Fit Feet During Pregnancy

Pregnant? Don’t Forget to Treat Your Feet….

                               - Foot Pain, Varicose Veins Common During Pregnancy -

                Pregnancy triggers many different changes in a woman's body. Often overlooked is foot health. Two of the most common foot problems experienced by pregnant women are over-pronation and edema. These problems can lead to pain at the heel, arch, or the ball-of-foot. Many women also experience leg cramping and varicose veins due to weight gain.

            “Over pronation, also referred to as flat feet, is caused when a person's arch flattens out upon weight bearing and their feet roll inward when walking,” says Stacey Sarmiento, D.P.M. “Edema is a swelling in the feet, normally occurring in the latter part of pregnancy.”

Dr. Sarmiento offers the following tips for reducing swelling:

·         Don’t sit for long periods of time

·         Wear full-length support stockings as often as possible, and avoid socks with tight bands 
          around the calf or ankle

·         Elevate your feet at least three to four times a day

·         Get a foot massage, it help increase circulation and disperse the swelling

           Over-pronation, or flat feet, can make walking very painful and can increase strain on the feet, calves and/or back. The reason many pregnant woman suffer from over-pronation is the added pressure on the body as a result of weight gain. A conservative way to treat over-pronation is by using orthotics. Choosing comfortable footwear that provides extra support and shock absorption is also a way to treat over-pronation.

            “It is important to treat over-pronation for pain relief but also to prevent other foot conditions from developing such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, tendonitis and/or bunions,” says Dr. Sarmiento.

            If you have any questions, you can check with your podiatrist. If you do not have a podiatrist, you can find the one closest to you by visiting www.rochesterpodiatry.com.

The Monroe Division of the New York State Podiatric Medical Association (NYSPMA) comprises 45 podiatrists serving the communities of six counties across the state. These counties are Livingston, Wayne, Monroe, Ontario, Schuyler, and Yates. Podiatry is a field of medicine that strives to improve the overall health and well-being of patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions associated with the foot. The NYSPMA is the nation’s largest statewide component of the American Podiatric Medical Association. For more information, visit www.rochesterpodiatry.com.