You’ve found out that you’re expecting. Congratulations! But now you’re wondering what to expect while you’re expecting. One of the least anticipated problems that prospective mothers experience is foot pain. However, it’s a common discomfort during pregnancy, usually occurring during the end of the second and throughout the third trimester.

Body Changes Can Lead to Foot Problems 

Pregnancy can cause many different changes to occur in your body, including hormone, posture, and anatomy changes. As your hormones increase during pregnancy, some of these hormones cause the ligaments and other structures in the pelvis to relax, so the baby can pass through the birth canal. These same hormones can also cause the ligaments in the bottom of your feet to relax, leading to overpronation or “flat feet” when you walk.

Due to weight gain during pregnancy, your center of gravity, posture, and the way you walk and stand changes as your baby grows and shifts position within your uterus. Most pregnant women alter their walk by tilting their pelvis forward and curving their lower spine. This causes you to shift your center of gravity forward. These changes can lead to problems with your balance and added stress on your arches and heels due to the way your feet distribute pressure during walking or standing. Again, overpronation can occur, causing your arches to flatten and your feet to roll inward when you’re walking.

Overpronation can cause foot pain and strain on the heels, arches, or the balls of your feet. You may experience inflammation and/or a burning sensation in the arch of your foot due to excessive stretching of the plantar fascia. You may also suffer from knee, hip, and lower back pain. If the strain on the arch is left untreated, spurs (sharp, bony growths) may develop on the heel.

Treatment and Prevention for Overpronation 

Many expectant mothers think they have to suffer with foot pain since they can’t take most medications used to treat inflammation. However, there are other treatments or preventative measures for foot pain from overpronation during pregnancy. These include:

• Avoid standing or walking for long periods of time.
• Avoid walking barefoot.
• Take frequent breaks. Sit down and elevate your feet.
• Since your foot size can change during pregnancy, make sure your shoes fit properly.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide extra support and shock absorption.
• Place custom orthotics, like the ezWalker^® Performance Insoles, in your shoes. ezWalker^® insoles are designed to provide the heels, arches, and balls of your feet with just the right support needed. By biomechanically aligning your feet and correcting for overpronation, ezWalker^® Performance Insoles control each step throughout the gait cycle, reducing the stress and strain on your feet, knees, hips, and lower back. These insoles will help you maintain balance and stability while providing pain relief and comfort. For more information on how ezWalker^® Performance Insoles can improve your foot mechanics during pregnancy, contact us today. To order your pair of performance insoles, visit our shop today.

ezWalker^® Performance Insoles make all your shoes feel like they walk for you. Remember… when your feet feel good, you feel good.

Note: If any foot problems persist during pregnancy, please consult your doctor.