There are certain things you know to prepare for when a child is on the way. Some of them can be pretty fun; perhaps involving visits to O’Child or The Green Nursery here in Bloomington for items. One thing that might not have enough forethought, however, is days when your pregnant feet may be aching after a long day.
If swelling, weight, or a change in gait are putting your aching feet through their paces, here are some ways to help keep the discomfort at bay:
Apply Ice – This is the standard most go for, and is effective in many cases. A good practice is to wrap an ice pack in a towel and rest the feet on it for 20 minutes. Do not go longer than that, as the cold might cause damage to your skin. Some also swear by icing the insides of the ankles.
Elevate – Keep your feet above the level of your heart anytime you are able. Even just a few minutes regularly can have a positive effect in reducing swelling and pain. You can stretch your legs up a wall if you are able to, but the most important part is just getting off your feet.
Sleep on Your Side – This sleeping position can help keep pressure off the blood vessels working back toward your heart, reducing excess swelling. The left side tends to have the best effect.
Rotate to Circulate – Ankle rotation exercises can improve circulation through the area and help carry away excess fluid. Sit with one leg raised and rotate your ankle 10 times clockwise, then 10 times counterclockwise. Switch to the other leg and repeat. Perform the full rep 10 times.
If nothing you try seems to help, there might be a deeper problem (such as flat feet or plantar fasciitis) that needs a professional touch. Dr. Kevin Powers provides help for aching feet from all walks of life, and can help the wait time for your bundle of joy be a much more comfortable one. Call our Bloomington office at (812) 333-4422 to get started.
