Pregnancy
&
Foot
Problems
(edema,
peripheral
edema)
|
Definition
(Also
see
Over
Pronation)
Overpronation
and
edema
a
very
common
foot
problem
experienced
during
pregnancy.
Peripheral
edema
is
an
abnormal
build-up
of
fluids
in
ankle
and
leg
tissues.
(Swelling
of
the
ankles
-
feet
-
legs;
Ankle
swelling;
Foot
swelling;
Leg
swelling;
Edema
-
peripheral)
Painless
swelling
of
the
feet
and
ankles
is
a
common
problem
(lower
leg
edema),
particularly
in
older
people.
Most
of
the
time
swelling
can
be
relieved
by
elevating
the
legs
above
the
heart
while
lying
down
and
avoiding
sitting
or
standing
without
moving
for
prolonged
periods
of
time.
Although
swelling
of
the
feet
and
ankles
can
be
a
minor
problem,
it
can
also
be
an
indication
of
more
serious
illnesses
such
as
heart
failure,
renal
failure,
or
liver
failure.
Painless
swelling
of
the
feet
and
ankles
is
a
common
problem,
particularly
in
older
people.
It
may
affect
both
legs
and
may
include
the
calves
or
even
the
thighs.
Because
of
the
effect
of
gravity,
swelling
is
particularly
noticeable
in
the
lower
legs.
When
squeezed,
the
fluid
will
move
out
of
the
affected
area
and
may
leave
a
deep
impression
for
a
few
moments.
Swelling
of
the
legs
is
many
times
related
to
systemic
causes
(for
example,
heart
failure,
renal
failure,
or
liver
failure).
Cause
Long
airplane
flights
or
automobile
rides
Menstrual
periods
(for
some
women)
Sunburn
Generalized
allergy
Prolonged
standing
Injury
or
trauma
to
the
ankle
or
foot
Venous
insufficiency
(varicose
veins)
Pregnancy
(mild
to
severe
swelling)
Environmental
Burns
Insect
bite
or
sting
Starvation
or
malnutrition
Medical
treatments
Body
fluid
overload
Infiltration
of
an
IV
site
Extremity
surgery
Medications
Estrogens
and
progestin
oral
contraceptives
Blood
pressure-lowering
drugs
Certain
antidepressants
(such
as
Nardil)
Estrogen
-
oral
Long-term
corticosteroid
therapy
Nifedipine
Testosterone
Diagnostic
tests
Venogram
Congestive
heart
failure
Glomerulonephritis
or
other
kinds
of
kidney
disorders
.
Symptoms
The
most
common
complaint
is
pain
in
the
bottom
of
the
heel,
usually
worst
in
the
morning
and
improving
throughout
the
day.
By
the
end
of
the
day
the
pain
may
be
replaced
by
a
dull
aching
that
improves
with
rest.
Signs
and
Tests
The
medical
history
will
be
obtained
and
a
physical
examination
performed.
Medical
history
questions
documenting
ankle,
feet,
and
leg
swelling
in
detail
include:
Location
What
specific
body
part(s)
swell?
Is
there
ankle
swelling?
Is
the
whole
foot
swollen?
Is
there
swelling
over
the
small
bones
of
the
feet?
Is
there
swelling
of
the
toes?
Is
the
knee
swollen?
Is
the
whole
leg
swollen?
Time
pattern
Is
the
swelling
always
present?
Is
it
worse
in
the
morning
or
the
evening?
Aggravating
and
relieving
factors
What
makes
it
better?
Does
the
swelling
go
down
when
the
legs
are
elevated?
What
makes
it
worse?
Other
What
other
symptoms
are
also
present?
The
physical
examination
may
include
emphasis
on
the
heart,
lungs,
kidneys,
and
legs.
Diagnostic
tests
that
may
be
performed
include:
Blood
tests
such
as
a
CBC
or
blood
chemistry
(Chem-20)
ECG
Chest
X-ray
or
extremity
X-ray
Intervention:
The
specific
treatment
will
be
directed
at
whatever
underlying
cause
is
found.
Diuretics
(fluid
pills)
may
be
prescribed.
These
are
effective
in
reducing
the
swelling
but
have
some
side
effects.
Home
treatment
for
benign
causes
of
leg
swelling
should
be
tried
before
drug
therapy
under
medical
supervision.
After
seeing
your
health
care
provider:
You
may
want
to
add
a
diagnosis
related
to
ankle,
feet,
and
leg
swelling
to
your
personal
medical
record.
Prevention
&
Home
Care
Elevate
the
legs
above
the
heart
while
lying
down.
Avoid
sitting
or
standing
without
moving
for
prolonged
periods
of
time.
Avoid
putting
anything
directly
under
the
knees
when
lying
down,
and
don't
wear
constricting
clothing
or
garters
on
the
upper
legs.
Exercising
the
legs
causes
the
fluid
to
work
back
into
the
veins
and
lymphatic
channels
so
that
the
swelling
goes
down.
The
pressure
applied
by
elastic
bandages
or
support
stockings
can
help
reduce
ankle
swelling.
OverPronation
can
be
treated
conservatively
with
"ready-made"
orthotics.
These
orthotics
should
be
designed
with
appropriate
arch
support
and
medial
rearfoot
posting
to
correct
the
overpronation.
Proper
fitting
footwear
is
also
very
important
in
treating
overpronation.
Choose
comfortable
footwear
that
provides
extra
support
and
shock
absorption.
A
low-salt
diet
may
help
reduce
fluid
retention
and
decrease
the
ankle
swelling.
It
is
important
to
treat
overpronation
for
pain
relief
but
also
to
prevent
other
foot
conditions
from
developing
such
as
Plantar
Fasciitis,
Heel
Spurs,
Metatarsalgia,
Tendonitis
and/or
Bunions.
Recommendation
Flexifly™
Orthotics
Heel
Post
Neutral
w/
SofSponge
Cover
Flexifly™
Anatomical
Sport
Generation
II
Flexifly™
Anatomical
1/4"
Heel
Pad
w/
Dress
Leather
Cover
Casual
Orthotics
1/8"
Pad
&
Suede
Cover
Casual
Support
Orthotics
w/
full
1/8"
Pad,
Suede
Cover
Flexifly™
Micro
Thin
Support
Orthoses
The
content
is
not
intended
to
be
a
substitute
for
professional
medical
advice,
diagnosis,
or
treatment.
Always
seek
the
advice
of
your
physician
with
any
questions
you
may
have
regarding
a
medical
condition.
This
site
does
not
provide
medical
advice.
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