Patient Guide: Foot Changes During Pregnancy
Pregnant women often see changes in foot size and shape
ROSEMONT, Illinois, Aug. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Many women experience foot changes during pregnancy. The size of the feet may increase and the arches may become flatter. Some women also notice instability in their feet or ankles. For some these changes are temporary and pass after giving birth, but others notice permanent foot changes that affect the shoes they are able to wear.
Why does pregnancy affect the feet? Think weight gain and hormonal shifts.
"Normal pregnancy weight gain can cause changes in the way a woman walks and lead to instability, and fluid build-up in the lower extremities makes the feet larger," says Sudheer Reddy, MD, a foot and ankle orthopaedic specialist in Frederick, Md. "Hormonal changes also make the ligaments of the foot looser, which in turn affects arch height and foot length."
What can pregnant women do about uncomfortable foot changes? Foot and ankle orthopaedic specialists offer several suggestions.
"Compression stockings can help reduce swelling," says Reddy, "as can regular walking and low-impact exercise. Proper hydration and frequent calf stretching can also help reduce foot and ankle discomfort during pregnancy."
To learn more about how feet change during pregnancy, visit the Foot Changes During Pregnancy page at FootCareMD.org, the patient education site of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS).
About Foot and Ankle Orthopaedic Surgeons
Foot and ankle orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons are medical doctors (MD and DO) who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment, both surgical and nonsurgical, of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries of the foot and ankle. Their education and training consists of four years of medical school, five years of post-graduate residency and often a fellowship year of specialized surgical training. These specialists treat patients of all ages and perform reconstructive surgery for deformities and arthritis, treat sports injuries, and manage foot and ankle trauma.
About the AOFAS
As the professional organization of foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons, the AOFAS supports the specialty and other healthcare providers through evidence-based and best-practice education and research. The Society provides leadership in foot and ankle surgery, serving as a resource for government and industry as well as the national and international healthcare communities, and promotes preventive foot and ankle care.
Contact:
AOFAS Executive Office
Office: 847-698-4654
[email protected]
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SOURCE American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society
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