The Pitter Patter of Little Feet = Foot Pain For Mom!

The Last thing you want to worry about during your pregnancy is your feet. However, your feet are more important during this time than you may realize. There are preventative methods that can be taken to stop or lesson the problems.

Your hormones increase during your pregnancy. Some of these hormones help relax ligaments and other strucutres to allow a vaginal birth. But these same hormones can also cause your ligaments in your feet that can lead to flat feet (fallen arches) and over-pronation. This also can increase your shoe size, you may have to wear a half or whole size bigger after you give birth.

Another cause obviously is your growing womb, the weight of the baby, and the enlargement of your breasts. With this extra weight will come extra stress on the arches of the feet. So it's quite common for pregnant women to develop heel pain or plantar fasciitis because of the extra weight. Your center of gravity and your balance are also affected.

Some Prevention and Treatment Tips:

• Try to avoid standing for long periods of time and walking barefoot.
• Take breaks frequently and make sure to elevate your feet.
• Make sure you wear properly fitting shoes. (You may need to see your podiatrist for custom fitted orthotics.)

Swelling is another issue that pregnant women will have to deal with. Swelling of the feet and ankles is very common. This is usually caused by an increase in blood volume that occurs to help you carry extra oxygen and nutrients to your baby. The pregnancy hormones can also cause changes in the blood vessels , which may lead to swelling. All of this extra fluid is pulled down naturally by gravity right to your feet and ankles.

Some Prevention and Treatment Tips:

• Do not stand for long periods of time.
• Elevate your feet as much as possible.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid foods in high sodium.
• Take baths or go swimming if you can this will relax your muscles and skin.

For more information or to schedule an appointment please contact Affiliated Podiatrists, Inc. at
440-946-5858 or visit our website: http://www.drrobertrosenstein.com/

And Remember........."When Your Feet Hurt, You Hurt All Over!"