|
|
|
|  |
|
|
| |
Pregnancy
and the foot
When you are
pregnant
When a woman is pregnant, the excessive
weight gain combined with hormonal
release relaxes certain ligaments
in the body. As the fetus grows larger,
the centre of gravity changes from
the lower back to the front of the
body. In the later stages of pregnancy,
the woman tends to turn out her feet
for stability. This puts undue stress
on the tendons, muscles, and ligaments
of the foot, which may cause pain
or mechanical problems such as bunions,
tendonitis, ingrown toenails, and
other inflammatory conditions. A pregnant
woman’s foot can also swell
or enlarge anywhere from one to two
sizes, causing discomfort. Other common
complications include swelling of
the legs, varicose veins, leg fatigue,
and cramps.
What can you do?
| •
|
Wear comfortable,
supportive shoes |
| •
|
Use over-the-counter arch supports |
| •
|
Elevate and rest legs often |
| •
|
Stretch |
| • |
Begin a supervised exercise
program |
What might
the podiatrist do?
| •
|
Perform a physical
examination |
| •
|
Prescribe support hose |
| •
|
Prescribe orthotics |
| •
|
Evaluate and treat associated
foot problems |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
