Sharp pain on top of foot pregnancy

ACFAS offers mothers-to-be remedies for aching feet.  
 

“Oh, my aching feet” is a phrase you hear often from pregnant women. But are sore feet a symptom they just must deal with during pregnancy? According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), the answer is no. Many remedies are available to help alleviate foot pain.

According to Marybeth Crane, DPM, FACFAS, a Dallas-area foot and ankle surgeon, women often experience foot pain during pregnancy because of increased weight, foot instability and swelling. “In the last five years, I’ve seen an increase in pregnant women with foot pain because more women than ever before are active, even running marathons, during their pregnancies,” Dr. Crane says. ACFAS recommends the following guidelines to help reduce foot pain during pregnancy.

Painful, Swollen Feet—Pregnant women often experience throbbing, swollen feet due to excess fluid buildup (edema) in the feet from the weight and position of the baby. To reduce swelling, put feet up whenever possible, stretch legs frequently, wear wide comfortable shoes and do not cross legs when sitting.

Arch Pain—Pain in the arch can be due to both arch fatigue or overpronation (or the flattening of the arch). Overpronation causes extreme stress to the ligament (the plantar fascia) that holds up the arch of the foot. The best way to prevent arch pain is to stretch daily in the morning and before and after any exercise, do not go barefoot and wear supportive low-heeled shoes.

Ingrown Toenails—Excessive stress from tightly fitting shoes causes painful ingrown toenails. Give your feet a break: wear wider shoes during the last trimester of pregnancy to avoid ingrown toenails. If you experience an ingrown toenail, avoid attempting “bathroom surgery.” Repeated cutting of the nail can cause the condition to worsen over time. It is best to seek treatment with a foot and ankle surgeon.

It is also not uncommon for women to experience a change in their foot size during pregnancy. “A permanent growth in a women’s foot, up to half a size, can occur from the release of the same hormone, relaxin, that allows the pelvis to open to deliver the baby. It makes the ligaments in your feet more flexible, causing feet to spread wider and longer,” Dr. Crane adds.

Pregnancy and pending motherhood should be a joy. If foot pain persists, a visit to a foot and ankle surgeon can provide relief with conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, foot orthotics, supportive shoes and minor toenail procedures.

Sharp pain on top of foot pregnancy

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During pregnancy, it’s common for women to experience foot problems they never encountered before. Over-pronation (flat feet) and edema (swelling of feet) often develop during pregnancy. Natural weight gain puts added pressure on the knees and ankles, which can lead to heel pain, arch pain, and ball-of-foot pain. But foot pain and discomfort can be treated and prevented with some simple footwear adjustments and regular care during pregnancy. Keep reading to learn how to keep your feet healthy and happy while they walk for two. Now before you kiss your shoe collection goodbye and dread the onset of swollen ankles, review the foot care tips below. You’ll see the treatments for expecting moms are things you already enjoy. So take a relaxing bath, then put up your feet while you shop for new shoes and nail polish. 

What to Do

It’s not uncommon for a woman to change shoe size several times throughout the course of pregnancy, so it’s important to adjust footwear accordingly. Don’t squeeze your swollen feet into shoes that are too small or lack cushioning and support. Going up an extra size and adding orthotic insoles to shoes will keep feet comfortable and supported as they carry two. If you stick to your pre-pregnancy shoes, you run the risk of developing bunions and ball-of-foot pain. Over-pronation and decreased balance during pregnancy can be treated with orthotic insoles, which can greatly decrease any pain and discomfort by correcting alignment. Wearing socks that promote circulation will also help decrease swelling and provide relief from foot problems.

Edema usually occurs during the later months of pregnancy when the body retains water and causes swelling. You can reduce the effects of edema by lowering your salt intake, putting your feet up whenever possible, and taking a bath to decrease swelling. Wearing compression socks also helps improve circulation which will decrease swelling and relieve foot pain.

It’s vital to switch out your nail polishes too (that is, if you can still reach your toes!). Harmful chemicals found in nail polishes, such as formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutylphthalate (DBP) have been linked to infertility and birth defects.

Foot Problems Associated With Pregnancy

  • Over-pronation
  • Edema (swelling of feet)
  • Arch pain
  • Heel pain
  • Metatarsalgia (ball-of-foot pain)

Treatments

  • Orthotics
  • Proper fitting footwear is a must!
  • Socks that promote circulation
  • Reflexology
  • Stretches and massages to legs and feet when sore
  • Warm baths to relax muscles and decrease swelling

Daily Tips

  • Put your feet up whenever possible
  • Stay hydrated—drink plenty of water to reduce cramping
  • Cut salt from your diet to reduce swelling
  • Walk to promote circulation in legs
  • Avoid walking barefoot; your feet need support
  • Do NOT use drug store nail polish with toxins

Why does the top of my foot hurt while pregnant?

The growing fetus also restricts and interferes with blood flow to the lower extremity of a pregnant woman's body. As your baby grows, your expanding uterus puts pressure on organs and blood vessels. Restricted blood flow can cause foot cramps, muscle spasms, and fluid retention.

Which part of foot hurts in pregnancy?

During pregnancy, it's common for women to experience foot problems they never encountered before. Over-pronation (flat feet) and edema (swelling of feet) often develop during pregnancy. Natural weight gain puts added pressure on the knees and ankles, which can lead to heel pain, arch pain, and ball-of-foot pain.

Can pregnancy cause foot tendonitis?

Because of these intense stresses and changes, many pregnant women develop Plantar Fasciitis. Plantar Fasciitis presents itself as sharp pain in the heel and/or arch. This can cause extreme discomfort as well as physical compensation, such as limping.

When does foot pain start in pregnancy?

Pregnant women most often experience edema in their ankles and feet. It is quite common for women to experience edema during pregnancy — more than three-quarters of pregnant women suffer from it — and it can begin during the second trimester.