Table of Contents
Introduction
If you’re pregnant, you don’t need us to tell you that your body is going through enormous changes. Some of them are beautiful and exciting like seeing your bump growing or feeling your baby hiccup or kick inside of you. Some of them are not so exciting, including foot pain!
Foot pain is very common during pregnancy. First off, there is added weight on your body that your feet are working hard to carry! Additionally, an increase in the hormone relaxin causes your ligaments to loosen, which can change your foot size and the way you walk altogether. This new walking style can eventually cause pain – especially if you’re walking on a part of the foot you don’t normally walk on, like the outer foot.
What foot issues are common during pregnancy?
Aside from general foot pain from the shift in your body weight, there are some common foot ailments that many pregnant people deal with, including:
- Plantar fasciitis – this common condition occurs when the band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes, known as the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed.
- Achilles tendonitis – The achilles tendon connects your calf muscle to your heel. It can become inflamed if you are constantly shifting your weight.
- Edema – this is another word for swelling of the extremities. This swelling tends to occur in the later stages of pregnancy and can be very uncomfortable for some.
- Overpronation – swollen feet from hormonal changes and extra weight can cause the arch of the foot to flatten and roll inward.
How can I get relief from foot pain during pregnancy?
If your pregnancy is causing regular foot pain, we suggest you pick up the phone and give us a call at Precision Foot and Ankle Centers. We can properly assess your foot health and offer solutions to alleviate your pain. In the meantime, we suggest some of the following to alleviate mild discomfort:
- Stretch your feet regularly, especially when you wake up in the morning
- Exercise regularly to promote blood circulation
- Soak your feet in warm water
- Elevate your feet to prevent swelling
- Wear compression socks to ease swelling
- Massage your feet or have your partner massage them
- Wear shoes that offer good arch support and cushion
- Get custom orthotics to enhance your foot comfort
How Can Precision Foot and Ankle Centers Help?
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