Pregnancy is a blissful
experience. The would-be mom often remains so completely engrossed with the
sheer thought of cradling her precious bundle of joy within a few months, that
she tends to ignore several health issues; foot condition being one of them.
The fact is, pregnancy can trigger certain foot problems which ultimately
result in swelling, pain at heel and arch portions along with cramping and
varicose vein. The basic reason is natural weight gain whereby a woman’s centre
of gravity is completely altered. Many would opine that this condition is
natural, so why not bear it till childbirth! Well, the answer is that a
pregnant woman needs to be conscious of her wellbeing and that includes taking
care of her feet too. She should enjoy those nine months period with a smiling
face rather than fretting over painfully swollen feet!
Two most common foot problems
experienced by women during pregnancy are over-pronation or flat feet and edema.
Due to additional body weight the arch portion flattens out thus causing feet
to roll inward. Walking can be quite painful with flat feet and if not attended
in time then over-pronation may lead to other serious conditions like Heel
Spur, Bunions, Plantar Fasciitis, Metatarsalgia or Post-Tib Tendonitis. Another
foot condition related to pregnancy, i.e., edema occurs at a later stage. It is
mostly related to foot swelling which is caused due to extra blood accumulation
in extreme points, as the blood pressure heightens in pelvis and leg portions.
Usually the extent of swelling is similar in both feet but if you notice any
asymmetry then this may indicate a vascular problem. Immediate consultation
with a physician is advised in such cases.
Taking care of feet during
pregnancy is not that difficult. By following a healthy diet, drinking plenty
of water and exercising regularly you can keep yourself immune from extreme
foot conditions. However, avoid too rigorous an exercise regime; rather walking
is a suitable option. If you need to stand for long hours at workplace then try
to rest your feet whenever possible. If your work demands sitting at a stretch
then elevate your foot to a comfortable position by placing a stool beneath it.
These measures can prove to be quite effective for pregnant women suffering
from edema. The other right thing which should be done is shift to comfortable
footwear. Fancy footwear with high heels which constricts blood circulation is
a strict no-no. Customized foot orthotics that provides additional support and
helps in shock absorption can relieve you from pain and discomfort related to
over-pronation. These products are designed specifically with proper arch
support and medial rearfoot posts.
Neglecting persistent foot
conditions during pregnancy might turn out to be harmful. Don’t take any
preventive measures just based on assumption. Consult an expert podiatrist to
assess the severity of the situation. If planning to buy tailored orthotic
footwear then also the doctor’s assessment of your foot conditions can help a
lot. The orthotic laboratory will manufacture the product based on the
podiatrist’s analysis, thus ensuring maximum comfort for your troubled feet.
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