Podiatric Tips for Pregnancy

If you’re expecting a baby, congratulations! At Goldsmith Podiatry, we know that your feet are probably the last thing on your mind right now, but as your pregnancy progresses, you will want to take steps to stay comfortable and protect the health of your feet. After all, they’ll now be carrying two people! Below are some common foot and ankle concerns for pregnant women.

Arch/Heel Pain—as your weight increases it can cause the arch of your foot to flatten out. This can produce arch pain and it can also aggravate the plantar fascia—the long ligament that stretches along the bottom of your foot—which leads to heel pain. Start your day with some foot stretches to keep the plantar fascia supple. Avoid walking barefoot and wear shoes that have good arch support. If this becomes a severe problem, make an appointment at our Upper West Side office to see our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith and Dr. Rosanna Troia. The foot doctor may prescribe a custom orthotic device to provide the support you need.

Ankle Sprains—the growth of your baby swells your abdomen and can change your center of gravity. This may leave you a little off balance, increasing the risk of an ankle sprain. Stick with low, wide heels for extra stability and shoe styles that offer ankle support when possible.

Swelling—increases in fluid in your body during pregnancy can lead to edema or swelling. Your ankles and feet are the natural place for excess fluid to pool and buildup thanks to gravity. This can be painful. Drink plenty of water, stretch frequently and avoid crossing your legs when sitting. Most importantly, put your feet up whenever possible.

Ingrown Toenails—your body naturally releases hormones during pregnancy whose job it is to relax ligaments. Although this is aimed at making easy passage of the baby through your pelvis, the hormones don’t discriminate and the ligaments in your feet may also relax and spread. For many women this means their shoes will become tight and uncomfortable and this can lead to ingrown toenails. You may need to buy bigger shoes during your last trimester. If you do get an ingrown toenail, don’t attempt to dig it out with sharp instruments. Contact us by calling (212) 877-1002 for help. We’re here to assist with any podiatric problems that come up during your pregnancy.