Foot Issues in Pregnancy - Suggestions and Solutions

Introduction

Almost fifty percent of expecting mothers encounter some form of foot problem. Common issues include collapsing arches (flat feet), edema, broken heels, and foot pain. Weight increase and the production of a hormone known as relaxin are the primary causes. The release of this hormone, particularly, relaxes the ligaments in the feet, legs, and other body regions, leading to flat feet.

Pregnant women who take good care of their feet can prevent foot pain from developing into other health issues. Regularly engaging in mild activity, such as walking and massaging the feet, can improve foot health by promoting healthy circulation. The health of the feet during pregnancy can also be supported by choosing supportive shoes. Read on for additional information about foot issues in pregnancy.

What Are the Common Foot Issues in Pregnancy?

• Variations in Foot Length and Arch Height - During pregnancy, the size of the feet may increase. This is a result of fluid and tissue buildup in the lower extremities. Hormonal changes also cause loosening of the ligaments in the feet. This loosening causes a rise in foot length and width while decreasing arch height, making the arch flatter. One may find that the footwear is tighter or that particular shoes no longer fit how they used to.

• Foot and Leg Cramps- Foot and leg cramps are frequently experienced during pregnancy, especially in the later and third trimesters. It could be due to the extra weight the feet and legs support. Uterine pressure on the surrounding veins, shifts in mineral levels in the body caused by increased blood volume, or even a lack of water intake can cause foot and leg cramps during pregnancy.

• Swollen Feet And Ankles - A woman can store up to twice her normal blood volume during pregnancy. This blood circulates through the veins, putting a lot of strain on them, especially when the veins are straining against gravity to pump blood up the legs to the heart. For approximately 80 percent of women, this causes edema of the feet and ankles. This normally occurs after 20 weeks of gestation. Swollen feet and ankles are also an indication of a serious medical condition known as pre-eclampsia, which puts both mother and baby at risk. If one observes swelling in the feet or ankles during pregnancy, then one should immediately consult a doctor.

• Varicose Veins - Varicose veins form when veins in the body are injured and become more visible beneath the skin. They are more common during pregnancy as the veins are dealing with a significantly larger volume of blood than they are used to handling and maintaining. As a result, the veins may become injured and seem more visible, bulging, or twisted.

• Tired and Aching Legs - During pregnancy, the legs undergo numerous changes, which causes them to feel fatigued and achy frequently, particularly in the final stages of pregnancy. Managing significantly increased blood volume, which can induce swelling, maintaining equilibrium, neutralizing the effects of relaxation, and generally handling a much greater load are some of the reasons for this.

• Back Pain - Backaches can develop during pregnancy as the weight of the expanding uterus and baby intensifies the curvature of the spine, putting additional strain on the spinal joints. This causes the spinal muscles to tense, while the added weight forces the back muscles to work considerably harder than the body is used to.

• Joint Mobility Changes - One may experience instability due to laxity or looseness in the ankle and foot joints during pregnancy. Weight increase may exacerbate the instability. During pregnancy, these modifications, as well as adjustments to the back's curvature, may result in changes to the gait or how individuals walk. To maintain balance, one can walk with the feet wider apart. Some foot disorders associated with joint laxity, such as bunions and flat feet, can worsen during pregnancy. If one has any concerns, consult a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon.

• Dry Feet - Pregnancy hormone fluctuations can lead to dry skin. As it is harder to access the feet to keep them adequately moisturized, cracked heels might appear. If ignored, these can cause pain and infection.

How to Reduce Foot Pain During Pregnancy?

• Elevate the feet as much as feasible.

• Avoid standing for an extended period without taking a rest.

• Exercises to treat foot discomfort during pregnancy include flexing the toes and then pulling them toward the body while pointing the heel away; extending the legs, pointing the toes up, making a circle with the toes, and rotating the entire foot and ankle. This also works on the calf muscles.

• Soak swollen, hurting feet in cool water at the end of the day.

• Allow the feet to breathe by wearing cotton socks. Select footwear with wedges or broad, low heels that are not higher than two inches. Not slippery soles provide more stability.

• Try orthotics, which are artificial arch supports that fit into footwear. They are available in pharmacies or can be custom-molded by a podiatrist.

How Foot Problems Are Managed During Pregnancy?

To manage the common foot issues in pregnancy, a foot specialist may suggest the below-mentioned measures:

• Compression socks help to minimize and prevent edema in the feet, ankles, and lower legs. Doctors will recommend medical-grade compression socks that have the proper mmHg rating to help patients stay comfortable and move well.

• Custom foot orthotics can help maintain a healthier foot posture, increase comfort, and lessen the likelihood of tissue and muscles becoming overused and strained.

• Footwear recommendations to help one find the ideal shoes for the new foot size, particularly its width.

• If one has weak or unsteady ankles that make it difficult to walk comfortably, then doctors may recommend specialist ankle bracing, which has been shown to avoid 90 percent of ankle sprains.

Conclusion

It is normal to experience some foot pain and swelling during pregnancy, especially in the fingers, ankles, feet, and legs. Towards the end of the day and later in the pregnancy, it usually gets worse. Pregnancy-related foot pain and discomfort are likely to get worse as the baby and uterus continue to expand in weight significantly until delivery. Throughout the pregnancy, a podiatrist can help one stay comfortable and relieve any issues.