Pregnancy is an exciting journey—but it can also bring surprising changes to your body, especially your feet. Many expecting mothers don’t realize that foot pain, swelling, and structural changes are incredibly common during pregnancy. In fact, up to 70% of pregnant women experience some form of foot or ankle discomfort.

The good news? Most symptoms are temporary and manageable. But some can signal conditions that require podiatric care.

At Restore Foot & Ankle Specialists, we help expecting mothers stay comfortable, supported, and safe throughout every trimester. Here's everything you need to know about how pregnancy affects the feet—and when to seek help.

Why Pregnancy Affects Your Feet

Several natural changes occur in the body during pregnancy, and many directly impact the feet:

1. Relaxin Hormone Loosens Ligaments

Relaxin prepares the pelvis for childbirth—but it also loosens ligaments throughout the body, including the feet. This can lead to:

• Flattening of the arches

• Foot instability

• Overpronation

• Increased risk of tendonitis

Some women even experience permanent changes in foot size.

2. Weight Gain Increases Pressure on the Feet

The feet absorb the body’s full weight with every step. Even healthy, expected pregnancy weight gain increases:

• Stress on the arches

• Heel pain

• Swelling

• Joint strain

This can aggravate conditions like plantar fasciitis, posterior tibial tendonitis, and forefoot pain.

3. Fluid Retention Causes Swelling

Edema (swelling) is extremely common during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. As fluid accumulates in the lower extremities, women may experience:

• Tightness in the feet

• Numbness or tingling

• Difficulty fitting into shoes

• Increased foot fatigue

While mild swelling is normal, sudden or severe swelling can be a sign of a more serious issue.

4. Postural Changes Shift Your Center of Gravity

As the belly grows, posture naturally changes. This alters:

• Balance

• Gait mechanics

• Pressure points in the feet

These changes can contribute to ankle instability, heel pain, and forefoot pain.

Common Foot Problems During Pregnancy

Below are the most frequent foot issues we see in pregnant patients—and how they develop.

1. Plantar Fasciitis

The most common cause of heel pain during pregnancy. Increased weight and loosened ligaments strain the plantar fascia, causing sharp pain with the first steps in the morning.

2. Flat Feet (Overpronation)

As the arch collapses under increased load, women may feel:

• Arch pain

• Heel pain

• Fatigue when standing

• Swelling along the inside of the foot

3. Swelling (Edema)

Mild swelling is typical, but swelling that:

• Appears suddenly

• Is painful

• Affects only one foot
  …should be evaluated.

4. Numbness or Tingling

This may be caused by:

• Fluid retention

• Nerve compression

• Postural shifts

• Tarsal tunnel syndrome (less common but possible)

5. Ingrown Toenails

Hormonal changes make nails grow faster and softer. Combine this with swelling, and ingrown toenails become more frequent.

6. Ball-of-Foot Pain (Metatarsalgia)

As weight shifts forward, pressure on the metatarsals increases, leading to soreness beneath the toes.

What’s Normal—and What’s Not?

Normal During Pregnancy

✔ Mild swelling
✔ Achy arches or heels
✔ Shoes feeling tighter
✔ Fatigue in the feet
✔ Slight flattening of the arches

These symptoms typically improve after childbirth.

Not Normal—Seek Podiatric Care

❌ Severe or sudden swelling
❌ Persistent numbness or tingling
❌ Sharp or debilitating pain
❌ Pain that worsens instead of improving
❌ Difficulty walking or standing
❌ Signs of infection (especially around toenails)

These may indicate:

• Tarsal tunnel syndrome

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

• Severe plantar fasciitis

• Stress fractures

• Tendon tears

If you're unsure—always get evaluated.

How to Relieve Foot Pain During Pregnancy

At Restore Foot & Ankle Specialists, we offer safe, effective treatments that help expecting mothers stay comfortable. Recommended strategies include:

1. Supportive, Cushioned Footwear

Avoid flats, flip-flops, and unsupportive shoes. Choose footwear with:

• Arch support

• Shock absorption

• Wide toe box

2. Custom or Prefabricated Orthotics

Orthotics help realign the foot, support the arch, and reduce overpronation. They are extremely beneficial during and after pregnancy.

3. Stretching and Strengthening

Gentle exercises relieve tension in the calves, arches, and plantar fascia.

4. Elevation and Compression Socks

These reduce swelling and improve circulation.

5. Ice or Warm Soaks

Both can help depending on whether inflammation or muscle tightness is present.

6. Safe Podiatric Treatments

We offer:

• Toenail care

• Treatment for ingrown nails

• Management of plantar fasciitis

• Padding and offloading for forefoot pain

• Bracing if instability is present

All treatments are tailored for pregnancy and medically safe.

Why Choose Restore Foot & Ankle Specialists During Pregnancy

Expecting mothers trust our practice because we provide:

✔ Gentle, safe, pregnancy-appropriate care
✔ On-site diagnostics
✔ Customized orthotics designed for comfort
✔ Treatment options that avoid harmful medications
✔ Footwear guidance to support a healthy pregnancy
✔ Prompt care for painful or concerning symptoms

Our goal is to keep you comfortable, active, and supported throughout your pregnancy journey.

The Bottom Line

Foot changes during pregnancy are common—but suffering through pain isn’t necessary. With proper support and podiatric care, you can stay active and comfortable during all three trimesters.

If pregnancy is causing foot or ankle discomfort, Restore Foot & Ankle Specialists is here to help. Schedule an appointment today and get the safe, effective relief you deserve. Contact our office today with Dr. Gireesh Reddy or Dr. Sirisha Pokala by calling (469) 573-3427 or by booking an appointment online.