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Understanding The Effects Of Pregnancy On Your Feet

Understanding The Effects Of Pregnancy On Your Feet

Understanding The Effects Of Pregnancy On Your Feet

Knowing and understanding the effects of pregnancy on your feet will help you to stay as comfortable as possible. By working with a professional podiatrist in Mill Creek, you will have all of the information and treatment options that you need.

It goes without saying that pregnancy can bring about a variety of changes in your body. There can be a number of complaints that pregnant women will have, including discomfort in their feet. This is due to the natural weight gain that takes place throughout pregnancy and the alteration of their center of gravity. The weight bearing stance that results will add more pressure to the feet and knees while there are also hormones that are released that can lead to relaxation of the foot’s ligaments.

Edema and over-pronation are two of the more common complaints that women will have when talking about foot pain during pregnancy. These are issues that can cause pain in areas of the ball of the foot as well as the arch and heel. Some women may also have problems with their legs cramping, so it is important to try to learn as much as possible about pregnancy and foot health.

Over-Pronation

This is a condition also called flat feet, which is caused by the arch flattening and feet rolling inward while walking. This is a condition that can lead to inflammation and stress of the plantar fascia, which is the fibrous tissue band that is located along the heel and forefoot.

When a pregnant woman is dealing with flat feet, it can make day to day walking very painful and even more strain on their calves and back.

Edema

Also known as foot swelling, edema will usually take place at the end of the pregnancy. This is cause by the pooling of fluid throughout the extremities, especially in the legs. As the uterus gets larger, it will put more pressure on the pelvic and leg blood vessels, thus causing the return circulation to slow. While the amount of fluid in the body is the same as it was before pregnancy, it is now just displaced. As feet swell, they can turn purple in color and become uncomfortable when it comes to walking or standing for long periods of time.

Professional Treatment

Working with a professional podiatrist in Mill Creek will help you to find all of the treatment options that you need. There are a number of ways that you can get the relief that you are looking for so that you can enjoy your pregnancy without an excessive amount of foot discomfort and pain.

With over-pronation, you can treat the problem with help from quality arch support. Your professional podiatrist can help you to find the balance and support you are looking for with customized orthotics. These products are made to give you the right amount of support to not only relieve pain but to also help correct the issue of over-pronation. Be sure to talk with your podiatrist about the right types of footwear that you can use to get you optimum results.

If you are dealing with edema, you can do a number of things to get results:

  • Consume plenty of water to ensure the body is properly hydrated, thus helping to retain less fluid.
  • Make sure that your feet are elevated and resting whenever possible.
  • Use seamless socks on your feet that are not going to be constrictive of your circulation
  • Proper fitting footwear that is not too short or narrow will help to improve circulation

While swelling and flat feet can be an issue during pregnancy, there is no reason why you have to suffer through it. Working with the team at Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic will help you to get the treatment and relief that you need to go about your daily activities.

It is important to take care of your body while you are pregnant, especially your feet. Call Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic for help with understanding the effects of pregnancy on your feet. Dr. Hall can be reached at (425) 482-6663