Pregnancy: Common Foot And Ankle Problems

Physio&SoleClinic Flat Feet, Foot and Ankle Pain, Podiatry October 7 2022

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Expecting a new life is an exciting and life changing event. Throughout pregnancy, your body will undergo physical changes. Beyond the obvious ones, it may come as a surprise that your foot and ankle may also develop adjustments too. In this article, we will provide a quick summary of the common foot and ankle conditions that expecting mummies may experience, and how to properly manage them.

Common foot and ankle problems associated with pregnancy:

1. Swelling of the foot and ankle 

Swelling in the foot and ankle is common during pregnancy, especially in the 3^rd trimester. In some instances, the toes may also be affected. This phenomenon is a result of multiple factors, such as weight gain during pregnancy, reduced mobility, and the enlarging womb pressing on the pelvic veins draining the legs resulting in poorer blood circulation and water retention.

2. Widening of forefoot and flattening of arches (Overpronation) 

During pregnancy, your body produces relaxin, a hormone that prevents the contraction of the womb, and relaxes the ligaments of the pelvis and allows it to widen in preparation for childbirth. This hormone is produced during the 1^st trimester of pregnancy, with production peaking during the 2^nd trimester. There is some evidence that relaxin also relaxes the ligaments in the foot. Coupled with the increase in body weight, this may cause flattening of the arches of the foot resulting in a wider forefoot. This is known as overpronation of the foot, and can cause the following conditions:

• Posterior tibialis tendon dysfunction: 

This tendon runs along the inside of your foot under the arch. Overpronation increases strain in this region, which may lead to injury or dysfunction of the posterior tibialis tendon. 

• Metatarsalgia: 

Overpronation causes abnormal weight distribution on the sole. Increased pressure is now placed on the ball of your foot, and this can result in pain and inflammation in this area.

• Bunion / bunionette: 

Widening of the forefoot changes the angles of the foot bones and can result in bunions on either side of your forefoot. 

3. Heel pain

As the tummy increases in size, you will naturally begin to lean backwards to compensate for the weight. This places more weight and pressure on the heels, and the increase in tension on the heel ligaments can lead to injury. 

What should I do if I experience pain in my foot and ankle?

If you experience swelling in the foot and toes, try to keep active and continue regular walking to promote blood circulation in the legs. When you are sitting down, try to elevate your legs whenever possible. Compression stockings may also help to further reduce swelling and improve blood flow through the veins. Do not limit your water intake as dehydration may result in muscle cramps in the legs. Instead, you can reduce salt intake to combat water retention.

If you experience pain over your foot, avoid being barefoot to reduce strain on the foot ligaments. Wear slippers with padded arches even at home, and for more arch support, orthotics (insoles) can be placed in your footwear to counter overpronation.

If your feet symptoms persist, do consult a podiatrist for further examination and management. 

Written by:

Ng Jia Lin
Principal Podiatrist
Women’s and Children Centre
Physio and Sole Clinic

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