Common Foot Problems During Pregnancy and What You Can Do About Them

Pregnancy is a remarkable, life-changing experience — but it’s no secret that carrying a growing baby brings its fair share of discomforts. And one of the most common complaints among pregnant women? Foot pain.

From swelling to arch pain, foot problems can develop as your body changes over the course of those nine months, even if you’ve never had issues before. Fortunately, there are ways to ease the discomfort and keep your feet happy in pregnancy and beyond.

Babak Kosari, DPM, and our team specialize in podiatry in Northridge and Santa Clarita, California. If you’re dealing with new or worsening foot pain during pregnancy, here’s what you need to know about common foot problems and what you can do about them.

1. Swollen feet and ankles

One of the most common foot issues during pregnancy is swelling, or edema. Your body makes up to 50% more blood and other fluids to support your growing baby, and all that extra fluid makes your feet and ankles swell. Swelling can be uncomfortable and even make your shoes too tight.

To reduce swelling, elevate your feet whenever possible, avoid standing for long periods, and wear comfortable, supportive shoes. We may also recommend wearing compression socks or stockings, which can help improve circulation and reduce swelling.

2. Arch pain

Weight gain is healthy and expected during pregnancy, but those extra pounds increase stress on your feet. Some pregnant women develop arch pain or plantar fasciitis, a condition that occurs when the ligament that supports the arch of your foot gets strained or inflamed.

To ease arch pain, wear shoes with good arch support and cushioning. Avoid walking barefoot, even at home, as this can exacerbate your discomfort. We can also show you gentle stretches and massages you can do at home to get some relief.

3. Pronation

Pronation is the inward rolling of your foot, another common issue for pregnant women. Overpronation — when your ankles roll too far inward — can cause pain and discomfort in your feet, ankles, and knees.

We can help you choose shoes with proper support and stability to correct overpronation issues. Custom orthotic inserts can provide additional support and alignment for your feet, making a big difference to ease discomfort.

4. Cramps and muscle spasms

Muscle cramps and spasms are not uncommon during pregnancy, especially in your feet and legs. These involuntary contractions can be quite painful and often occur more frequently at night.

Staying hydrated, stretching regularly, and incorporating gentle exercises like walking or swimming into your routine can help prevent cramps. We may also recommend massaging the affected area and applying heat or cold packs for relief during cramping episodes.

5. Ingrown toenails

Pregnancy hormones can cause changes in your nails and make you more prone to issues like ingrown toenails. To prevent ingrown toenails, trim your nails straight across and avoid cutting them too short. Wear shoes that fit correctly and provide enough room for your toes.

If you get an ingrown toenail, book an appointment with Dr. Kosari and our team. Depending on your needs, we can gently lift the edge of the nail away from your skin, use splits to keep the nail away, or perform a more advanced procedure.

Foot problems during pregnancy are common, but they shouldn’t get in the way of your journey to motherhood. Proactive care can minimize discomfort so you can focus on the excitement of welcoming your little one into the world — and we’re here to help.

Schedule a foot pain consultation with Dr. Kosari online or call us at 818-873-3847 to get started.