Mama Needs a New Pair of Shoes

Those who've been pregnant know – when you're carrying a baby, your feet take a lot of abuse. They even grow a half size or more. That's because the same hormones that relax your pelvis also relax the ligaments in the foot. Combined with the downward pressure on the arches from the new weight gain (some arches will even collapse), your feet respond by occasionally swelling and expanding in length and width. This puts enormous strain on the band of tissue that runs from your heel to the ball of your foot (plantar fascia), and causes you to walk differently.

When you inevitably notice that your shoes have tightened, put vanity aside and go shopping. Shoes that are too tight or ill fitting during pregnancy weaken the muscles in the ball of your foot as well as the ligaments which hold your toes straight. This sets the stage for corns, callouses, bunions, arch pain, heel pain, and ingrown toenails.

New shoes should fit properly and provide good arch support, like athletic shoes. If you need a dressy shoe for business, buy flats, because heels move your center of gravity forward, adding pressure to the ball and toes. The higher the heel, the more weight you move to this area of your foot, and the more pain that creates in your feet, calves, and back.

When at all possible, sit down, take your shoes off and put your feet up. When your feet are elevated, the fluids that cause swelling move back into your legs(a foot massage from your significant other will help this as well), providing much needed relief. Also, stretch your legs regularly and follow your OB-GYN's advice about getting proper rest, nutrition, and exercise.

more information can be found at eastpennfoot.com

Happy Mother's Day!