5 Tips to Consider for Pregnancy Foot Issues

Certain aches and pains are common throughout pregnancy, particularly if you have to endure the hot, humid summer in Houston.  So, yes, you’re probably going to feel some pain.

It’s not typical, however, if you have persistent sharp pain in your heel. In fact, it might be a condition known as plantar fasciitis because pregnant women are more susceptible to this more than anybody else.

Pregnancy foot issues aren’t limited to plantar fasciitis. Many women notice that their feet get larger while pregnant. Additionally, painful, swollen feet are a major problem usually around the end of your pregnancy. How then can we avoid some of these pregnancy foot issues? Find out by reading on!

Pregnancy-Related Heel Pain

Why do pregnant women seem to get heel pain so easily? As a starting point, let’s attempt to figure out what plantar fasciitis truly is and why it flares up. A thick band of tissue called the plantar fascia extends from the heel bone across the arch of the foot and ends at the toes. This band has a lot of work to do. It gives your foot support while also enabling you to execute the movements required for walking.

As your baby develops, you put on weight more quickly than at any other point in your life. Now, the plantar fascia may experience inflammation as a result of the sudden weight gain.

Then, if you wear slip-on footwear like flip flops or ballet flats, you could aggravate the discomfort. We know they’re easy to put on if you have difficulty reaching or seeing your toes. However, they don’t provide any arch support, so wearing them simply makes your heel pain worse.

Also keep in mind that when pregnant, your body produces a hormone called relaxin. It helps in loosening your ligaments in preparation for childbirth. At the same time, though, it has the potential to make your foot flat.

Gaining weight and the hormone relaxin may give pregnant women sharp heel pain.  If your discomfort is worse when you first get out of bed in the morning or after a lengthy period of sitting, you should be suspecting plantar fasciitis.

Here’s the crucial question right now. Should you think this pain is just another sign of pregnancy that will go away after the baby is born? The answer is no. Plantar fasciitis worsens if neglected, which implies it may continue for weeks, months or even years after your pregnancy ends. In fact, some who neglect plantar fasciitis for a prolonged period of time may potentially need surgery to relieve their pain.

Want to avoid pregnancy-related heel pain? First, make an effort to follow your doctor’s weekly weight gain recommendations and a nutritious diet. Next, during your whole 40-week pregnancy, wear supportive shoes. Then pay attention to your body.  And if you get heel pain or any of the other issues we’ll cover later, come in straight away.

Flat and Swollen Feet During Pregnancy

Unfortunately, pregnancy-related foot issues are not limited to heel pain. Other changes in your body are brought on by weight gain. Your center of gravity and how you stand are affected by this. Additionally, both increase the strain on your knees and feet. As a result of these changes, flat feet (over-pronation) as well as swollen feet (edema) are possible outcomes.

You could notice that your arches flatten as you stand if you’re pregnant. When you walk, your feet could also roll inward. (We refer to this as overpronation. In addition, it may result in the excruciating heel pain mentioned above.)

Your feet may enlarge at any time throughout your pregnancy. But your third trimester is when the issue is most likely to arise. What is the reason behind this? Well, the excess blood you have during pregnancy causes the swelling. That blood aids in nourishing your developing child. However, discomfort also intensifies when your growing belly presses on the blood vessels in your pelvis and legs. Together, these factors slow your circulation and cause blood to collect in your legs and feet. Your feet may even seem purple at times.

It goes without saying that dealing with any of these issues may be painful and exhausting. But it’s crucial to keep in mind that you don’t have to wait to give birth to get treatment for your hurting feet.

We can immediately fit you for orthotics if you are experiencing over-pronation problems. You will have more arch support as a result, preventing flat feet. Additionally, you’ll get assistance in maintaining proper foot placement when you walk. As a result, heel pain is less likely to occur.

You may also use the following advice to reduce the edema in your feet. In the beginning, elevate them whenever and wherever you can. If you anticipate spending the whole day sitting, have a little stool nearby. By doing so, you may relieve some of the strain on your feet all day.

The next step is to choose shoes that have a good fit and aren’t too short or too tight. (You may need to remeasure your feet when pregnant since they can expand and alter size.) Try to continue exercising when pregnant with a doctor’s approval. This will encourage improved circulation and assist healthy weight gain.

The 5 Best Tips for Pregnancy Foot Issues

Now that we’ve explored upcoming foot issues, let’s talk about pain relief. If you follow these tips, your feet should feel a whole lot better soon!

1. 1. Throughout your whole pregnancy, wear supportive shoes. No flip flops except for quick trips to the beach or pool!
   2. Keep an eye on your diet and be active. Enhanced blood circulation and healthy weight gain may result from this.
   3. Check if your shoes still fit comfortably. During your pregnancy, you may need to get your feet measured once or more.
   4. Whenever you can, elevate your feet. You deserve to take a break.
   5. If you want additional support while your feet try to carry a second person, think about getting orthotics!

Finally, keep this in mind. Even though foot pain is “natural” during pregnancy, you don’t have to put up with it as being pregnant is difficult enough. Therefore, we want your feet to feel better right away rather than after nine months! That being the case, make an appointment with Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale of DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center right now! Before your due date, we’ll make sure your feet are better and ready to walk.

Book An Appointment 832-415-1790