Common Pregnancy Foot And Ankle Problems In Utah County

Pregnancy is the most amazing thing you’ll experience in your life! You develop a cell, sustain it until maturity, and even when the child isn’t with you anymore they’re still psychologically attached. But there’s always some kind of struggle: from sleepless nights to discomfort; headaches nausea -the list goes on for how hard pregnancy can be sometimes… but one problem that stands out more than others? Feet problems like sore feet and ankles.

Did you know according to the Institute of Medicine, an average woman gains up to 40 pounds during pregnancy? Now you know why sore feet and ankles are a problem. It is no wonder the extra weight is a little too much for the body to handle.

Here is what you need to know about foot pain, arch pain, and overall health during and after your pregnancy in Utah County. Let’s first take a look at the common issues that women face during pregnancy and how they can impact their overall health.

Common Foot Issues A Women Experiences During Pregnancy

As you progress through pregnancy, you are likely to become conscious of the bitter truth. Your emotional and physical needs are no longer your body’s top priority. Instead, your body (in a sense) is now a baby factory, and the growth of that continuous project takes the highest priority over everything else.

But while that growth takes place, your body adjusts, and as it adjusts, you experience some changes in your life. These changes can range from foot pain to general pain during pregnancy and more.

#1. Increase In Foot Width Or Arch Height

An increase in foot size is a common foot issue. It happens when a buildup of fluid and tissues occurs in the lower extremities causing widening and swelling of the feet. It also causes a decrease in arch height, meaning flat feet. Pregnant women may notice that they can no longer wear their shoes and need to go a size up. However, these changes tend to reverse back up in postpartum.

#2. Arch Or Ball Of Foot Pain

Due to the extra weight, the foot flattens out. It causes feet to roll inwards when walking. It puts pressure on the plantar fascia. However, here is a quick tip. Wearing proper mediated footwear is the solution. Always choose shoes that are excellent in support and shock absorptive.

#3. Swollen Ankles

Swollen ankles are a common complaint among pregnant females. It happens when the blood from the legs goes back into the heart. The heart rate slows down and gets backed due to the larger uterus and fetus. It makes the ankles sore. And can cause extreme discomfort. Moreover, swollen ankles are potentially dangerous to the health of the baby. By wearing compression socks, getting frequent massages, and walking regularly, one can combat foot and ankle swelling.

#4. Plantar Fasciitis

During the first three months, a woman is prone to gain weight. It puts stress on the plantar fascia making it inflamed. This pain can sharpen up early in the morning or after you have been sitting for a longer period. To overcome this, the best one can do is to ice their feet. Or, they may keep their feet elevated when sitting down.

#5. Toenail Fungus

Growing a fetus inside contributes to all kinds of risks. And most importantly, it puts the mother at the risk of getting infected easily, including onychomycosis. Fungal toenail infections are common, and as the body’s hormonal balances change, pregnant females are prone to get infected.

#6. Changes In Joint Mobility

Another issue occurs due to the looseness of your foot and ankle feet. It causes foot and ankle instability. However, weight gain adds up and worsens it. With the changes to the curvature of the back, they may also have an impact on the way you walk as the pregnancy proceeds. To overcome this, you may walk with your legs a bit spread apart to remain balanced. If this foot condition progresses, it may result in bunions or flat feet.

Why Foot Problems Occur During Pregnancy

One of the many reasons why foot problems occur during pregnancy is because of weight gain. However, another reason is the elevated hormone levels. They make the body retain fluids. Fluid retention can be an issue for a variety of reasons, some of which are already mentioned above. Moreover, women with toddlers are likely to run after their young ones even in this condition. It can exacerbate the problem.

Ways To Keep Your Feet Healthy During Pregnancy

Here are a few ways to keep your feet healthy during pregnancy. Many of these tips also apply after giving birth.

• Wear comfortable footwear and give extra support to the feet ensuring that the weight is distributed evenly.
• Spend less time walking barefoot or even avoid it completely.
• Wear footwear that has good arch support.
• Wear footwear that gives a good space for circulation to the feet.
• Whenever you notice swelling, always elevate your feet.
• Massage your feet regularly, or reach out to professional massage therapists to help you out.
• Do light exercises including a walk to boost blood circulation within the body.

Tips And Tricks To Prevent Foot And Ankle Issues

To prevent foot and ankle issues, follow the tips below.

• Try not to stand still for a longer time. By taking breaks during the day, incorporate frequent walking sessions into your routine.
• Wear compression socks. It helps in decreasing swelling.
• Go for a swimming session or take a bath. The water adds force to the swelling and helps with it.
• Sleep on your left side. It adds pressure on blood vessels, making more room for fluids to move from your legs to your upper body.
• Always wear the correct shoe size.
• Use reflexology to help with swelling.

Reach Out To Us For Help With Foot Pain During Pregnancy

To sum it up. Pregnancy is difficult. The extra weight gain, constant headaches, nausea, mood swings, etc can overwhelm a person. Foot and ankle issues are likely to happen because of different reasons. For best results, one can always do two things. Take good care of their feet from the beginning, and secondly, consult a good doctor. And for this purpose, foot specialists in Utah county are here for you. With years of experience, the doctors are highly qualified and skilled.

As a leader in the specialty of foot care, our physicians mindfully craft an individualized remedy plan consisting of factors such as your anatomy and lifestyle. Our experts understand that you want to optimize for a higher quality of life during this stage and help to mitigate foot pain and other concerns.

At the Rogers Foot and Ankle Institute, we have years of experience caring for expecting mothers with foot and ankle conditions often caused due to pregnancy.

Dedicated to helping expecting mothers, leading in research and treatment for foot care, we will certainly help our patients increase their quality of life while going through this wonderful experience. Contact us at 801-756-4200 today to request an appointment.