PREGNANCY

“My feet hurt” is probably the most common complaint women have during pregnancy. Varicose veins and cramping are almost expected because of the weight gain, but many people experience overpronation and edema during their pregnancy. 

These problems can lead to pain at the heel, arch, or the balls of your feet. Because of this, it’s important to focus on foot health during your pregnancy to help make the next nine months more comfortable for you.

WHAT CAUSES OVERPRONATION?

The reason you suffer from overpronation is the added pressure on the body as a result of weight gain during pregnancy. Overpronation, (aka flat feet), is caused when your arch flattens out upon weight bearing and your feet roll inward when you’re walking. This can cause inflammation of your plantar fascia - the fibrous band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. 

WHAT CAUSES EDEMA?
Edema, also referred to as swelling in the feet, normally occurs in later months of your pregnancy. Your enlarged uterus puts pressure on the blood vessels in the pelvis and legs, causing circulation to slow down and blood to pool in the lower extremities. 

WHAT CAN I DO WHILE PREGNANT?

Custom orthotics can be worn to help correct the overpronation in your feet. It’s also important to wear properly fitting shoes. During your pregnancy, choose comfortable footwear that provides extra support and shock absorption. You want to treat overpronation early on, not just for pain relief, but also to prevent other foot conditions from developing such as Plantar Fasciitis, Heel Spurs, Metatarsalgia, Post-Tib Tendonitis and/or Bunions. 

To treat edema, you want to elevate your feet as often as possible. If you need to sit for long periods of time, place a small stool by your feet to elevate them. If you are commuting for a long periods of time, take regular breaks to stretch your legs to promote circulation. Speak to your doctor about wearing compression stockings to help ease the swelling in your legs and minimize any vascular issues.