Plantar Fasciitis Develops In Pregnant Women

When a female is having a baby, she is prone to developing swollen ankles and trouble walking along with foot pain. Plantar fasciitis develops in pregnant women, and these symptoms could be a sign of plantar fasciitis. About 10 percent of women plus those who are pregnant have this complaint.

When a pregnant woman gains weight in their first trimester, it usually puts more strain on the plantar fascia causing it to become inflamed. “The result is a sharp pain in the heel, especially after you’ve been sitting for a while or when you wake up in the morning” said Dr. Alan Berman, a podiatrist at Somers Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine Group. The best thing that one can do to relieve this pain is to ice the feet or keep them elevated when sitting down.

It is important that pregnant women care for their feet. If you believe you suffer from foot problems as a result of swollen feet from pregnancy, it is best to seek a podiatrist like Dr. Neal Mozen of Foot Health Care Associates. Dr. Mozen will evaluate your condition and provide appropriate treatment options for your feet.

What foot problems can arise during pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is over-pronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy, but tends to occur in the later stages.

How can I keep my feet healthy during pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

If you have any questions feel free to contact one of our offices. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.