As your pregnancy progresses and your body changes, you’ll notice a number of uncomfortable symptoms — not least of which is swelling. This occurs in the lower extremities due to the increased amount of fluid in your body. It’s most common around the 22nd week of pregnancy and can last until birth. Many women find that swelling worsens in the evenings after standing for a long time or when the weather is warmer.
It’s typical to experience fluid retention in the feet during pregnancy because of hormonal changes. Swelling in the feet and ankles can make it hard to fit into your favourite shoes, and may even cause aches or pains. You can alleviate swelling with a few simple measures, including resting, walking, swimming, wearing comfortable shoes, and staying hydrated.
Pregnant women should know that swollen feet during pregnancy is a normal condition for some people. However, there are plenty of ways to manage it. People can have this checked by a podiatrist in order to learn of their condition and get the right treatment.
What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?
While pregnant women may experience many changes in their bodies and minds, the feet are often neglected. However, it is important to remain active and keep your feet healthy in order to avoid any pain or discomfort while you’re on your feet.
One major problem that new parents can face is overpronation, which is when your foot rolls inward as you move, causing pain in your heels and feet. Overpronation can also happen when you stand up, causing pain you might not even notice until after long periods of time. This can occur because of the extra weight from carrying a baby.
Edema is a common complication of pregnancy that occurs when fluid builds up in the body — most commonly in the hands and feet. Although it can occur at any stage, swelling is often more noticeable later in pregnancy because the body is bigger and there’s more fluid around.
How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?
- Wearing supportive shoes with good arch supports will help distribute weight evenly. It is also recommended that you wear good shoes during exercise that will not limit your range of motion.
- Minimise the amount of time spent walking barefoot.
- People with flat feet may need to wear orthotics to help support their kneecaps and relieve pain in their legs.
- Keep blood circulating to the feet by doing calf raises (resembles standing on tiptoes) throughout the day. This can be done by stepping up on and down from a chair, using the stairs, working at a stand-up desk, etc.
- Elevate your feet if you experience swelling.
- Massage your feet.
- Wear comfortable, well-fitted shoes that don’t rub or pinch.
- Get regular, light exercise, such as walking.
Need a podiatrist? Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are standing by to help you with any questions or concerns about your foot health.
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