Footnotes on Pregnancy

Understanding the Impact of Pregnancy on Foot Health

Many women do no realise the affects pregnancy can have on their feet and that the foot pain they may be exeriencing during pregnancy is not in their head!

Pregnancy is a transformative journey marked by numerous physiological changes in a woman's body. While these changes are well-documented, the impact on foot health is often overlooked. However, recent research has shed light on the significant alterations that occur in the feet during pregnancy and the potential solutions to mitigate associated discomfort and pain.

Studies have highlighted that pregnancy induces various physiological changes in the feet, including alterations in body mass, distribution, joint laxity, and muscle strength. These changes can lead to shifts in foot structure, biomechanics, and function, often resulting in discomfort, pain, or injury, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy.

Common findings include increased foot size, decreased arch height, and elevated plantar pressure, contributing to conditions like plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, and foot fatigue.  Some of the changes to the feet can actually be permanent.

Orthotic interventions present a viable approach to mitigate foot-related challenges during and after pregnancy. Our Tempo Prefabricated Orthotics are tailored to accommodate the unique changes in foot structure experienced during this period. These orthotics offer crucial structural support, redistribute pressure, and alleviate mechanical stress on the foot. Through stabilizing and cushioning effects, they effectively alleviate discomfort and enhance foot function, contributing to improved foot health and encouraging mothers to be more active.

Pregnancy brings about significant changes in foot health, impacting comfort and mobility for expectant mothers. Understanding these changes and implementing appropriate interventions, such as orthotic solutions like Tempo Prefabricated Orthotics, can greatly improve foot health and enhance overall well-being during pregnancy.

By addressing foot discomfort and promoting proper alignment and support, orthotics play a crucial role in ensuring a more comfortable and enjoyable pregnancy journey and also manageing post changes to the feet.

Refernce List:

1. Gianakos, A. L., Abdelmoneim, A., Kerkhoffs, G. M., & DiGiovanni, C. W. (2022). The Pregnant Patient – Why Do My Feet Hurt? The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery, 61(6), 1357-1361.

2. Vico Pardo, F. J., López del Amo, A., Pardo Rios, M., Gijon-Nogueron, G., & Castro Yuste, C. (2018). Changes in foot posture during pregnancy and their relation with musculoskeletal pain: A longitudinal cohort study. Women and Birth, 31(2), e84-e88.

3. Karadag-Saygi, E., Unlu-Ozkan, F., & Basgul, A. (2010). Plantar Pressure and Foot Pain in the Last Trimester of Pregnancy. Foot & Ankle International, 31(2), 153-157.

4. Chiou, W. K., Chiu, H. T., Chao, A. S., Wang, M. H., & Chen, Y. L. (2015). The influence of body mass on foot dimensions during pregnancy. Applied Ergonomics, 46, 212-217.