out of 9 suggests generalised joint hypermobility
These age-adjusted cut-offs reflect the natural decrease in joint flexibility that occurs as we age. Around 10% of the adult population has some degree of joint hypermobility, with women affected approximately three times more often than men. In school-age children, prevalence can be as high as 13% in girls.
The Important Limitation: The Beighton Score Doesn't Test Your Feet
Here's something many people don't realise — the Beighton Score doesn't include a single test below the knee. It assesses your fingers, thumbs, elbows, knees, and spine, but completely misses the 33 joints in each foot and the ankle complex.
This means you can score low on the Beighton Scale and still have significant hypermobility in your feet and ankles. Research published in 2024 introduced the Foot and Ankle Flexibility Index (FAFI) specifically to address this gap, recognising that foot hypermobility needs its own dedicated assessment.
This is why a podiatry assessment is so important if you suspect hypermobility. Your Beighton Score gives you part of the picture, but a thorough foot and ankle examination reveals whether hypermobility is affecting the joints that carry your entire body weight every day.
When Should You See a Podiatrist After Your Beighton Score?
If you've scored positive on the Beighton Scale, or even if you've scored below the cut-off but experience any of the following, a podiatry assessment is worthwhile:
- Flat feet or feet that roll inward excessively
- Frequent ankle sprains or a feeling of ankle instability
- Heel pain or arch pain, especially after standing or walking
- Bunions developing, particularly at a young age
- Knee, hip, or lower back pain that may be related to how your feet function
- Fatigue or aching in your legs after moderate activity
- Your child avoids sport or complains of "tired legs"
At Foot Health Clinic Samford, we perform comprehensive biomechanical assessments that go beyond the Beighton Score to evaluate how hypermobility is specifically affecting your feet, ankles, and lower limb function. From there, we can develop a targeted treatment plan that may include custom orthotic therapy, strengthening programs, and physical therapy to help you move with greater comfort and stability.
Book your hypermobility assessment at Foot Health Clinic Samford — call us on (07) 3289 6050 or book online.