Pregnancy and Foot Care

Foot problems related to pregnancy

Pregnancy causes many changes to occur in a women's body. These changes are natural and common to all women. Foot pain is one such issue that affects all pregnant women in general. The usual cause is the natural weight of pregnancy that causes a sudden extra strain and pressure on the feet. The increased strain in turn causes foot problems, most commonly flat feet, or over pronation and edema.

These two feet problems are the most frequently seen. They often cause similar symptoms like pain in the heels and balls of the foot, pain in the arch area, swollen feet, mild to severe leg cramps and, in some cases, varicose veins. Hence, it is important for all women to take good care of their feet during pregnancy to avoid serious foot problems.

How does edema and over-pronation affect the feet?

Edema or swelling of the feet is more usual in the latter half of pregnancy. The reasons behind it are many. One is that the volume of circulating blood increases during pregnancy. Another is that the increase in size of the uterus makes it a large and bulky organ. This compresses the veins returning blood from the lower parts of the body, that is, the pelvis and the legs. This results in poor circulation and fluid seeps out of the blood vessels in the legs and feet, manifesting as edema. A third reason is that salt and water are retained in excess during pregnancy, and this shows up as excessive fluid outside the blood vessels, in the soft tissues of the feet, causing more swelling and discomfort. In a few cases, the feet show a dark purplish discoloration. If you are pregnant, you need to check that there is no swelling in any other part of the body, as for instance the neck, face or hands. If this occurs you will need to consult your gynecologist urgently. Over-pronation of the feet leads to flat feet in late pregnancy. This is again mostly due to the excess weight. The added burden on the feet causes flattening of the natural arch. The band of fibrous tissue stretching from the back to the front of the heel becomes stretched unbearably, and finally becomes inflamed and painful. Walking becomes very uncomfortable and the heels and calves very painful.

Treatment and Prevention

There are many natural home-based remedies for treating both edema and flat feet syndromes. The first and most important measure you need to take is to choose a pair of comfortable and padded footwear to protect and support your feet properly. There are many such specially designed shoes available to treat such feet problems. If you suffer from flat feet, select footwear that gives good arch support for your feet. If your feet are swollen, use footwear with ample toe boxes. Wearing shoes that are too tight can restrict the blood flow in your feet and increase the pain and swelling.

The next step in edema of the feet is to elevate your feet as high as you comfortably can, whenever possible. For example you could rest them on a stool in an easy position. Also use cold compresses regularly on your feet. Taking a foot bath in running cold water is another way to apply cold compresses. You can also try soaking your feet in a solution of baking soda and Epsom salt in water. Wear good quality loose and seamless socks to allow blood to circulate freely. Avoid strenuous activities like exercise workouts or driving. You must remember to take short breaks in the middle of your work to stretch your feet, as this will promote free circulation. Schedule light exercises like walking which will be of great help in keeping you active and stress-free. Remember to keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water, as that will decrease the amount of fluid you retain, or edema fluid. Also remember to have a balanced diet. Include a lot of anti-oxidant rich foods like fresh fruits, vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids. Reduce the amount of salt in your body as this tends to promote water retention. Both feet are usually swollen to the same extent if you have edema. If one foot is much more swollen than the other, you ought to consult your gynecologist. Keeping tabs on your health is vital in pregnancy to keep yourself and your child safe.