Pregnancy brings many physical changes, and the feet are no exception. As the body adapts to support added weight and shifting posture, the arches may flatten, and swelling can increase. These changes can lead to foot pain, instability, and discomfort with everyday activities. Wearing supportive and properly fitting shoes during pregnancy is essential for maintaining balance and preventing strain on the feet, ankles, and lower back. Footwear with good arch support, cushioning, and a wide toe box can help accommodate changes in foot size and shape. Choosing the right shoes can also reduce the risk of falls and improve overall mobility. If you are pregnant and are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can guide you toward selecting supportive shoes that are right for you.
Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with James Torhorst, DPM from Torhorst Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?
One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.
Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages.
How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?
Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
Wear shoes with good arch support
Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
Elevate feet if you experience swelling
Massage your feet
Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Waupaca and Stevens Point, WI. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Arch pain can result from tight muscles, overuse, or conditions like plantar fasciitis. Stretching the feet helps improve flexibility, reduce tension, and promote better foot function. A simple stretch involves sitting and pulling the toes back toward the shin to lengthen the arch. Rolling a ball or frozen water bottle under the foot massages the area and eases tightness. Standing calf stretches also benefit the arch by loosening the Achilles tendon and lower leg muscles. Using a towel to gently pull the toes upward provides additional relief. Strengthening exercises, such as toe curls and picking up small objects with the toes, improve stability and support. Arch pain can cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have this foot condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is and offer treatment, which might include additional stretches for relief.
Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with James Torhorst, DPM from Torhorst Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Stretching the Feet
Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.
Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.
It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Waupaca and Stevens Point, WI. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Outer foot pain can result from various conditions that affect the bones, ligaments, and joints. Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments are stretched or torn, leading to pain and instability on the outer side of the foot. Arthritis can cause inflammation in the joints, resulting in stiffness and discomfort that worsens with movement. A bunionette, or tailor’s bunion, forms at the base of the fifth toe, creating pressure and pain along the outer edge of the foot. Cuboid syndrome develops when the cuboid bone shifts out of alignment, often causing sharp pain and difficulty walking. Additionally, fifth metatarsal fractures involve a break in the long bone on the outer foot, leading to swelling and tenderness. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with James Torhorst, DPM from Torhorst Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
Bunions
Hammertoes
Plantar Fasciitis
Bone Spurs
Corns
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Ingrown Toenails
Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Waupaca and Stevens Point, WI. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Bunions tend to worsen over time and are more prevalent in women due to a combination of genetic, structural, and footwear-related factors. Aging weakens connective tissues, leading to joint instability and increased toe misalignment. Women are particularly at risk because of shoes with narrow toe boxes and high heels, which place excessive pressure on the forefoot and push the big toe out of alignment. Hormonal changes may also contribute by affecting ligament flexibility. As bunions progress, they can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Choosing supportive, wide-toe shoes and avoiding prolonged use of restrictive footwear can help slow progression. Strengthening foot muscles with targeted exercises may also provide relief. For persistent discomfort or severe deformity, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can offer personalized solutions, including orthotics, padding, or surgical options to improve comfort and function as the condition advances.
If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact James Torhorst, DPM of Torhorst Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Bunion?
Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.
Causes
Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development
Symptoms
Redness and inflammation
Pain and tenderness
Callus or corns on the bump
Restricted motion in the big toe
In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Waupaca and Stevens Point, WI. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
