Introduction
Pregnancy brings a lot of changes to women’s bodies. It includes hair, skin, vision, gums, taste, etc. One such body part that is affected in pregnancy is the feet. It is very common to have a cracked foot in dry and cold weather. However, during pregnancy, feet tend to get cracked, irrespective of the weather conditions. There are numerous reasons behind it. Pregnant women need to understand the reasons behind the causes of cracked heels and ways to manage them. This article has embedded the key points about cracked heels in pregnancy to make it understandable. To know more, continue reading this article.
Does Pregnancy Cause Cracked Heels?
Yes, pregnancy causes cracked heels. The main factor that leads to cracked heels during pregnancy is fluid up in the feet. As the baby develops in the womb, the uterus expands, exerting pressure on blood vessels, leading to reduced circulation and fluid retention in the lower extremities. This swelling causes the feet to enlarge and puts added stress on the skin. The combination of increased weight and altered posture exacerbates this effect, resulting in increased discomfort and susceptibility to skin dryness, eventually leading to the cracking of heels.
Another factor that contributes to cracked heels during pregnancy is hormonal changes. Fluctuations in hormone levels, especially during the third trimester, can affect the skin’s elasticity and moisture content. Due to this, the skin becomes more prone to dryness and less capable of retaining moisture, increasing the likelihood of cracked heels.
Apart from the principle factors mentioned above, several other factors lead to cracked heels during pregnancy. For example, a lack of proper foot support. Wearing enclosed shoes can contribute to the formation of cracked heels. The fatty pad that is present underneath the heel bone serves to cushion and provide support for the foot. However, during pregnancy, the additional weight and pressure on the feet can cause this fatty pad to splay outward, placing undue pressure on the surrounding skin. This additional pressure, along with the dry and less elastic skin, leads to an environment that is favorable to the development of cracked heels, especially when spending extended periods barefoot at home.
The important fact is that cracked heels might not manifest until after pregnancy for some women. This condition is exacerbated by postpartum hormonal changes, along with continued foot strain and dry skin. Due to this reason, addressing cracked heels during and after pregnancy requires a proper and effective treatment plan that can alleviate discomfort for pregnant women and promote skin health.
How to Treat Cracked Heels During Pregnancy?
Cracked heels during pregnancy can be managed at home. Several strategies can be implemented to prevent and treat cracked heels. The first way to manage it is by maintaining good foot hygiene. To achieve this, regularly washing and moisturizing the feet can help prevent excessive dryness and cracking. Applying moisturizers specifically formulated for dry and sensitive skin and applying them liberally to the affected areas can provide relief and promote healing.
Apart from this, wearing supportive footwear, both indoors and outdoors, can help lower the pressure on the feet and prevent splaying the fatty pad. Enclosed shoes with adequate cushioning and arch support should be worn by pregnant women. This is because they provide stability and reduce strain on the heels, and hence are particularly beneficial for pregnant women. Applying the moisturizer at night before bedtime allows for extended absorption time, maximizing its effectiveness. Putting the feet in socks after application serves a dual purpose, as it helps to lock in moisture and prevents the transfer of moisturizer onto the bedding. This step ensures optimal penetration of the moisturizer into the skin.
Another beneficial measure is seeking professional advice from a podiatrist who is a specialist in foot care. A podiatrist can assess the extent of the condition, suggest personalized foot care, and also develop effective treatments like debridement to remove dry, dead skin and promote healing.
What Are the Other Ways to Manage Cracked Heels During Pregnancy?
One approach involves soaking the feet in warm, soapy water for approximately ten minutes, followed by gently patting them dry. Subsequently, employing a loofah or foot scrubber aids in exfoliating the dead skin from the heels. Following exfoliation, the application of a thick, oil-based creams, or petroleum jelly, is recommended. After applying the moisturizing agent, donning a pair of light cotton socks at night facilitates optimal absorption of the moisturizer.
Alternatively, a liquid bandage serves as another effective method for treating cracked heels. This form of treatment, available in spray form, allows for convenient application throughout the day without concerns about detachment. Liquid bandages are particularly advantageous for deep heel cracks that may bleed. To apply, ensure the skin is clean and dry, and as the crack heals, the coating naturally adheres to the skin's surface.
Moreover, honey stands as a natural remedy with remarkable healing properties for cracked heels. With its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, honey not only aids in wound healing and cleansing but also moisturizes the skin. Honey can be utilized as a foot scrub following a soak or applied as a foot mask overnight for enhanced benefits. Additionally, several other natural remedies are available, including shea butter for moisturization, paraffin wax for moisture sealing, vinegar for a foot soak, or vegetable oil for moisturizing purposes. Incorporating these natural remedies into a regular foot care routine can significantly contribute to the alleviation of cracked heels and promote overall foot health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, during pregnancy, the body goes through a lot of changes that involve swelling in the legs, itching, dryness, and cracking of heels. Therefore, pregnant women must take care of their feet as much as they take care of their faces. The cracking of the heels during pregnancy should not be ignored, as it can become severe and can give space for bacteria to enter and cause infection. Therefore, complete knowledge of the cause and preventive ways should be given to pregnant women to make their pregnancy comfortable.
