Two common foot ailments associated with pregnancy are arch pain and swelling.
The weight gain naturally occurs during pregnancy completely shifts a woman’s center of gravity and places extra stress on the knees and feet. The arch may flatten out, or overpronate, and feet may roll in when walking. The plantar fascia often becomes strained or inflamed as a result, leading to pain in the heel, arch, or ball of the foot. Edema, or swelling of the legs and feet, occurs when the growing uterus pressures surrounding blood vessels and slows circulation. Blood pools in the lower extremities and causes swelling and discoloration. Varicose veins and leg cramping are also common during pregnancy because of weight gain.
Just as you put prenatal care in the hands of a specialist, so should you entrust your hard-working feet to a specialist— a highly trained, specially skilled podiatrist. It’s time to pay attention to what your feet are trying to tell you when each step is more painful than the one before. Don’t ignore foot problems, whether caused by pregnancy, injuries, diseases, or inherited conditions. Call us instead at SHENANDOAH PODIATRY.
Dedicated To Your Healthy Feet,
Dr. Jennifer Feeny
P.S. Resting frequently with their feet up is good advice for pregnant women.
For more information visit our website www.roanokefoot.com