Pregnancy is a time of joy for most women, but it can also be a time of discomfort and pain. One common source of this is foot pain. It can be caused by a number of factors, such as changes in your body's center of gravity, increased pressure on the feet and ankles, and hormonal changes. If you are experiencing pain, your foot doctor can help determine the reason for it. Here are some basics to be aware of.

Type of Foot Pain You May Experience

There are several types of foot pain that can occur during pregnancy. These include swelling and inflammation, arch pain, heel pain, and plantar fasciitis.

Swelling is caused by extra weight being placed on your feet. This extra pressure causes fluids from other parts of the body to be pulled down to compensate for this new pressure. Similarly, arch pain can occur when there is too much strain placed on your arches due to an uneven distribution of weight.

Heel pain may be experienced as a result of tight calf muscles or flat feet becoming more pronounced due to changes in hormones. Finally, plantar fasciitis occurs when stress on the ligaments at the bottom of your feet increases beyond its normal capacity, resulting in pain and inflammation.

How to Alleviate or Avoid Foot Discomfort

To prevent or reduce foot pain during pregnancy, first, consult with your foot doctor so you can narrow down what is causing it. In addition, there are a few things you can do in your day-to-day life to make yourself more comfortable.

For example, it is important to make sure that you are wearing the proper footwear. Shoes with good arch support and cushioning can help relieve the pressure on the feet. You should also avoid standing or walking for long periods, as this can cause further strain on your feet.

Additionally, you should practice exercises such as calf stretches, which can help loosen up tight muscles in your calves and reduce tension in your feet. Finally, elevating your legs while sitting or lying down can provide relief by reducing swelling.

If pregnancy has made your feet ache, reach out to the foot doctors at High Point Foot Center in High Point, NC. The skilled staff uses state-of-the-art techniques and equipment to address a wide range of conditions, all with the goal of making you more mobile and more comfortable. They even have a foot surgeon on staff to carry out bone fusions, reconstructive surgery or tendon repair. Call (336) 882-2070 to speak to a representative, or visit their website for more information about how they can help you.