Tips To Relieve Foot Pain During Pregnancy

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Pregnancy sets off many changes in a woman’s body. As the pregnancy begins to progress, many different changes are triggered in a woman’s body and the most frequent are complaints about aching legs and feet. The downside to pregnancy is when you have foot pain. ‘Oh my aching feet,’ is one of the most common phrases that you get to hear made by women at the time of pregnancy. Most expectant mothers have innumerable complaints throughout their pregnancy. They often complain about their tired sore feet and the leg pain.

During pregnancy, the legs and feet get dead beat, worn out and also absolutely achy. The natural weight gain during pregnancy adds pressure to the knees and feet. Over-pronation (flat foot) and edema are two of the most common problems that women experience during pregnancy. Over-pronation is a common problem that occurs when the person’s foot arch collapses upon weight bearing. It makes walking painful and this happens due to added pressure on the body that creates severe aching foot problems.

Edema is a swelling that occurs in the feet. Edema is more prominent in the last part of pregnancy. Some of the other causes of leg and feet pain are swelling, long hours of walking, not enough rest, less blood supply, swollen feet and ankles and too much stress. There are a number of things expectant mothers have to do in order to relieve the foot pain during pregnancy. Special attention and tender care can avoid the pain in your legs and relieve sore feet during pregnancy.

These are some of the tips that can help relieve foot pain during pregnancy.

Put your feet up

If you want to reduce swelling and relieve foot pain during pregnancy, make sure to take short breaks during the day and try to lift up your feet to relieve the pressure. Whenever possible sit with your feet up and practise few leg exercises like gently circling the ankles and feet. Keep in mind that you have to reduce major activities and take regular short breaks. Expectant mothers can remain active by walking and swimming since this will not add stress on the body.

Always lie on the left side

Lying on the left side helps the blood to flow to the heart, fetus and uterus. Left side allows for maximum blood flow and to reduce swelling and relieve the foot pain during pregnancy. This also keeps the pressure off from the liver.

Ice it up

The best way to relieve the sore feet during pregnancy is to apply ice. This also treats the inflammation. Take a towel and wrap the ice pack. Let it sit on your feet for 20 minutes to reduce foot pain. In general, expectant mothers can apply the cold pack on the swollen area up to 3 times in a day for 15 to 20 minutes.

Drink plenty of fluids and avoid salt

Your body needs plenty of water to keep it hydrated. Expectant mothers have to drink plenty of water to reduce the swelling and relieve the foot pain during pregnancy. Your kidney needs 3.1 litres of fluids per day. Avoid soft drinks or any drink that contains excess sugar.

Visit a doc

If your pain doesn't get better consider visiting an orthopaedist.

Foot massage

Make sure to have a relaxing foot massage, in order to soothe the swollen feet and also to improve blood circulation. Try to wear shoes that fit properly but do avoid high heels when you are pregnant as it would tighten circulation.