First things first. If you are noticing sudden swelling of your feet while you are pregnant, this could be a sign of pre-eclampsia and you should contact your doctor. Is some swelling normal during pregnancy though? Yes! What else can happen to your feet while you’re pregnant? Continue reading to learn more.
YOUR FEET CAN GROW
Did you know that while you are pregnant, it’s possible for your feet to grow an entire shoe size? What can you do to prevent your feet from getting bigger? Avoid gaining more weight than what’s recommended by your doctor and keep your foot muscles strong. You can do exercises with your feet, such as picking up marbles or calf raises. Either way, know that if your feet do grow, it is usually permanent so you may be looking for a new shoe wardrobe.
SWELLING
When you are in your later stages of pregnancy, it is common to notice swelling towards the end of the day. A growing uterus & natural weight gain puts pressure on the veins and prevents the blood circulation from being ideal. Unsupportive shoes and standing on your feet for long periods of time can exacerbate the swelling. Lucky for you, there are many ways you can reduce the amount of swelling you are noticing. Drink plenty of water and stay cool and hydrated. If you can avoid standing on your feet for long periods of time, this can help a lot! Take regular walks and when you are able to rest, elevate your feet. Make sure your shoes and socks aren’t too tight. It’s important to have the best circulation possible in order to help avoid swelling. Podiatrists are able to help provide ways to manage the swelling as well! Call today!
FLAT FEET
Over-pronation (flat feet) is a flattening of the arch of the foot. This area flattens out when weight is applied and the feet turn inward. The plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running down the arch, becomes inflamed due to the excess weight gained in pregnancy which can be uncomfortable and sometimes very painful. If you are dealing with flat feet, contact us soon for several options for remedies and treatments that will help!
ELEVATE
The number one thing you can do with your feet while you are pregnant is to elevate them! Prop them up and elevate them just above your heart level for best results. This increases blood flow which is good for your whole body. When you have good circulation, your heart is able to deliver oxygen to every place in the body. Try to elevate your feet for at least 15 minutes, a few different times a day.
At Howard County Foot and Ankle, we treat everything from warts and ingrown toenails to flatfeet and heel pain. Many people come to us for diabetic foot care or simply because they have foot pain or ankle pain and don’t know the cause of it. We handle emergencies such as fractures and infections as well. Dr. Bui performs a wide variety of surgeries and specializes in reconstructive surgery of the foot and ankle. You won’t find a better foot doctor than our highly skilled and highly qualified, Dr. Christina Bui! Call or email us to ask any questions you might have. We would love to be your go-to Podiatrist!
