What can cause foot pain during pregnancy?

Foot pain when pregnant is a common issue with as much as half of women who are pregnant suffering from foot pain at some stage through the pregnancy. There are several aspects throughout the pregnancy that might be a cause for that. Raising is the putting on weight. As pregnancy moves along, the body gains weight to support the growing baby. This additional weight can place added strain to the feet, bringing about discomfort. Hormone alterations, mainly the hormone relaxin, could lead to the relaxation of ligaments as well as joints in your body, including those in the feet. This may contribute to imbalances and give rise to foot pain. Swelling or edema, is a common sign when pregnant. Fluid retention leads to the feet to get bigger, resulting in discomfort together with problems with the fit with the footwear. The hormone changes also affects the arches of the foot. A lot of women that are pregnant go through a flattening of the arches, which can result in overpronation (rolling medially of the feet) and contribute to pain. Due to increases in weight distribution along with hormonal effects on joints, women that are pregnant could change their walking gait, which will contribute to foot pain. Wearing shoes which don't have proper support or are too tight could worsen foot pain and discomfort during pregnancy. As the womb enlarges, it might place pressure on nerve fibres within the back and pelvis, that may contribute to referred symptoms to the feet. Pregnancy might increase the probability of developing varicose veins, which can bring about pain and discomfort within the legs and feet.

A number of the conditions that may develop and cause the foot pain during pregnancy might include stress fractures. In some cases, the additional weight and alterations in bone strength and density during pregnancy can bring about stress fractures within the foot. Plantar fasciitis is a common problem relating to inflammation with the plantar fascia, the ligament that runs over the bottom of the feet. Pregnancy-related weight gain and hormonal variations will contribute to this condition. The fluid retention can result in peripheral edema, which is swelling in the arms and legs, along with the feet. This can contribute to discomfort. You will find a range of steps that may be done to ease foot pain and discomfort while being pregnant. Opt for supportive and comfy footwear with good mid-foot (arch) support. Elevate your feet while relaxing to help reduce puffiness. Complete gentle foot stretches and physical exercises encouraged by your healthcare provider. Avoid standing or sitting for prolonged periods. Use cold compresses to minimize inflammation. Use a good posture and body biomechanics whilst walking and standing up. Consider putting on compression hosiery to improve circulation. If the pain is serious or continual, speak with your medical professional to eliminate any underlying conditions. Foot pain in pregnancy is common, so see a podiatrist if you are concerned about it.

Craig Payne is a University lecturer, runner, cynic, researcher, skeptic, forum admin, woo basher, clinician, rabble-rouser, blogger and a dad.