During pregnancy, the body undergoes numerous changes to make room for the growing baby. A moderate weight gain is normal and necessary to support the baby. At the same time, blood volume increases, which puts pressure on the feet and causes water retention in the legs. The hormone relaxin affects collagen structures, loosening tendons, ligaments, and joint capsules. This increases joint flexibility and alters walking patterns. Relaxin is most active around the 12th week of pregnancy, impacting joint stress and potentially leading to foot misalignments.
As ligaments and tendons become looser and additional weight places more strain on your feet, the body finds it increasingly difficult to maintain proper functionality. This often leads to swelling, tired and heavy legs, pain, and cramps in the feet and legs, especially in the later months of pregnancy. Increased weight and altered posture frequently cause pressure points on the balls of the feet. Morton’s neuroma, a pinched nerve between the toes that leads to burning pain and numbness, may also develop. Another common issue is plantar fasciitis, where inflammation of the plantar fascia causes severe heel pain, particularly after prolonged standing or walking.
It is important to pay special attention to your feet during this time. Insoles and comfortable shoes provide essential support, helping to reduce pressure on the feet, ankles, and joints. Regular foot massages or elevating your feet can also help. With proper care, you can effectively prevent foot discomfort during pregnancy and enjoy your daily life more comfortably.
During pregnancy, the arches of the feet flatten, causing the feet to become wider and longer. Approximately 60-70% of women experience a change in shoe size, which can lead to pressure points in ill-fitting shoes. Tight shoes may also compress nerves, causing pain or numbness. It is crucial to wear well-fitting shoes with enough room during and after pregnancy to avoid discomfort.
These changes do not only affect the feet but can also lead to posture-related issues. As the center of gravity shifts forward, pregnant women tend to hyperextend their knees, which often results in back, knee, and foot pain. The entire body works harder to restore balance. While not all women experience these issues, understanding their causes is essential for taking preventive or supportive measures.
As an expectant mother, you want to avoid dealing with constant foot and back pain. This is where insoles come into play—an easy yet effective way to enhance your well-being. At Laufgsund, we offer custom-made insoles tailored to your specific needs through a detailed gait analysis. Our insoles target pressure points and provide the right support to alleviate foot and back pain. Whether you suffer from plantar fasciitis, swelling, or back discomfort, the right insoles can help you move more freely and comfortably again.
During pregnancy, the extra weight and loosening of ligaments can place excessive strain on the arch, leading to pain or instability. This can negatively affect your balance, posture, and overall musculoskeletal health. Insoles provide arch support to enhance your balance and stabilize the natural shape of your feet. With the right support, you can regain a sense of security and move pain-free.
Even after childbirth, your body continues to need support, especially during the postpartum recovery phase. Your feet endured significant strain during pregnancy. Insoles help support the arch and restore the natural shape of the foot. They distribute pressure evenly, prevent overloading, and aid in healing the foot muscles. This promotes long-term foot health, helping to prevent back pain and joint issues.
Getting back into daily routines or physical activities after giving birth can often come with discomfort and instability, as the foot structure and posture may still be recovering. Insoles improve balance, correct misalignments, and prevent overuse—whether walking, standing, or exercising. They allow you to transition back into everyday life and sports with greater comfort and confidence, free from pain or discomfort.
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in maintaining long-term foot health, especially during and after pregnancy. Targeted exercises and manual therapy help strengthen foot muscles and stabilize the joints. Additionally, a physiotherapist can assist in strengthening the pelvic floor to improve posture and stability. This holistic approach not only enhances foot health but also improves mobility and alleviates pain, which is particularly important during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Specialized pelvic floor physiotherapists can guide you in optimizing muscle strength and supporting recovery effectively.
The combination of insoles and physiotherapy exercises provides the ideal solution for healthy feet. Insoles stabilize the arch and promote proper weight distribution, while physiotherapy exercises actively strengthen the muscles and improve flexibility. During pregnancy and the recovery phase, this combination helps to reduce back pain and foot discomfort, offering comprehensive support for your well-being.
Our podotherapists analyze how pregnancy affects your feet and musculoskeletal system. Using precise pressure measurements, gait analysis, and foot screening, we create a personalized diagnosis to craft custom-made orthopedic insoles. These insoles provide essential support during pregnancy in several ways:
Custom insoles help reduce pregnancy-related strain and ease pressure on your feet. Additionally, we determine the correct shoe size and offer tailored shoe recommendations for expectant mothers.
During pregnancy, insoles should be made from cushioning, flexible materials that relieve foot strain and help reduce swelling and pain. Breathable, moisture-regulating cover materials ensure comfort, while a well-designed insole supports the arch and distributes pressure effectively to improve posture and overall comfort.
During pregnancy, wearing stable shoes with a firm heel counter that properly supports the foot and ensures secure posture is essential. Good cushioning helps balance the increased pressure from additional weight and protects the feet. Anova Medical shoes offer an excellent combination of stability and comfort, featuring optimal cushioning and an ergonomic heel counter that supports the foot and relieves pressure on the joints. This not only benefits the feet but also reduces strain on the back and knees, enhancing overall well-being—especially important during pregnancy.
If tying your shoes becomes a challenge, a zipper can be the perfect solution—or your partner can step in and handle the task. One small perk of pregnancy: no need to bend down anymore!
During pregnancy, easy exercises can help relieve and strengthen your feet. Here are three effective exercises:
Every pregnancy is unique, and so are the challenges it brings. Some of us at Laufgsund have experienced firsthand how important it is to listen to your body and address discomfort promptly. Here, we share our personal stories:
Although I was able to stay very active throughout my pregnancy and have always trained my body well as a semi-professional runner, I noticed how much more tiring everything became. Back pain forced me to pay closer attention to my body and discover which exercises helped me the most.
I’ve always had regular hip discomfort, especially while jogging. The right exercises have been beneficial, and during pregnancy, I quickly realized how important they were to avoid significant limitations in daily life. Wearing the right shoes also provided valuable support for me.
During my pregnancy, I unfortunately developed plantar fasciitis. I still feel the effects of this condition during prolonged activity, which has taught me how crucial it is to take good care of your feet.
Insoles can be a valuable source of support for expectant mothers during pregnancy. They help relieve the strain on feet caused by additional weight and hormonal changes, alleviating discomfort such as pain, swelling, and posture issues. Custom-made insoles provide arch support, improve pressure distribution, and enhance posture. Whether for daily activities or sports, the right insoles help you stay comfortable and mobile throughout this special time.
