Definition

Pregnancy triggers many different changes in a woman's body.Many women have common complaints throughout their pregnancy. One of thesecomplaints, often overlooked, is foot pain. Due to the natural weight gainduring pregnancy, a woman's center of gravity is completely altered.

This causes a new weight-bearing stance and added pressureto the knees and feet. Two of the most common foot problems experienced bypregnant woman are over- pronation and edema. These problems can lead to painat the heel, arch, or the ball-of-foot. Many women may also experience leg crampingand varicose veins due to weight gain. Because of this, it is important for allpregnant women to learn more about foot health during their pregnancy to helpmake this nine month period more comfortable for them.

Two of the most common foot problems experienced by pregnantwoman are over-pronation and edema. These problems can lead to pain at theheel, arch, or the ball-of-foot. Many women may also experience leg crampingand varicose veins due to weight gain. Because of this, it is important for allpregnant women to learn more about foot health during their pregnancy to helpmake this nine month period more comfortable for them.

Cause

Over-pronation and edema a very common foot problemexperienced during pregnancy. Over-Pronation, also referred to as flat feet, iscaused when a person's arch flattens out upon weight bearing and their feet rollinward when walking. This an create extreme stress or inflammation on the plantarfascia, the fibrous band of tissue that runs from the heel to the forefoot.

Over-pronation can make walking very painful and canincrease strain on the feet, calves and/or back. The reason many pregnant womensuffer from over-pronetion is the added pressure on the body as a result ofweight gain. Over-pronation is also very prominent in people who have flexible,flat feet or in people who are obese.

Edema, also referred to as swelling in the feet, normallyoccurs in the latter part of pregnancy. Edema results from the extra blood accumulatedduring pregnancy. The enlarging uterus puts pressure on the blood vessels inthe pelvis and legs causing circulation to slow down and blood to pool in thelower extremities. The total water fluid in the body remains the same as beforepregnancy, however it becomes displaced. When feet are swollen, they can becomepurplish in color. Sometimes extra water is retained during pregnancy, addingto the swelling. If there is swelling in the face or hands, a doctor should becontacted immediately.

Treatment and Reunion

There are effective ways to treat both over-pronation andedema during pregnancy.

Over-Pronation can be treated conservatively with “ready-made"orthotics. These orthotics should be designed with appropriate arch support andmedial rear foot posting to correct the over-pronation. Proper fittirg footwearis also very important in treating over-pronation. Choose comfortable footwearthat provides extra support and shod: absorption. It is important to treatover-pronation for pain relief but also to prevent other foot conditions fromdeveloping such as Plantar Fasciitis, Heel Spurs, Metatarsalgia, Post-Tib Tendonitisand/or Bunions. Edema in the feet can be minimized by thefollowirg methods:

• Elevate your feet asoften as possible. If you have to sit for long periods of time, place a smallstool by your feet to elevate them.
• Wear proper fitting footwear. Footwear that is too narrow orshort will constrict circulation.
• Have your feet measured several times throughout yourpregnancy. They will probably change sizes.
• Wear seamless socks that do not constrict circulation.
• If you are driving for a long period of time, take regularbreaks to stretch your legs to promote circulation.
• Exercise regularly to promote overall health; walking is thebest exercise.
• Drink plenty of water to keep the body hydrated. This helpsthe body retain less fluid.
•  Eat a well-balanced diet and avoid foods high in salt thatcan cause water retention.

Swelling is normally similar in both feet. If swelling is not symmetrical in both feet, this may be a sign of a vascular problem and a doctor should be contacted immediately.

LP silicone insoles, archcare supports and bandage can support arch and gives comfort.