Pregnancy and your Feet
Pregnancy and your feet
Are you expecting or planning to start a family soon? Pregnancy is a beautiful journey marked by numerous changes in your body, including some unexpected ones—like changes in your feet! Yes, you read that right. Pregnancy can bring about significant alterations in foot health that many aren't aware of. But fear not, because podiatry has got your back, or rather, your feet! Let's dive into what you need to know about pregnancy and foot health.
The Unseen Changes in Your Feet
Pregnancy is a time of incredible transformation, both inside and out. While the focus is often on the growing belly and other visible changes, your feet are quietly undergoing their own journey. As your body prepares to support the new life growing within you, it undergoes hormonal changes that can affect the ligaments and joints in your feet. This can lead to a variety of foot issues, including:
Increased foot size: Many women find that their feet grow during pregnancy. This is often due to the hormone relaxin, which loosens the ligaments in the body—including those in the feet—making them spread out and flatten slightly.
Changes in arch height: The arches of your feet may flatten out or become more pronounced during pregnancy, leading to discomfort or pain.
Swelling: Fluid retention is common during pregnancy and can cause swelling in the feet and ankles, making it difficult to find comfortable shoes.
How Podiatry Can Help
If you're experiencing foot pain or discomfort during pregnancy, don't suffer in silence! Podiatrists are specially trained to diagnose and treat foot and ankle problems, including those associated with pregnancy. Here's how they can help:
Custom Orthotics: Podiatrists can create custom orthotic devices to provide support and stability for your feet during pregnancy. These orthotics are designed to accommodate the changes in your feet and can help alleviate pain and discomfort.
Prefabricated Orthotics:By offering stability and cushioning, prefabricated orthotics such as Tempo Orthotics can help pregnant women maintain better foot health, mobility, and overall comfort throughout their pregnancy journey
Footwear Advice: Your podiatrist can recommend appropriate footwear to accommodate any changes in foot size or shape. They can also provide tips on how to properly fit shoes to reduce the risk of foot problems.
Treatment for Existing Conditions: If you have pre-existing foot conditions, such as bunions or plantar fasciitis, pregnancy can exacerbate these issues. A podiatrist can provide treatment to help manage your symptoms and prevent them from worsening during pregnancy.
Postpartum Foot Care
The changes in your feet may not end once you give birth. It's common for women to experience lingering foot problems postpartum, especially if they developed issues during pregnancy. Fortunately, podiatrists can continue to provide support and treatment to help you get back on your feet after childbirth.
