pain caused by your feet

Pregnancy is a time of great change. Many women experience a myriad of different symptoms throughout pregnancy that can be challenging to handle. However, one part of the body that can be overlooked during pregnancy is the feet. Foot discomfort can develop during pregnancy if you are not careful about giving your feet the right care.

Here are some simple guidelines to help you take care of your feet during pregnancy.

1. Choose supportive shoes that fit.

Your foot size may not stay the same when you are pregnant. The muscles, ligaments, and bones in your entire body relax more, so your feet can have a slightly longer and wider shape. Don't try to keep squeezing your feet in your old shoes. Instead, get a pair that fits with your new size. Choose something with good arch and ankle support.

Many women compromise with footwear during pregnancy by wearing ballet flats or flip flops to work around larger feet. However, neither of these shoes provide good foot protection or support, leading to pain in the feet, especially if spend a lot of time walking during the day. 

2. Moisturize.

Cracked heels are a common pregnancy complaint, and they can become difficult to get rid of and quite painful if you don't nip them in the bud. Moisturize your feet with lotion each night, especially if you spend time wearing sandals without any sock during the summer (summer heat can dry out your skin, and sandals make the problem more pronounced). Moisturizing your feet can also help improve blood flow as you massage the cream into your foot. As it gets harder to reach your feet as your belly grows, try getting your partner to rub and moisturize for you. 

3. Prevent excessive weight gain.

Weight gain during pregnancy can be a leading cause of foot pain. Sudden increases in weight can be hard for your body to accommodate. Combined with a change in your center of gravity. the weight you gain during pregnancy places a strain on your feet. Try to gain a healthy amount of weight by making nutritious eating choices and by staying active through a low-impact exercise like walking, swimming, or riding the stationary bike. 

4. Wear compression stockings.

Compression socks can help with swelling and foot pain. They help to reduce the edema that can gather in the feet toward the end of the day. Compression socks are especially useful for those who spend a lot of time sitting down. These can also help prevent varicose veins from developing or getting worse during pregnancy. 

To learn more, contact a foot and ankle specialist.