Pregnancy and Foot Health

By Dr. Jean Archer 
 

Pregnancy can be a joyous experience, but it can cause some aches and pains, especially foot pain. Healthy weight gain and water retention during pregnancy causes shifts in the woman’s center of gravity, altering the weight bearing stance of gait, placing additional stress and pressure on the lower back , hips, knees and feet.  These changes contribute to the characteristic posture and gait associated with pregnancy .Therefore it’s important to be aware of these changes and take steps to help alleviate foot pain. 

Pregnancy hormones are responsible for water retention. Water retention is necessary, so that increased amounts of fluid are available to carry nutrients to the growing fetus.  Water retention in the feet causes edema, swelling of the lower legs. Generally, the swelling is more noticeable in the feet because gravity tends to pull fluid down, since the vessels in the feet are the smallest, they cannot accommodate the increased fluid levels and therefore fluid pools in the peripheral circulation and the tissues of the feet.

Also the growing uterus puts pressure on the veins of the legs, partially blocking the flow of fluid up from the lower legs causing the accumulation of fluid around the feet. 

Relaxin, another pregnancy hormone, is also responsible for changes in the feet. The hormone relaxin causes increase in the width and size of the foot, by loosening or relaxing the ligaments that support the foot. This increase in width is essential to support the increased weight gain and aid in stability. As the ligaments loosen this can also cause a flattening of the arch or over-pronation. 

The result of all these changes can lead to an increase in foot pain, as well as painful calluses, corns and cracked heels.  Increase strain and pressure of the arch ligament of the foot can lead to inflammation of the arch ligament located underneath the bones of the feet. This condition is known as plantar fasciitis. 

Although studies conducted show that some of these changes are lasting and shoe size changes may be permanent, there are steps that can be taken to alleviate foot pain and discomfort.  To help with the swelling, soak feet in cool water to tolerance for 15 minutes, and then elevate legs and feet on a pillow. Make sure that shoes are comfortable and have at least half an inch width distance from the longest toe to the tip of the shoe.

Avoid shoes with heels, as heels also alter the weight bearing stance of gait. Arch supports or custom made orthotics worn during pregnancy is advised. These inserts when worn correctly can realign the arch of the foot and address some of the biomechanical changes occurring in the foot. Last but not least, pampering the feet is also essential for good foot health. At home pedicures are helpful to improve the overall appearance of the feet. Try soaking the feet for 15 minutes in an epsom salt foot bath. Use Shea Butter & Honey Scrub to lift away dead skin cells and exfoliate calluses. Rinse and dry feet. Then apply Shea Butter & Olive Foot Cream to moisturize for softer, smoother skin.