Looking after your feet during pregnancy

Common conditions affecting the feet during pregnancy

Pregnancy is an exciting time in that comes with a lot of changes in a woman’s body, some of which may affect the feet and legs. Some of the more common conditions affecting the feet during pregnancy include the following:

Oedema

Oedema is another name for swelling that can occur in the feet during pregnancy. It is caused by an increase in blood accumulated during pregnancy that can cause swelling in the legs, ankles and in particular the feet.

If you are suffering with oedema it is important to keep your feet elevated as often as possible, stay well hydrated and avoid ill fitting footwear and socks that can cause more pressure and pain in the feet. Also mention it to your doctor to rule out any other medical reasons for whilst it may be occurring.

Good fitting footwear with support and an adjustable strap or laces can help to accommodate the fluctuating oedema in your feet during pregnancy.

Flat Feet and Overpronation

During pregnancy there is an increased release of the hormone relaxin within the body. Relaxin plays a role in preparing the body for childbirth and is responsible for relaxing the ligaments. However this hormone has an affect on the whole body and not just the pelvis.

Changes in the feet can occur due to the increased ligament laxity resulting in change in length and width of your feet, flattening of the arches, instability of the ankles or knees and a possible contribution to lower back pain.

Flat feet occur when the arch of your foot relaxes upon weightbearing and the foot rolls in when walking due to excessive pronation. This excessive pronation can add stress on the foot and ankle area and cause pain within the feet.

Supportive footwear and orthotics can be helpful in supporting unstable feet and allowing for proper function in the feet.

Weight Gain

Weight gain can cause increased pressure on the feet due to a change in your centre of gravity as well as increased pressure on the feet and the knees due to a change in biomechanics. This can lead to a number of different foot complaints including painful callus and corn formation, metatarsalgia and heel pain.

Cramping

Some women can experience cramping in the legs and the feet during pregnancy. The exact cause is unknown but is believed to be related to a change in physical activity, increased weight, fluid retention and potentially metabolic changes.

Stretching and massage can help to reduce the incidence of cramping as well as good footwear to reduce muscle fatigue. Our Melbourne podiatrists can guide you both on the right stretches and appropriate fitting footwear to assist with cramping.

Other problems

Ingrown toenails and sore corns and calluses are quite common during pregnancy due to the changes that can occur in the feet as well as difficulty reaching your feet as you progress.

If you are having trouble reaching or managing your feet or are experiencing any of the above problems related to your pregnancy it is important to see a podiatrist. Our Melbourne podiatrists can professionally diagnose, advise and implement a treatment plan to assist you with your pre or post natal pregnancy foot care.

Need foot care during pregnancy?

Our Melbourne podiatrists are experts in foot care and can look after your feet during pregnancy. This can help avoid foot pain that can occur due to the body changes associated in pregnancy.

So if you are expecting it is important to still look after your feet. Book an appointment with one of our friendly podiatrists today!