"Oh my aching feet" is a phrase you hear often from pregnant women. But, are sore feet a symptom they just must deal with during pregnancy? The answer is "no." There are many remedies available to help alleviate foot pain.
Women often experience foot pain during pregnancy because of increased weight, foot instability and swelling. "In the last five years, I've seen an increase in pregnant women with foot pain because more women than ever before are active, even running marathons, during their pregnancies," We recommend the following guidelines to help reduce foot pain during pregnancy.
It is also not uncommon for women to experience a change in their foot size during pregnancy. "A permanent growth in a women's foot, up to half a size, can occur from the release of the same hormone, relaxin, that allows the pelvis to open to deliver the baby. It makes the ligaments in your feet more flexible, causing feet to spread wider and longer,"
Pregnancy and pending motherhood should be a joy. If foot pain persists, make sure you see a foot and ankle specialist. Relief with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, foot orthotics, supportive shoes and minor toenail procedures can relieve your foot pain and keep you active.