Plantar Fasciitis During Pregnancy

Congratulations! You are about to experience one of life's greatest joys and gifts: giving birth and becoming a parent. 
Many women will experience weird and wild cravings, some will develop gestational diabetes, and many will experience changes in their feet and ankles. Typically women will experience swelling in their feet and ankles (has anyone seen Kim Kardashian's feet stuffed into too tight shoes since she's been pregnant?!), but plantar fasciitis is another common foot ailment pregnant women will develop.
As your pregnancy progresses, your center of balance will shift as you begin to gain weight. Your new center of balance will be over your knees and feet, which causes many women to over-pronate. When you over-pronate, you begin to experience symptoms of pain in the arch, heel, and ball of foot. 
One of the symptoms of plantar fasciitis is pain at the fat pad on the bottom of your foot. This occurs because of the added weight you are now carrying and increased pressure on your feet. Your fat pad will become inflamed and you will likely feel pain in your heel.
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that can be easily treated with conservative treatment. Women who are pregnant and experiencing plantar fasciitis should stay off their feet as much as possible. Your plantar fascia is becoming aggravated because of that increased pressure when you are on your feet. Don't try to do a Kim Kardashian- if your shoes are feeling too tight or small, purchase a pair you can wear while you are pregnant. Your feet will thank you, we promise! Stretch and ice your feet often. We'll often hear from patients who've suffered with plantar fasciitis that this is what helps them the most. So stretch often and be consistent. Some patients may need custom orthotics, which we size in our offices. Orthotics will help keep your proper arch and give support in areas where you need it most. 
Again, congrats!
References: Heel That Pain!
If you have heel pain, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Newington
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