Ask a Podiatrist: Treating Feet Pain During Pregnancy at Home

One of the most common chronic foot problems, plantar fasciitis affects 1 in 10 people at some point in their lives. Caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament on the sole of the foot made up of dense connective tissue, the condition produces mild to severe heel pain. Some patients are unable to walk for days when the area becomes irritated and inflamed; others limp in orthopedic shoes.

According to podiatrists, about two million Americans seek treatment for the condition each year. When addressed early, it is possible to prevent the irritation from turning into full-blown inflammation.

When to seek help?

Stiffness and throbbing pain are the most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis. The discomfort or pain occurs in the lower part of the heel and can be sharp or dull. But when the area becomes inflamed, the pain can spread through the plantar fascia and away from the heel.

Since it is often caused by poor foot structure, there is no cure for the chronic condition. Victims must handle specialized pain products such as orthopedic shoe inserts and plenty of rest. NSAIDs like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help relieve pain from inflammation.

Why it happens

The human foot is an extremely complex and delicate structure that can become unbalanced for various reasons. Although completely natural, the weight gain experienced during pregnancy puts enormous pressure on the plantar fascia and can cause it to become inflamed.

Signs and symptoms

If you feel a sharp pain in your heel shortly after getting up in the morning or after sitting for a while, you may have plantar fasciitis. Because pregnant women must gain weight, the stiffness and pain associated with the condition often worsen as they progress through the pregnancy.

Treatment options

If you experience symptoms of the condition during your pregnancy, you must act immediately. Failure to do so could turn a temporary problem into a chronic injury that could last for many years. With that in mind, here are some simple tips that a podiatrist could share with their pregnant patients.

Add orthotic inserts

You should wear a shoe with great arch support to avoid additional strain. An orthopedic shoe insert should give you the necessary comfort and support.

Elevate your feet

To avoid excessive swelling, you need to raise your feet as much as possible. That includes propping them up on a pillow when you sleep.

Ice

Applying an ice pack to inflamed areas several times a day can help you control swelling and inflammation. To avoid irritation, it is important to limit icing sessions to twenty minutes.

Stretch

The tension and pain associated with plantar fasciitis can often be relieved with a few minutes of gentle stretching. One of the most effective stretching exercises for pregnant patients is to use a towel to pull the toes back and stretch the calf.

See a doctor

If none of the home treatment options alleviate your daily discomfort, it is imperative that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible. If not addressed in a timely manner, the condition could cause permanent injury.