9 Simple Tips To Relieve Foot Pain During Pregnancy
Massage, foot exercises, and comforting footwear can help ease your foot pain while pregnant.
anshuman mohapatra 
Image: Shutterstock
In This Article
You are more likely to gain weight to support the developing fetus during pregnancy. The growing womb, fetus, and hormonal changes can cause balance issues and foot pain during pregnancy. It may occur in relatively mild intensity in most women (1). Since taking over-the-counter pain relief medication may not be safe during pregnancy, you may have to find alternative ways to get relief from foot pain and other common foot problems in pregnancy.
Read about the causes and ways to manage foot pain in pregnancy.
How Prevalent Is Foot Pain During Pregnancy?
Women are 1.3X more prone to foot pain than men (2). Moreover, there is an increased risk of musculoskeletal (bone and muscle) disorders during pregnancy. Lower back pain is commonly seen during pregnancy, along with foot pain.
The condition may occur during the second or third trimesters and postpartum (3). The foot pain is also accompanied by deformation of foot arches and pes planus (loss of the arch of the feet or flat feet).
What Are The Common Foot Issues During Pregnancy?
The bodily and hormonal changes in pregnancy lead to changes in the lower extremities. Some common foot problems include (4) (5):
- Faster growth of toenail
- Roughened toenail
- Dryness of skin
- Swelling of the lower extremities
- Unsteady gait
- Widening of foot width
- Hip pain
- Leg cramps
What Causes Foot Pain During Pregnancy?
Foot pain is likely to increase during pregnancy. Some possible causes include (6):
- Weight gain.
- Forefoot pressure increases towards the third trimester.
- The relaxin hormone is known to relax muscles and ligaments. Relaxin makes the ligaments more flexible, causing feet to spread wider and longer. It could therefore lead to inflammation and pain in the feet.
- Restricted movements and lack of exercise towards the end of the pregnancy may influence the blood flow in the feet, resulting in edema (swollen feet) and pain. Also, the blood flow may be hampered to and from the lower parts of the leg due to the mother’s weight and the position of the growing fetus, causing foot pain.
How To Relieve Foot Pain During Pregnancy?
Some measures that could help relieve foot pain during pregnancy are (7) (8):
- Take a short break in between work and relax your feet.
- Massage your legs to ease swelling.
- Keep your feet elevated for a while to relieve pain and ease swelling.
- Having plenty of water during pregnancy is a good way to remain relaxed. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), you should have at least eight cups or 64 ounces of water daily.
- Wear wide comfortable shoes and socks for walking and physical activities. It should not be too tight to disrupt blood circulation. Do not stand for a long period of time. In edematous feet wear compression stocking.
- Perform pre- and post-warm-up sessions before practicing strenuous exercises.
- Practice gentle physical activities to strengthen muscles and stay healthy during pregnancy. Walking, swimming or squatting are beneficial during pregnancy.
- Avoid crossing your legs while sitting.
- You may use arch support (shoe inserts) to relieve foot pain during pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I put my feet in hot water during pregnancy?
Having an at-home spa for your feet with lukewarm water will give a soothing experience during pregnancy (9). It is a good idea to add half a cup of Epsom salt into lukewarm water and keep your feet soaked for some time to help reduce swelling in the feet. The water should not be too hot, and warm water is preferable.
2. Is foot pain a sign of early pregnancy?
Foot pain is common during pregnancy, and it may be considered a sign of pregnancy (10). However, it is best to rely on a reliable method of detecting pregnancy or consider a pregnancy test.
3. Is foot massage safe for pregnancy?
Foot massages are generally safe during pregnancy. However, seek your doctor’s advice if massages are safe for your condition. If you have high blood pressure, preeclampsia, or other complications, take the approval of your medical advisor before going ahead with the massage. You should visit a massage therapist suggested by your doctor (11).
Due to weight growth and restricted blood flow in the foot, feet often pain in pregnancy. This illness could be exacerbated by a lack of physical activity and movement. Increased pressure on the foot leads to pain, which can be alleviated by wearing supportive shoes. Getting a foot massage and keeping the foot elevated during pregnancy can help to improve blood circulation and reduce swelling and soreness. If you’re pregnant and your foot discomfort is extreme, don’t hesitate to see a doctor.
Key Pointers
- Hormonal changes, lack of exercise or foot movements, and extra weight gain can cause foot pain in pregnancy.
- Faster growth of toenails, unsteady gait, and skin dryness are some common foot problems in expectant mothers.
- Stretching feet, walking, using shoes with support, and massages can help reduce foot pain when pregnant.
References
- Aches and pains during pregnancy.
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000580.htm - Pregnancy Leads to Lasting Changes in Foot Structure.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3596423/ - Hip, knee, and foot pain during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8691182/ - Lower Extremity Changes Experienced During Pregnancy.
https://www.jfas.org/article/S1067-2516(10)00273-5/fulltext - Musculoskeletal pain and symptoms in pregnancy: a descriptive study.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6262502/ - Plantar pressure and foot pain in the last trimester of pregnancy.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20132753/ - Enjoy Pregnancy Without Foot Pain.
https://www.foothealthfacts.org/article/enjoy-pregnancy-without-foot-pain - How much water should I drink during pregnancy?
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/ask-acog/how-much-water-should-i-drink-during-pregnancy - 7 Natural Ways to Reduce Swelling in Your Feet While Pregnant.
https://rmccares.org/2020/07/02/7-natural-ways-to-reduce-swelling-in-your-feet-while-pregnant/ - Pregnancy – signs and symptoms.
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/pregnancy-signs-and-symptoms - Is massage safe during pregnancy?
https://utswmed.org/medblog/massage-pregnancy-guidelines/
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