Managing Foot Pain During Pregnancy

You expected pregnancy might bring morning sickness and backaches. However, you may not have considered how swollen and painful your feet could become. 

Of course, as your body grows, so does the weight your feet must bear. Add to that a constantly shifting center of gravity and hormonal changes that impact your ligaments, and it becomes easy to understand why foot pain is so prevalent among pregnant women.

At the Podiatry Institute of Southern California, in Culver City, CA, Board-Certified Podiatrist Dr. Albert Nejat offers specialized, gentle care to help you manage these changes. 

Here, he breaks down foot pain during pregnancy and how you can manage it.

How pregnancy cause foot changes

Your body produces a hormone called relaxin during pregnancy that relaxes the ligaments in your pelvis to prepare you for childbirth, but it also loosens the ligaments in your feet. This ligament laxity can cause your arches to flatten, permanently lengthening or widening your feet.

When your arches flatten, your feet overpronate, meaning they roll inward when you walk. This shift places extra strain on the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that supports your arch. This extra weight and altered mechanics are primary risk factors for developing plantar fasciitis, a leading cause of heel pain.

Common symptoms and swelling

Edema, or swelling, is another frequent complaint during the second and third trimesters. Your body produces approximately 50% more blood and body fluids during pregnancy to support your developing baby. 

This fluid retention often leads to tight shoes, aching arches, and localized throbbing. The extra pressure can also cause ingrown toenails if your footwear becomes too restrictive. 

If you notice sudden or severe swelling in your hands or face, you should contact your obstetrician immediately, as it can signal a more serious condition. 

For standard foot swelling, elevating your legs and wearing supportive footwear can provide significant relief.

Effective ways to manage discomfort

You don't have to live with severe foot pain while expecting. Simple lifestyle adjustments and professional interventions can keep you moving comfortably.

• Wear supportive footwear: Avoid high heels, flip-flops, and shoes without built-in arch support. Choose shoes with a wide toe box to accommodate natural swelling.
• Utilize custom orthotics: We can design custom shoe inserts to support your flattened arches and evenly distribute your weight.
• Elevate your feet: Sit with your feet elevated above your heart whenever possible to reduce fluid buildup.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water actually prompts your body to flush out excess fluids.
• Massage and ice: Roll a cold water bottle under your arch to reduce inflammation and soothe aching muscles.

If these conservative measures don't relieve your discomfort, our team can evaluate your gait and recommend safe, non-invasive therapies. We focus on protecting your mobility so you can focus on preparing for your new arrival. Call the office at 310-204-2300 or request an appointment online today.