Pregnancy is a wonderful journey. The experience of growing another human within you is life-changing. At the same time, however, pregnancy is also a very uncomfortable experience as your body undergoes physical changes. Particularly in the second and third trimesters, many women experience foot pain and complications.
As your baby continues to grow, you may find your feet growing sore, achy, and swollen. Simple tasks such as putting your shoes on might feel impossible! However, with proper foot care, you can reduce the amount of discomfort that you can feel. One way to go about getting proper foot care is by visiting a podiatrist.
Swelling and sore feet while pregnant
Weight gain during pregnancy puts extra stress and pressure on your feet and ankles, which can result in complications such as overpronation or edema. Overpronation is caused by the extra weight flattening the arches of your feet while walking, which results in the plantar fascia stretching. Eventually, this can result in inflammation, which causes another painful condition called plantar fasciitis.
Edema, however, is the medical term for swelling. You may experience swelling of your feet and ankles due to the extra retention of fluids. While this process is normal, it can be painful if the swelling happens suddenly. Most of the time, swelling isn’t overly painful but it can make everyday tasks challenging.
Benefits of visiting podiatrist
While there are plenty of tips out there on the internet, a podiatrist can work with you to determine the best treatment method to reduce your pain and swelling. They’ll give you tips on how to avoid extra pressure, advise you to wear compression socks, and teach you beneficial foot exercises.
They can also help you with foot hygiene. For example, many women develop calluses while pregnant. It can be challenging to get rid of calluses yourself, but a podiatrist will take care of them in a way that minimizes infection. And if you are experiencing lingering foot pain, the podiatrist can determine if there is an underlying condition, such as plantar fasciitis. If there is such a condition you will most likely have to wear specialized insoles. If your doctor doesn’t recommend you a certain type, you can easily find your perfect insole online with websites like Protalus.
Finding the right New Jersey podiatrist
Finding the right podiatrist doesn’t have to be challenging. All you need to do is research different podiatrists near you and make sure they offer the services that you need. When looking at a potential podiatrist, check for reviews or testimonies from previous patients. Or, another alternative is asking friends and family members who they recommend. You can also receive a referral from your primary care doctor.
One podiatrist to consider is Essex Union Podiatry (essexunionpodiatry.com). They have locations throughout New Jersey, have experience developing specialized plans, and treat a variety of conditions. And if you are currently worried about leaving your home due to COVID-19, they are also offering video appointments.
Proper foot care while pregnant
Even before you visit a podiatrist, there are some foot care techniques you should incorporate into your daily routine. Get in the habit of elevating your feet each day. When you elevate your feet on a pillow or in a chair, the blood and extra fluid can circulate better. This can help reduce swelling and pain.
At the same time, however, don’t get in the habit of sitting for too long! You should still be doing simple exercises while pregnant, such as going for a walk around your neighborhood. Not only does this keep you physically fit, but it helps reduce fluid retention and keeps your feet muscles from growing weak.
Supportive shoes during pregnancy
Wearing supportive footwear during pregnancy can also help to reduce foot pain. Stay away from flats, boots, and high heels! Instead, up for shoes and sneakers that provide cushioning and arch support. It is also common for women to have to go up a size while pregnant due to swelling.
Sometimes, pregnant women need to get custom orthotics to have proper support. And the best way to get these custom orthotics is to visit a podiatrist! Or, if the podiatrist doesn’t think you need orthotics, they can work with you to find the best type of shoe to wear throughout your pregnancy. The right type of shoe can make all the difference while you’re pregnant.
Final thoughts
Swollen and achy feet is a normal part of pregnancy. However, if you wear supportive shoes and elevate your feet regularly, you may be able to reduce your pain. But if the pain seems to be lingering, your next step should be to visit a podiatrist, who can work with you to develop an appropriate treatment plan.