Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, yet it often brings along unique challenges, especially when it comes to foot health. Many expectant mothers grapple with swelling and instability in their feet, turning the search for comfortable footwear into a formidable task.
During pregnancy, it's common for feet to grow by half a size to a full size, sometimes more. This change is often temporary but can be permanent for some, particularly if the foot arch flattens significantly. Interestingly, diabetic shoes, known for their extra width and supportive structure, emerge as an unexpected but effective solution. In our blog, we delve into the nuances of how pregnancy can lead to conditions like edema, flat feet, ball of foot pain and plantar fasciitis. We further explore the role of diabetic shoes, like those from FitVille, in providing critical comfort and support to pregnant women, tackling these prevalent foot-related problems with their specialized design.
Foot Pain Caused by Pregnancy Weight Gain
Expectant mothers, particularly from the third to eighth month, may notice changes in their feet due to quick weight gain. The arches might collapse under the growing weight, causing feet to flatten and widen. Pregnancy edema, or swelling, can also lead to wider feet, along with a higher instep. These changes, linked to the additional weight on the feet, can result in issues such as ball of foot pain, muscle or tendon strains, and plantar fasciitis. While some may experience only mild pain that fades after a few weeks, others endure more severe discomfort that lasts throughout their pregnancy.
Foot pain can significantly impact daily activities, making tasks like walking challenging. Understanding these transformations is key to finding comfort and support during pregnancy.
The Link Between Flat Feet and Ball of Foot Pain
During pregnancy, there's a noticeable change in how the foot distributes weight that leads to pain the ball of foot. This is particularly evident in the midfoot's second and third metatarsal areas (M2 and M3) and the lateral heel (LH), which is the outer side of the heel. The midfoot, located between the arch and toes (as highlighted in the circled area of the image), undergoes these adjustments to enhance balance and stability. These changes in the foot's contact area are a natural adaptation to the body's additional weight and altered shape during pregnancy.
Interestingly, while these areas undergo transformation, they are not always the primary sites of discomfort. Many women develop plantar fasciitis due to this uneven landing pressure, which, instead of causing pain in the ball of the foot, results in pain in the heel. This raises the question: why is this the case?
Why Does My Heel Hurt?
Flat feet mean that more of your foot touches the ground with each step. But here's an interesting point: more foot contact doesn't necessarily mean better cushioning. Usually, your foot's arch acts like a spring, spreading pressure evenly. With flat feet, this arch isn't as effective, so other parts of your foot take on extra stress.
This added stress affects the plantar fascia, a strong band of tissue that stretches from your heel to your toes and supports your arch. When you have flat feet, your plantar fascia stretches more, particularly when walking or standing. This is even more pronounced during pregnancy due to the added weight and changes in your gait.
The result? This over-stretched plantar fascia can become inflamed, leading to heel pain, which is often more noticeable after resting or being on your feet for extended periods. For expecting moms with sore feet, understanding these changes is key to finding the right support and comfort for their feet.
Size Up Your Shoes For Pregnancy Edema
Edema, or swelling of the feet, is a frequent experience for many women in the later stages of pregnancy. Expectant mothers may find that their feet have grown in size, often requiring larger shoes. Swollen feet can feel heavy, tight, and uncomfortable, with the skin appearing stretched and sometimes less sensitive.
To alleviate these symptoms, there are several simple but effective steps: resting with your legs elevated can improve circulation and reduce swelling; sleeping on your left side is particularly beneficial as it relieves pressure on key blood vessels. Maintaining hydration, eating a well-balanced, low-sodium diet, and engaging in gentle exercises like walking or swimming can also help manage swelling during pregnancy.
Compression Socks for Pregnancy Edema
Wearing compression socks can also aid in reducing swelling.For pregnancy-related edema, mild to moderate compression (15-20 mmHg or 20-30 mmHg) is often recommended. FitVille offers compression socks in ankle height, with extra large sizes ranging from 4XL to 7XL. Calf compression socks, on the other hand, extend up to the knee and provide graduated compression throughout the entire length of the foot, ankle, and calf. These can be more effective in managing swelling that affects the entire lower leg.
Why Diabetic Shoes Are Ideal for Pregnancy-Related Edema?
Footwear choices during pregnancy are crucial. Opt for shoes that are supportive, have good arch support, and a comfortable fit. They should be easy to put on and not too tight, to accommodate swelling.
Here's why FitVille's EasyTop® Diabetic Shoes, with their wide fit, supportive soles, and non-slip features, are an excellent choice:
Wide Fit for Swollen Feet
Available in 2E and 4E widths, these extra wide shoes are a perfect match for pregnancy feet. They're all about preventing tightness and adapting to your feet's natural changes during this special time.
Adjustable for Changing Feet
The adjustable straps on these shoes are a really thoughtful touch. They make it super easy to tweak the fit as your feet change throughout your pregnancy. You get that just-right, comfy fit every time.
And let's talk about those later pregnancy months–bending down to tie laces can be quite the feat! That's where Velcro straps come in handy. They're a breeze to fasten, making your shoe-wearing experience a whole lot easier. It's all about keeping things simple and comfy as you and your little one grow.
Supportive Soles for Extra Weight
As your pregnancy progresses and your body weight goes up, your feet feel the pressure. FitVille got this cleverly crafted dual-density EVA midsole–a brainchild of podiatrists. It's a smart blend of two types of EVA: firmer support at the heel and more flexibility at the forefoot. Perfect for adapting to the gradual shift in your walking style as your weight increases, often leading to more heel landing.
This ingenious design aids in absorbing shocks at the heel while ensuring smooth movement at the forefoot. It's all about stability and easing the load on your feet. This means less strain on any one area, be it your arches or heels, and less of those common pregnancy-related foot woes. A true blend of science and comfort for your ever-changing pregnancy feet!
Non-slip for Safety
During pregnancy, your center of gravity shifts, and maintaining balance can become quite challenging. A study involving nearly 4000 women who had given birth within the previous two months revealed some interesting findings. Approximately 27% of these women reported experiencing at least one fall during their pregnancy, and more than a third of them had fallen multiple times. Interestingly, younger women in the 20–24 age group were almost twice as likely to experience falls compared to women aged 35 and older.
To address this balance challenge, FitVille's Diabetic shoes come equipped with a non-slip, concave rubber outsole. This feature is designed to provide excellent grip, reducing the risk of slipping and falling. This is particularly crucial when navigating wet, slippery, or uneven surfaces. Our aim is to ensure stability and safety, giving you the confidence to move around comfortably during this significant phase of your life.
Gait-Correcting Insole
The insole is a standout feature. Its breathability keeps your feet cool, while the high-rebound cushioning minimizes impact. The U-shaped heel cup cradles your heel, evenly distributing pressure and stabilizing your gait. Empowered by ErgoFit™ technology, these shoes offer anatomical arch support, keeping your feet in the correct position and shape, crucial for functionality and comfort.
Along with their gentle, skin-friendly lining, FitVille's Diabetic Shoes are a superb choice during pregnancy, providing essential comfort throughout the day – a crucial need when you're expecting. People have praised these shoes for their ability to accommodate extremely sensitive feet, including those of diabetic patients and individuals recovering from foot surgery. They are also highly recommended for older adults and those with obesity, who often have weak joints and limited mobility. This level of care and comfort makes them equally suitable for pregnant women seeking extra foot support and tenderness.
Take a look at our range of Diabetic shoes for women, designed with those dealing with flat feet and edema in mind. You'll find these shoes in 2E/4E extra wide sizes, and they come with handy Velcro Straps for easy adjustments. Plus, they've got that extra cushioning, thanks to some patented technology.
These shoes are all about giving you comfort and support when you're out and about, especially when bending down becomes a bit of a challenge with that growing belly, aching back, and tired feet. Treat yourself to the best in footwear comfort!
References
University of Iowa. "Pregnancy permanently changes foot size." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 1 March 2013. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130301122306.htm>.
Mei Q, Gu Y, Fernandez J. Alterations of Pregnant Gait during Pregnancy and Post-Partum. Scientific Reports. 2018;8:2217. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-20648-y.
Dunning K, LeMasters G, Bhattacharya A. A major public health issue: the high incidence of falls during pregnancy. Maternal and Child Health Journal. 2010 Sep;14(5):720-725. doi: 10.1007/s10995-009-0511-0. PMID: 19672702.
Merck Manual Professional Version. Lower-extremity edema during late pregnancy. Available from:http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gynecology-and-obstetrics/symptoms-during-pregnancy/lower-extremity-edema-during-late-pregnancy. Accessed June 27, 2017.
