The BC Association of Podiatrists warns that pregnancy can trigger lasting foot problems and offers tips for expectant mothers

Vancouver - Podiatrists recommend that pregnant women to take steps to prevent temporary or permanent foot problems caused by rapid weight gain and hormonal changes.

"Many women don't realize the effect a pregnancy can have on their feet." says B.C. podiatrist Dr. Julie Yee. "Those nine months of weight-gain and hormonal activity can cause foot problems that last a lifetime, but there are things you can do to minimize the risk."

Why is having a baby so hard on the feet? Pregnancy causes rapid weight gain and changes a woman's centre of gravity. That can put a lot of stress on hips, knees, ankles and feet. At the same time, hormonal changes weaken the ligaments in the body. Relaxin, the hormone that loosens the pelvic joints to make childbirth easier, relaxes the ligaments in the feet, causing the bones in the feet to spread. In fact, this spreading effect can permanently enlarge a woman's feet by up to two shoe sizes!

The relaxation of the foot structure can worsen any imbalances or structural issues in the foot. The most common result is pronation, a condition in which the arch flattens out under pressure and the foot rolls inward when the person walks. If left untreated, pronation can lead to a host of other potentially permanent foot conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, tendonitis and/or heel spurs (all of which cause heel pain), and metatarsalgia and/or bunions (pain in the ball of the foot).

Additionally, pregnant women are susceptible to edema, where excess fluid collects in the lower extremities. Edema causes the feet to swell, sometimes making it uncomfortable or even painful to wear shoes of the regular size. Poorly fitting shoes can also put stress on the feet and worsen structural imbalances.

Fortunately, there are steps pregnant women can take to protect their feet:

    * Wear shoes with a wide toe-box, broad-based heels, cushioning and proper arch support. Wearing poorly-structured or tight shoes during pregnancy can aggravate underlying foot issues.
    * Have your feet measured several times throughout your pregnancy to determine whether you need to wear larger-sized shoes.
    * Exercise regularly for overall health, and consider strength-training to improve posture and mobility.
    * Elevate and rest your legs and feet regularly. This will encourage fluids to drain from the lower extremities, reducing swelling and discomfort. See a podiatrist if you experience any foot pain. The sooner the problem is addressed, the less likely you are to experience permanent damage.

"Don't ignore foot pain during pregnancy," Dr. Yee advises. "Have it checked out with a podiatrist." She continues, "You'll need strong, healthy feet to chase after your toddler in a couple of years!"

Podiatrists are doctors who specialize in preventing, diagnosing and treating foot pain and foot disorders both medically and surgically. Patients do not need a referral from their family doctor to see a podiatrist. For the location of a podiatrist near you, call 1-866-611-FEET (3338) or visit www.foothealth.ca.

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For more information or to arrange an interview, contact Hayden Jackson at 604-623-3007