4 Ways to Handle Pregnancy Foot Pain
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but it can also bring a host of physical changes, and your feet are often on the front lines of those changes. Foot pain during pregnancy is incredibly common, thanks to weight gain, swelling, and hormonal shifts that affect your ligaments. But that doesn’t mean you have to suffer in silence!
Below, Dr. Lionel G. Hausman offers six practical ways to manage pregnancy foot pain and when to seek professional help from a podiatrist.
Why Do Feet Hurt During Pregnancy?
Several factors contribute to foot pain during pregnancy:
- Weight Gain: The extra weight puts increased stress on your feet and ankles.
- Swelling (Edema): Fluid retention, especially in the later stages of pregnancy, can cause swelling in the feet and ankles, making shoes feel tight and uncomfortable.
- Hormonal Changes: The hormone relaxin, which loosens ligaments in preparation for childbirth, can also affect ligaments in your feet, leading to instability and pain.
- Changes in Posture and Gait: Your center of gravity shifts as your belly grows, which can alter your posture and the way you walk, putting extra strain on your feet.
4 Options for Finding Relief
- Choose Supportive Footwear:
- Ditch the Heels: High heels are a no-go during pregnancy. They shift your weight forward, increasing pressure on your feet and ankles.
- Embrace Flats: Go for comfortable, supportive shoes with a wide-toe box and good arch support.
- Consider Orthotics: Custom orthotics can provide extra cushioning and support, keeping you comfortable throughout the day.
- Elevate Your Feet:
- Reduce Swelling: Elevating your feet above your heart whenever possible helps reduce swelling and improve circulation.
- Take Breaks: If you’re on your feet for long periods, take frequent breaks to sit down and elevate your feet.
- Do Gentle Exercise and Stretch:
- Improve Circulation: Regular, low-impact exercise like walking or swimming, can improve circulation and reduce swelling.
- Stretch Your Feet and Calves: Gentle stretches can help relieve muscle tension and improve flexibility. Examples: Ankle pumps, toe points and flexes, and calf stretches.
- Consider Compression Socks:
- Reduce Swelling: Compression socks or stockings can help improve circulation and reduce swelling in the feet and ankles.
Important Note: Talk to your doctor or podiatrist before using compression socks, especially if you have any underlying health conditions!
When to See a Podiatrist
While many cases of pregnancy foot pain can be managed with home care, it’s important to see a podiatrist if you experience:
- Severe or Persistent Pain
- Sudden Increase in Swelling (especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like headache or vision changes (this could be a sign of preeclampsia).
- Numbness or tingling
- Signs of Infection near ingrown nails, such as redness, warmth, swelling, or pus.
- Difficulty walking
Pregnancy foot pain is common, but it’s not something you have to endure. If you have more questions or serious concerns about pregnancy-related pains, be sure to get in touch with Dr. Lionel Hausman today!
If you have a foot problem you’d like to address, you’ll want to visit Gramercy Park for an appointment with Board Certified Podiatrist Lionel G. Hausman, DPM. Whether it’s an ingrown toenail, heel pain, bunions, or plantar fasciitis, Dr. Hausman can expertly treat numerous foot and ankle conditions. If you’re in need of help, get in touch with us today!
