Foot Conditions and Pregnancy
Foot Conditions and Pregnancy
Many changes occur to the body throughout pregnancy and as a result, women who are pregnant are more likely to be affected by certain foot conditions.
Flat Feet
Endocrine changes occurring during pregnancy result in increased laxity of the ligaments of the foot. This may lead to gradual collapse of the foot arches.
A collapsed arch results in widening of the feet, thus altering the foot size.
Swelling and Edema
Swelling of the feet, also known as edema. This conditions usually presents in the second or third trimester of the pregnancy. It occurs as a result of the increased blood volume and blood pressure, which leads to water retention and swelling in the legs and feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are more common in pregnant women, due to the changes in the size, shape and positioning of the foot. During your pregnancy, trimming you toenails correctly without the help of a podiatrist can be difficult. The nail is quite likely to be compromised due to tight-fitting/ill-fitting footwear.
Hot or Burning Sensations
Hormonal changes that occur during your pregnancy can result in hot or burning sensation in your feet. One of the main causes is due to an increase of overall body temperature.
Cracked Heels
Cracked heels occur due to the changes in posture, the way you walk, increase of weight and can causes some heels to dry up and become sore. If you suffer from swollen feet your heels could become dry and cracked because of the changes of weight putting pressure on the padded area under your heel causing the heel to expand sideways and may crack if not moisturised.