Pregnancy can be a life-altering, beautiful, journey that causes many changes in a woman's body. Along with the joy that a new baby can bring, some women may also experience certain aches and pains during pregnancy in their feet. One of these pains can be heel pain from plantar fasciitis. At the end of this post, if you are pregnant or know someone who's, you will learn some takeaways on how to manage your plantar fasciitis symptoms.
Overview of Plantar Fasciitis & Pregnancy: Plantar fasciitis happens when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the ball of the foot becomes inflamed. The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel or arch of the foot. This pain usually is at its worst during the first steps in the morning or after a long time of not moving. Pain can also get worse after standing or walking for long of time periods. Swelling and tenderness in the heel are common as well.
Factors that can increase your risk of getting plantar fasciitis while pregnant include:
1. Sudden or excess weight changes
Weight gain is part of a healthy pregnancy, but the sudden change in weight that comes along with pregnancy can increase the tension on the plantar fascia because it doesn't have time to adapt to these changes, which increases your risk of developing plantar fasciitis.
2. Hormonal changes
Relaxin, a type of hormone that relaxes tendons in ligaments to prepare a woman's body for birth, also can loosen ligaments in the feet, making your feet while pregnant less stable, and
To learn more about other causes of plantar fasciitis, click here to read my blog post: https://www.directpodiatryaz.com/post/12-plantar-fasciitis-causes
Tips on Managing Plantar Fasciitis During Pregnancy:
1. Choose supportive shoes:
Supportive shoes and shoes with enough cushion are key when managing plantar fasciitis.
These types of shoes include those with good arch support, shock absorption, and a wide toe box to also be able fit if your feet become swollen during pregnancy.
Avoid high heels and flat shoes while trying to overcome plantar fasciitis as these shoe types are more likely to aggravate your symptoms.
2. Shoe Inserts:
Orthotics or inserts specifically designed to help with plantar fasciitis can give you arch support and cushioning. This lowers the amount of strain on the plantar fascia. Talk to a local podiatrist or foot doctor in your area to find the best orthotic for your foot type and needs.
3. Stretching:
Regular stretching exercises are crucial to getting rid of plantar fasciitis.
4. Ice and Massage:
Place ice on the heel for 15-20 minutes several times a day to help with inflammation and relieve pain.
Massaging the foot with a golf ball, tennis ball, or a frozen water bottle can also help loosen up specific points of tension on the sole of your foot
To learn more about additional at-home treatment options for plantar fasciitis, click the link here for a blog post also from me, written on this topic: https://www.directpodiatryaz.com/post/at-home-treatments-for-plantar-fasciitis
5. Weight Management:
Maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy can help lower the amount of tension on your plantar fascia
A balanced diet and regular exercises recommended by your doctor or midwife can make weight management during pregnancy much easier.
6. Rest
A period of rest is also important when trying to overcome plantar fasciitis.
Temporarily taking time away from activities that make your pain worse can help to quiet down the inflammation process
Dealing with plantar fasciitis while can be especially challenging, but with the right management and treatment options in place, relief is possible. Remember, each woman's experience during pregnancy is unique, and it's important to speak with a local foot doctor or podiatrist if your pain is not improving, or getting worse. There are additional treatment options, or therapies available for plantar fasciitis.
Looking for a foot doctor or podiatrist in Phoenix to treat your foot pain? My name is Dr. Tarr, I am a board-certified foot doctor, and owner of Direct Podiatry Arizona in Tempe, AZ. To view available appointment times, click the link here: directpodaz.janeapp.com