Foot discomfort during pregnancy is a common issue with up to half of women who are pregnant encountering foot discomfort at some stage through the pregnancy. There are numerous reasons through the pregnancy which could be a reason for this. The most obvious will be the putting on weight. As pregnancy advances, your body gains weight to support the growing baby. This extra bodyweight could place extra strain about the feet, ultimately causing discomfort. Hormone variations, mainly the hormone relaxin, may bring about the relaxation of ligaments as well as joints in the body, which includes those ligaments in your feet. This can cause imbalances and contribute to foot pain. Swelling or edema, is a very common occurence during pregnancy. Water retention could cause the feet to swell, ultimately causing discomfort along with problems with the fit with the shoes. The hormonal changes also affects the arches of the foot. Some pregnant women experience flattening of the arches, that can cause overpronation (rolling medially of the feet) and result in problems. Resulting from changes in body weight distribution along with hormonal impacts on joints, pregnant women might alter their walking gait, that may play a role in foot pain and discomfort. Using shoes that don't have appropriate support or are too tight can aggravate foot discomfort while being pregnant. When the uterus expands, it may place strain on nerve fibres within the lumbar region and pelvis, which could cause referred symptoms to the feet. Pregnancy could possibly increase the potential for developing varicose veins, which sometimes cause pain and discomfort within the feet and legs.
A few of the conditions that may develop during pregnancy might include stress fractures. Sometimes, the additional weight and alterations in bone strength and density when pregnant can lead to stress fractures in the feet. Heel pain is a common condition involving irritation of the plantar fascia, the long ligament which runs over the bottom of the feet. Pregnancy-related extra weight and hormone variations may play a role in this condition. The fluid retention can result in peripheral oedema, and that is swelling in the extremities, along with the feet. This can contribute to discomfort and pain. There are a range of things that can be done to relieve foot pain and discomfort when pregnant. Opt for supportive and comfy shoes with effective arch support. Elevate the feet whenever resting to reduce swelling. Complete gentle foot stretches and exercises suggested by your medical professional. Stay away from standing or sitting for prolonged durations. Use cold compresses to help reduce inflammation. Practice healthy posture and body biomechanics when walking and standing. Give consideration to wearing compression hosiery to improve circulation during pregnancy. If your pain is serious or persistent, talk to your healthcare provider to eliminate any underlying problems.
