December 2023

Pregnancy is a transformative journey for a woman's body, and it is not just the baby bump that undergoes changes. The feet also experienced their share of adjustments during this remarkable period. As the body produces the hormone relaxin to prepare for childbirth, it can affect the ligaments and tendons throughout, including the feet. This increased flexibility can lead to a temporary increase in shoe size. Swelling, known as edema, is another common foot change during pregnancy and is often caused by fluid retention. This can make wearing comfortable footwear imperative. Added pressure on the arches can trigger or exacerbate flat feet, resulting in discomfort or pain. Be prepared for these transformations, and remember that they are all part of the incredible journey to motherhood. If you would like more information about how to find relief from foot pain during pregnancy, in addition to learning more about how the feet change during this exciting time, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with useful knowledge.

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 one of our podiatrists from Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors 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 office located in Canonsburg and McMurray, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot and heel pain is a common challenge for runners, impacting both beginners and seasoned athletes. The discomfort, often described as walking on glass, can be attributed to various causes, with plantar fasciitis at the top of the list. Identifying the root cause of foot pain is vital. While plantar fasciitis is a common diagnosis, other factors may contribute to discomfort. For runners coping with plantar fasciitis, early intervention and targeted exercises may offer hope for relief and continued running. Wearing proper footwear selection is essential in preventing foot pain, including well-fitted shoes and moisture-wicking socks. Addressing gait issues, correcting running techniques, and incorporating flexibility and strength training are essential measures. Gradually increasing training intensity can help to avoid overuse injuries. If you are a runner and are experiencing foot or heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment options.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Canonsburg and McMurray, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel pain is a common complaint, often attributed to factors like wearing improper footwear or overuse. However, it may surprise you to learn that heel pain can also be a subtle signal of arthritis, specifically, ankylosing spondylitis, or AS. This chronic autoimmune condition primarily affects the spine, but it can also extend its reach to peripheral areas, including the heels. AS triggers heightened inflammation throughout the body’s joints and soft tissues, including peripheral joints like the heels, hips, shoulders, fingers, and toes. Heel pain emerges when the inflammatory response targets the heel or its supporting ligaments and tendons. Chronic back pain and spinal rigidity are classic AS symptoms, and may also cause discomfort in the heels. If left untreated, the pain can escalate, leading to severe stiffness and reduced mobility. The precise cause of AS remains unknown, but those with a family history of ankylosing spondylitis or with conditions like Crohn's disease, psoriasis, or ulcerative colitis, seem to be more susceptible. If you are experiencing persistent heel pain in addition to other symptoms, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to explore potential underlying causes, and create an effective treatment plan.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Canonsburg and McMurray, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Walking is a popular low-impact exercise with numerous health benefits, and ensuring your feet stay happy and healthy is key to maximizing those benefits. Proper form and posture when walking are essential elements to consider to prevent injuries. Maintaining proper posture and alignment is the foundation of a healthy walking routine. Imagine a string pulling you up from the crown of your head, ensuring you stand tall. Keep your head up, eyes forward, and shoulders back, allowing your arms to move freely at your sides. Tighten your abs and align your rib cage with your hips, knees, ankles, and second toe to avoid strain on your lower half. Pay close attention to your feet during each step. Adopt a rolling motion of heel, ball, and toes to distribute stress evenly across the lower body. Avoid slamming your entire foot down, as this can increase the risk of knee, hip, and ankle injuries. Notice your walking cadence and try to find a balance between longer, less frequent steps and shorter, more frequent steps to reduce joint stress. While walking is generally low-risk, staying alert is essential. Watch out for obstacles like curbs, potholes, or uneven terrain, especially in low-light conditions. If you have foot problems that you believe may be an after effect of your walking routine, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Canonsburg and McMurray, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.