Pregnancy brings many changes to your body. Some changes are well-known, like morning sickness and weight gain, while others – like developing flat feet – can surprise expectant mothers. It is a condition that can cause discomfort and make walking more difficult.
Understanding why flat feet develop during pregnancy helps you prepare for this change. Learning about treatment options gives you tools to manage any discomfort. Finding the right doctor for flat feet near you ensures you get professional care when needed.
What Are Flat Feet?
Most people have a curved arch that runs along the inside of their foot from heel to toe. This arch acts like a natural shock absorber when you walk or run. Flat feet occur when the arch of your foot collapses or never develops properly. In other words, your entire foot sole touches the ground when you stand. The arch appears flattened or completely absent.
Two types of flat feet exist: flexible and rigid. With flexible flat feet, you have an arch when you sit or stand on your toes, but the arch disappears when you place weight on your feet. Rigid flat feet have no arch visible at any time.
During pregnancy, women typically develop flexible flat feet. The arch may return after delivery, but some women continue to have flatter feet than before pregnancy.
Several factors during pregnancy contribute to developing flat feet, such as:
- During pregnancy, the female body produces a hormone known as relaxin. This hormone helps your joints and ligaments become more flexible to prepare for childbirth. However, the ligaments that support your foot arch also become looser. This loosening allows the arch to drop and your foot to spread wider.
- The weight gain that accompanies pregnancy places extra pressure on your feet. The additional weight forces your foot arch to work harder to support your body and, over time, causes your arches to flatten.
- As your pregnancy progresses, your center of gravity tends to shift forward. This change affects how you walk and stand. Many women develop a wider stance and different walking pattern to maintain balance. Changes in your posture and gait can put additional stress on your feet, possibly contributing to arch collapse and, thus, the development of flat feet.
Common Symptoms of Flat Feet
- Foot Pain and Fatigue – This pain typically worsens after standing or walking for extended periods and often occurs along the arch area or on the inside of your foot. You may also experience heel pain while walking.
- Leg and Back Pain – Many women notice increased pain in their calves, knees, hips, or lower back. This happens because flat feet change how your body absorbs impact when walking. The altered foot position affects your entire leg alignment and can create a chain reaction of discomfort up through your body.
- Swelling and Stiffness – The changed foot structure can affect blood flow and make swelling more noticeable. Morning stiffness in your feet is another common symptom. Your feet may feel particularly stiff and sore when you first get out of bed.
Tips for Managing Flat Feet During Pregnancy
Here are some tips to manage flat feet during your pregnancy:
Choose Supportive Footwear
Proper shoes are essential for managing flat feet. Shop for shoes that provide good arch support and cushioned soles. Whatever you do, avoid high heels and flip-flops. You’ll find that athletic shoes or walking shoes often provide the best support. Also, your feet may be wider or longer during pregnancy, so make sure your shoes fit properly.
Use Arch Support Inserts
Over-the-counter arch support inserts fit inside your regular shoes and help restore some arch support. Gel or foam inserts can provide extra cushioning for comfort.
Practice Foot Strengthening Exercises
Toe curls, calf stretches, and ankle circles are easy exercises you can do at home to improve flexibility. You can try picking up small objects with your toes as a way to strengthen your foot muscles. Rolling a tennis ball under your foot can help massage sore areas and improve flexibility. Perform these exercises several times throughout the day for best results.
Rest and Elevate Your Feet
Taking regular breaks to rest your feet can reduce pain and swelling. Sit down and elevate your feet above heart level when possible. This position helps improve blood flow and reduces swelling in your feet and ankles. Try to elevate your feet for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day.
Apply Ice for Pain Relief
Use an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel and apply it to sore areas for 15 to 20 minutes.
Professional Treatment Options
Sometimes, home remedies are not enough to manage flat feet symptoms. Professional treatment can provide more effective relief and prevent complications.
Custom Orthotics
A podiatrist can create custom orthotic devices specifically for your feet. These devices provide precise support for your unique foot shape and needs.
Physical Therapy
A physical therapist can teach you specific exercises to strengthen your feet and improve your walking pattern, as well as provide manual therapy to reduce pain and improve mobility.
Medical Evaluation
If you experience severe pain, significant swelling, or difficulty walking, consult a podiatrist who will evaluate your condition and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Flat Foot Therapy in San Antonio, Texas
The Podiatry Group of South Texas understands the unique foot care needs of expectant mothers. Our experienced team provides comprehensive care for women experiencing problems with flat feet during pregnancy.
Our podiatrists work closely with you to develop a treatment plan that keeps you comfortable and active throughout your pregnancy. We understand that every pregnancy is different and tailor our approach to your specific needs.
The clinic provides ongoing support and monitoring throughout your pregnancy. This ensures that your treatment plan remains effective as your body changes.
Do not let foot pain limit your activities during this special time. Professional help is available when home remedies are insufficient. The right treatment can help you stay active and comfortable throughout your pregnancy.
If you are experiencing problems with flat feet or pain in the heel while walking, contact The Podiatry Group of South Texas today by calling (210) 227-8700. You can also schedule an appointment with one of our experienced podiatrists using our online contact form.
We are here to help you, so reach out to us today.
