Essential Foot Care Tips Pregnant Women
Pregnancy and Feet: Essential Foot Care Tips
Experience the journey of pregnancy with greater comfort and support through expert guidance from Foot Solutions. As your body changes, so do your feet, often leading to swelling, arch pain, and fatigue. This guide offers essential tips to help expectant mothers care for their feet, choose the right footwear, and maintain mobility throughout every trimester. With the right advice and support from Foot Solutions Plymouth, you can step confidently into motherhood.
Pregnancy brings about numerous changes in a woman's body, and the
feet are no exception. Hormonal fluctuations, increased weight, and altered gait can lead to various foot-related issues.
Understanding these changes and adopting proper foot care practices with support from
Foot Solutions can help ensure comfort and mobility throughout pregnancy.
Common Foot Issues During Pregnancy
- Swelling (Oedema)
Increased blood volume and pressure from the growing uterus can lead to fluid retention, causing swelling in the feet and ankles. This is particularly common in the later stages of pregnancy. - Flat Feet and Overpronation
The hormone relaxin causes ligaments to loosen, which, combined with added weight, can flatten the arches of the feet. This may lead to overpronation, where the feet roll inward excessively during walking, a common contributor to pregnancy foot swelling. Managing overpronation early can help reduce discomfort and minimise the risk of long-term pregnancy feet swelling throughout the trimesters. - Increased Foot Size
Many women experience a permanent increase in foot size due to the loosening of ligaments and increased weight. It's not uncommon for feet to become longer or wider during pregnancy. - Foot Pain and Cramping
The added weight and changes in gait can lead to discomfort in the feet. Additionally, hormonal changes can cause muscle cramps, particularly in the calves and feet.
Foot Care Tips for Expectant Mothers
- Choose Supportive Footwear
Opt for shoes with good arch support, a wide toe box, and cushioning to accommodate swelling and provide comfort. Avoid high heels and unsupportive footwear. - Elevate Your Feet
Whenever possible, elevate your feet to reduce pregnancy feet swelling and improve circulation. This is especially beneficial after long periods of standing or sitting. - Stay Active
Engage in low-impact exercises such as walking or swimming to promote circulation and strengthen foot muscles. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen. - Stretch Regularly
Incorporate gentle stretching exercises to alleviate tension in the feet and calves. This can help reduce cramping and improve flexibility. - Maintain Proper Hydration
Drinking plenty of water helps reduce fluid retention and supports overall health. Avoid excessive salt intake, which can exacerbate pregnancy feet swelling. - Use Compression Stockings
Compression stockings can help improve circulation and reduce swelling in the feet and legs. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate compression level. - Monitor Foot Changes
Regularly check your feet for any changes, such as swelling, redness, or sores. Promptly address any concerns with your healthcare provider. - Seek Professional Advice
If you experience persistent foot pain, swelling, or other issues, consult with a podiatrist or healthcare provider for personalised care and recommendations.
Steve Morgan loves attending concerts at London’s many music venues. However, in recent years, his enjoyment has been increasingly marred by foot and back pain that prevented him standing for prolonged periods. A keen sportsman, Steve, 44, has a high pain threshold, but about a year ago the discomfort became debilitating, limiting both his mobility and quality of life. Recommended by a work colleague whose mother had been successfully treated for a similar complaint, Steve made an appointment for a free, no obligation assessment at Foot Solutions. “The assessment was detailed, rigorous and really interesting” explains Steve. “All the consultants at Foot Solutions are highly-trained specialists and really know their stuff. I learnt that I have over-pronating feet which means that my arches flatten on impact with the ground. The recommended treatment was customised arch supports. The consultant explained the benefits without applying any sales pressure. After consideration, I decided to proceed with the purchase.” Have the arch supports helped? “They’ve been an absolute godsend” says Steve, “The foot pain has been massively reduced and the back pain has completely gone. I can now enjoy a night out with hardly any discomfort. Plus, my balance and posture have improved so much that I’ve realised that I’m taller than people I thought were bigger than me!” Would he recommend Foot Solutions? “Definitely” confirms Steve, “Foot Solutions are massive in America and it’s easy to see why. The assessment process is excellent, the products are superb and the staff are outstanding.” If you’re suffering from foot, back or joint pain, contact Foot Solutions today to arrange a free foot and gait analysis.
Although officially retired as a Consultant Maxillofacial Prosthetist, Colin Haylock MBE still travels the world using his specialist life-changing skills to help rebuild people’s faces. However, following a motorcycle accident which left his left foot badly deformed, Colin’s mobility was significantly restricted. “I was really struggling,” explains Colin, currently an honorary tutor at Guys Medical School. “Following the accident, my movement became painful and awkward and I had to drag my left foot sideways. The problem was accentuated during my travels when I was on my feet a lot of the time.” At first, Colin sought help from the usual channels, visiting casualty, a physiotherapist and even an orthoptist who prescribed rigid (and uncomfortable) half-sole inserts. Unfortunately, nothing worked. Then Colin decided to visit Foot Solutions in Richmond. “I’d been aware of the Foot Solutions free foot assessment offer for some time,” adds Colin “then one Sunday morning I called in to the store. I’m so glad I did because that visit changed my life for the better.” Colin was seen by Foot Solutions consultant Asif, who after taking a full case history, performed a series of tests and scans which identified in addition to the injury, a fallen arch which was exacerbating the problem. “Asif was extremely patient and thorough,” continues Colin, “he recommended custom-made arch supports and advised on suitable footwear, but applied no sales pressure.” Colin accepted Asif’s recommendations and followed his detailed instructions on how to use the arch supports. “I can now walk normally with virtually no discomfort,” says a delighted Colin, “Foot Solutions is a very good product and I am happy to endorse it.”
Food Scientist turned designer jeweller, Heather Paine was finding her mobility and comfort increasingly marred by the effect of arthritis in her ankles and feet. This was exacerbated by a painful condition known as hammer toes, where the toe joints curl downwards, causing friction with footwear. After enduring much discomfort, Heather eventually had an operation in an attempt to reduce the pain. Following the surgery, she was prescribed rigid, three-quarter length standard orthotics, which could only be used in a limited range of very unflattering footwear. “I came across Foot Solutions in Richmond, and decided to call in. I was very patiently and thoroughly taken through a detailed foot assessment process including two scans. Custom arch supports were recommended and I was shown a selection of stylish, comfortable and orthotic-friendly shoes. After I was fitted with my new orthotics and footwear, the improvement has been dramatic. Life is a lot less painful and I can wear nice shoes, sandals and boots. I recently went to Brazil and spent a lot of time on my feet without any discomfort! I am more than happy to recommend Foot Solutions.”
