How to Care for Your Feet During Pregnancy

30 Dec, 2024

Pregnancy is an incredible journey, but let’s be real: it’s also tough on your body. From morning sickness to swollen ankles, your body truly goes through it! Your feet, in particular, bear a big part of the burden as they carry not only your body weight but also the extra weight that comes with pregnancy. No wonder many pregnant women find themselves saying, "My feet are killing me!"

In this brief article brought to you by the professionals at Mid Penn Foot & Ankle Specialists, we offer some tips on how to care for your feet during pregnancy. If you’d like to have a foot specialist take care of you, then call Mid Penn Foot & Ankle Specialists to schedule an appointment today.

Why Do Feet Hurt During Pregnancy?

The changes your body goes through during pregnancy are nothing short of extraordinary, and your feet are no exception. Here are some key reasons why your feet hurt during pregnancy:

The additional weight puts more pressure on your feet.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause your body to retain more water. This often results in swollen feet and ankles.
A pregnancy hormone called relaxin softens your ligaments to prepare your body for childbirth. That’s great, except it can also cause the ligaments in your feet to loosen and lead to fallen arches or flat feet.
As your growing uterus puts pressure on your veins, blood flow from your legs to your heart slows down.
Changes in blood flow and increased demands on your muscles can sometimes lead to painful foot cramps.

It’s not just general discomfort that pregnant women deal with. Specific foot problems often crop up too. You might find yourself dealing with plantar fasciitis, overpronation, ingrown toenails, varicose veins, and more.

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Tips to Care for Your Feet During Pregnancy

The good news is that there are plenty of ways to give your feet some TLC and reduce discomfort during pregnancy. Here’s how:

For one, wear supportive shoes. Swap out high heels for shoes with good arch support and cushioning. If you’re experiencing swelling, consider shoes with adjustable straps or stretchy material.
Stay hydrated! This helps flush out excess sodium and reduces swelling.
On a similar note: avoid excessive salt in your diet. Sodium can contribute to water retention.
Rest with your feet elevated whenever possible to improve circulation and reduce swelling. Prop them up on a pillow while laying down, or on a footrest when sitting.
Gentle foot massages as well as stretching exercises can reduce swelling, improve circulation, relieve foot cramps, and improve flexibility.
Soaking your feet in cool water or applying an ice pack can also reduce swelling.

When to Seek Professional Help

While most foot issues during pregnancy are manageable with at-home foot treatment, there are times when you should seek help from a doctor or podiatrist.

If you experience severe pain, persistent swelling, or signs of infection (like redness or heat in your feet), it’s time to call in a professional. Residents in the area can call or message Mid Penn Foot & Ankle Specialists to schedule an appointment with a licensed foot doctor in Red Lion, PA today. Our team is on standby to help.