Pregnancy & Your Feet
Pregnancy triggers many different changes in a woman’s body. Many women have common complaints throughout their pregnancy. Foot pain is one of these complaints that is often overlooked.
Due to the natural weight gain during pregnancy, a woman’s center of gravity is completely altered. This causes a new weight-bearing stance and added pressure to the knees and feet. Furthermore, the naturally released hormones that prepare the body for child birth also cause relaxation of the ligaments in the feet.
Two of the most common foot problems experienced by pregnant woman are over-pronation (flattening of the arch) and oedema. These problems can lead to pain at the heel, arch, or the ball-of-foot. Many women may also experience leg cramping and varicose veins due to weight gain. Because of this, it is important for all pregnant women to learn more about foot health during their pregnancy to help make this nine month period more comfortable for them.
Overpronation
Over-Pronation, also referred to as flat feet, is caused when a person’s arch flattens out upon weight bearing and their feet roll inward when walking. This can create extreme stress or inflammation on the plantar fascia, the fibrous band of tissue that runs from the heel to the forefoot.
Over-pronation can make walking very painful and can increase strain on the feet, calves and/or back. The reason many pregnant women suffer from over-pronation is the added pressure on the body as a result of weight gain. Over-pronation is also very prominent in people who have flexible, flat feet or in people who are obese.
Oedema
Oedema, also referred to as swelling in the feet, normally occurs in the latter part of pregnancy. Oedema results from the extra fluid pooling in the extremities, particularly the legs during pregnancy. The enlarging uterus puts pressure on the blood vessels in the pelvis and legs causing returning circulation to slow down. The total water fluid in the body remains the same as before pregnancy, however it becomes displaced. When feet are swollen, they can become purplish in color. Sometimes extra water is retained during pregnancy, adding to the swelling. If there is swelling in the face or hands, a doctor should be contacted immediately.
Care Management & Prevention
There are effective ways to manage both over-pronation and oedema during pregnancy.
Over-pronation can be manageed conservatively with supportive shoes with a good arch support, however, many people also require the provision of a customised foot orthotic. These orthotics are designed with appropriate arch support and medial rearfoot posting to correct the over-pronation. Choose comfortable footwear that provides extra support and shock absorption, such as Aetrix, Kumfs, Naot, New Balance or Rockport.
It is important to manage over-pronation for pain relief but also to prevent other foot conditions from developing such as Plantar Fasciitis, Heel Spurs, Metatarsalgia, Post-Tib Tendonitis and/or Bunions.
Oedema in the feet can be minimized by the following methods:
- Elevate your feet as often as possible. If you have to sit for long periods of time, place a small stool by your feet to elevate them.
- Wear proper fitting footwear. Footwear that is too narrow or short will constrict circulation.
- Have your feet measured several times throughout your pregnancy. They will probably change sizes. Often foot size changes permanently following pregnancy.
- Wear seamless socks that do not constrict circulation.
- If you are driving for a long period of time, take regular breaks to stretch your legs to promote circulation.
- Exercise regularly to promote overall health; walking is the best exercise.
- Drink plenty of water to keep the body hydrated. This helps the body retain less fluid.
- Eat a well-balanced diet and avoid foods high in salt that can cause water retention.
Swelling is normally similar in both feet. If swelling is not symmetrical in both feet, this may be a sign of a vascular problem and a doctor should be contacted immediately.
At my FootDr podiatry centres we are able to provide a complete assessment of your feet during pregnancy and provide advice and care management should it be required.