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Pregnancy
Pregnancy triggers many
different changes in a woman's body. Many women have common complaints
throughout their pregnancy. One of these complaints, often overlooked, is foot
pain. 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.
Two of the most common foot problems experienced by pregnant woman are
over- pronation and
edema. These problems can lead to pain at the heel, arch, or ball-of-foot-pain.
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.
CAUSE
Over-pronation and edema a
very common foot problem experienced during pregnancy.
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 due to 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.
Edema, also referred to as swelling in the feet, normally occurs in the latter
part of pregnancy. Edema results from the extra blood accumulated during
pregnancy. The enlarging uterus puts pressure on the blood vessels in the pelvis
and legs causing circulation to slow down and blood to pool in the lower
extremities. The total water fluid in the body remains the same as before
pregnancy, however it only becomes displaced. When feet are swollen, they can
become purplish in color. Sometimes extra water can be retained during
pregnancy, which can add to the swelling. If there is swelling in the face or
hands, a doctor should be contacted immediately.
TREATMENT &
PREVENTION
There are effective ways to treat both over-pronation and edema during
pregnancy.
Over-Pronation can be treated conservatively with "ready-made" orthotics. These
orthotics should be designed with appropriate arch support and medial rearfoot
posting to correct the over-pronation. Proper fitting footwear is also very
important in treating over-pronation. Choose comfortable footwear that provides
extra support and shock absorption.
It is important to treat 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.
Edema in the feet can be minimized and comforted by the following methods:
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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.
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Wear proper
fitting footwear. Footwear that is too narrow or short will constrict
circulation.
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Have your
feet measured several times throughout your pregnancy. They will probably
change sizes.
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Wear
seamless socks that do not constrict circulation.
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If you are
driving for a long period of time, take regular breaks to stretch your legs to
promote circulation.
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Exercise
regularly to promote overall health; walking is the best exercise.
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Drink
plenty of water to keep the body hydrated. This helps the body retain less
fluid.
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Eat a
well-balanced diet and avoid foods high in salt that can cause water
retention.
Swelling is normally similar in both feet. If there is swelling in both feet
that are not symmetrical, this may be a sign of a vascular problem and a doctor
should be contacted immediately.
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