HELP--I am pregnant and my feet are killing me!! What can I do??
CAUSE OF FOOT PAIN: Your feet are hurting because of increased weight and foot instability and swelling. During this time women experience painful feet because of excess fluid build up from the weight and position of the baby. To reduce swelling you should try to prop your feet up whenever sitting down. Stretch your feet frequently and wear comfortable shoes. Remember don't cross your legs
Arch pain is due to fatigue or over pronation. Over pronation is due to extrememe stress to the plantar fascia or the ligament that holds up the arch of the foot. Stretch daily in the morning and before and after exercise. Don't go barefoot and wear low heeled shoes will also help your arches.
Foot cramps are cause by increased blood volume and increased progesterone levels caused by being pregnant. Rotate your ankles and elevate the feet when sitting will help.
It is common to see an increase in shoe size, up to 1/2 a size. There is a hormone, relaxin, which is released to help the pelvis to open to deliver the baby. It also makes the ligamets in the feet more flexable causing the feet to spread wider and longer.