Cracked heels during pregnancy. Corns in pregnant women. Lower limb problems

During pregnancy, many changes take place in a woman's body, which are not always pleasant, sometimes they make you wonder, and sometimes they cause real discomfort and cause confusion and worries:

It is unpleasant for every woman when, for example, the so-called mask of a pregnant woman appears on her face in the form of thick age spots;

It is difficult for a mother-to-be to resist her sleepiness, which overwhelms her especially strongly at the beginning of pregnancy;

And the pain in the legs, more precisely, in the heel part, which they have never experienced before, is completely incomprehensible to them.

However, pain in the limbs is the lot of many pregnant women.

Why does this happen?

Objectively speaking, pain in the legs for pregnant women - a completely understandable phenomenon and it is caused by the constantly increasing her own weight, as well as the redistribution of the center of his pressure. Here are the legs unaccustomed to such significant loads future mother and begin to hurt, but on the last stage pregnancy and swelling. However, it is not clear why the heels hurt during pregnancy, what causes this pain in the heel area of ​​the legs? Yes, so intense, which sometimes does not allow either to stand on them, or, even more so, to walk.

The majority of pregnant women feel an increase in this kind of pain towards the end of the day, after vigorous activity. However, it happens that pain occurs in the morning, and after the start of active walking, the pain gradually subsides. If you also have to deal with similar painful phenomena, take it for granted: this, of course, cannot be called the norm, but it can be considered quite normal for expectant mothers. And the reasons for this phenomenon are as follows:

1. Displacement of the center of gravity in the body of a pregnant woman. A similar phenomenon can be observed in a woman in ordinary life when she stops wearing high heels and switches to low heels. The same redistribution of weight in a similar manner affects the appearance of heel pains in her.

2. Weight gain of a pregnant woman. Of course, the appearance of excess body weight for a pregnant woman responds again high blood pressure and causes heel pain.

3. Swelling of the legs. A possible source of heel pain in a pregnant woman may be swelling of her legs. In this situation, this is a serious signal for the expectant mother about the need to limit fluid intake, because its retention in the body is very undesirable for both the woman herself and her crumbs.

There is an opinion of doctors, according to which the appearance of constant heel pain is a reason for going to a doctor, since you can miss the body's signal about a serious trouble in it. For example, this can manifest itself as varicose veins or salt deposition, which is popularly referred to as "spur". The manifestation of pain while walking, perhaps, signals a problem in the cardiovascular system, which cannot be ignored.

How can you help yourself?

When it comes to relief painful condition at home, you can apply cool foot baths - this the right way cope with their fatigue and swelling. To enhance the effect, you can dissolve in a handful of salt and soda in water, and at the end of the procedure, lie down, slightly raising your legs to an elevation, for example, from a rolled blanket. It is very good if someone from the household will massage your heels, which is equally effective during pregnancy and with "spurs".

You should not take long walks, and even more so you should not stand for a long time, say, in a queue.

Particular attention should be paid to the quality of shoes during the period of bearing a child: it should be comfortable, preferably made of "breathable" materials, so that the feet comfortable conditions... Today you can buy such shoes or boots in specialized stores or order individually orthopedic insoles for your shoes.

When constantly and exhausting heels hurt during pregnancy, you should definitely consult a doctor who can advise medications to relieve pain - an ointment, for example, or alcohol tincture, say, cedar nuts or some other folk remedy.

Of course, the pain in the heels is not catastrophic, but it can cause some discomfort. However, quite often it happens that you are suddenly surprised to find that there are no pains anymore. Everything passed after the birth of the baby as unexpectedly as it appeared (unless this is associated with another pathology).

Be attentive to yourself and don't ignore the pain!

During the long nine months of carrying a child, a woman can discover a lot of new things! The changes taking place in her body sometimes cause considerable discomfort and even strong emotional experiences, and sometimes frankly surprise. There is no woman who would not be upset and worried about the appearance of age spots on her face (the so-called "mask of pregnant women"). Many are perplexed by the uncontrollable sleepiness that rolls off their feet during the entire first trimester. And others begin to feel terribly sore in their heels, which they have never seen before in their lives.

Some future mothers would not even think that such phenomena are observed not only by them. Nevertheless, this is so: many pregnant women grumble about pain in the limbs.


But why does the pain occur in the heels? Moreover, such that it is impossible to step on them or walk. The heels are numb, stiff, or very sore.

Many women note the appearance of such pain in the late afternoon, after the experience working day... Others feel it in the morning, but after they disperse a little, the pain gradually disappears, reappearing only in the evening. If you are experiencing something similar, then you should know: although this state cannot be called an absolute norm, it is observed in quite a few women who are expecting a baby.

One of the most likely reasons why heels hurt during this period is the same shift in the center of gravity. By the way, there are frequent complaints about the appearance of pain when refusing to wear high-heeled shoes: as soon as a woman switches to “low” shoes after wearing “high” shoes for a long time, a similar symptom can manifest itself. This is due to the redistribution of weight.

It is natural that overweight during pregnancy, it can also "give to the heels". Carrying a heavy load is not easy, and the greatest load can fall on this part of the foot.


TO probable reasons heel pains also include puffiness: make sure that no fluid is retained in the body - this is extremely undesirable in general for the condition of the fetus and mother.

However, some doctors believe that severe heel pain should not be ignored - in which case, you should immediately seek medical help... This symptom can be a signal of serious violations. In particular, pain often radiates to the heels with varicose veins. Another common cause of heel pain is the so-called "spurs" (the formation of salt deposits). If the pain radiates to the heels when walking, then cardiac causes are not excluded (it is better in this case to check the work of the heart).

How to relieve heel pain?

Home remedies can help relieve pain foot baths with cool water: they perfectly relieve fatigue in the legs and remove swelling. You can add a generous handful of salt or soda to the water, and after the procedure, take horizontal position with your feet on a hill. It's just great if your husband or another person close to you does a heel massage: it helps with "spurs", and just like that.

Avoid being on your feet for a long time: walks should be comfortable, and standing in lines is generally contraindicated!

As for shoes, pain in the legs very often arises precisely because of it: during pregnancy, as, indeed, at any other time, you cannot save on comfortable high-quality physiological shoes. Today specialized stores have wide choose different brands. You may need orthopedic insoles for your shoes.


If pain is annoying, then it is imperative to consult a doctor on this issue. He will at least recommend you effective ointment to alleviate the condition. For the same purpose, you can use alcohol tincture of pine nuts and other recipes of traditional medicine.

Finally, I would like to note that pain in the heels is not the worst thing that a woman has to endure while carrying her baby. But, like many other things, it often disappears after childbirth as suddenly as it appeared, or after a certain period of time. Unless, of course, it is associated with some kind of disease such as thrombophlebitis.

Take care of yourself!

Especially for beremennost.net Elena Kichak

Carrying a baby is a happy time for a woman. Happiness is darkened by unpleasant painful sensations for nine months. Women often have heel pain during pregnancy. This phenomenon should not be ignored. See a doctor who will prescribe treatment to help relieve and relieve symptoms.

In some, heel pain appears in the evening, in other women, on the contrary - in the morning, in the afternoon it passes, in the evening it returns again. It hurts a woman to stand even for a short time. Pain can occur while jumping.

This is sometimes associated with hormonal changes organism. Heel pain may be affected by weight gain accompanying last trimester pregnancy, edema. Do not ignore the forward redistribution of the center of gravity.

Heel pain is caused by shoes, the transition from heel to flat sole... Pick up comfortable shoes, with low, wide heel... Due to the constant load of the knees, cracks can form on the heels, stepping on the feet, pain is felt. Baths for softening, cleansing the skin, daily moisturizing, treatment of the heels with special tools in the salon help.


Sore heels

Doctors do not recommend ignoring heel pain. Pain does not always go away after childbirth. The reason is the aggravation of varicose veins. Heart and vascular problems can be reflected in heel pain. The causes of heel pain in a pregnant woman are diabetes, heel fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis.

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the muscles in the heel area. Leads to the appearance of a thorn-like growth - a heel spur. Education is affected by a sharp increase in the body weight of a pregnant woman, leading to impaired blood circulation in the lower extremities. During pregnancy, a woman may develop flat feet, which contributes to the appearance of spurs.

A spike in the heel is accompanied by unbearable pain. While walking with support on the heel, bending over - the pain is sharp, burning.

If you experience pain due to a spike in your heel, see your doctor. It will redirect to the right specialists who will select a treatment to relieve inflammation in soft tissues feet.

But for a woman expecting a baby, gentle therapy is suitable. Reduces spur pain massotherapy... Reduce locomotor activity, load on the knee. The doctor will select anesthetic ointment, medications suitable for the pregnant woman.

It is worth reconsidering nutrition. Eat foods that remove salt from the body - watermelons or cucumbers. This relieves the pain caused by the spur. Reduce your salt intake.

Foot bath

Contrast baths, baths with sea salt relieve pain. V complex therapy, in case of pain due to spurs, the use of special insoles, heel cushions is included. They support muscles and ligaments in correct position, improve blood circulation, strengthen the ligaments, helping to reduce the load on the knees, treat flat feet. Sometimes a cast is applied to keep the heel in position.

For morning heel pain, use Strasbourg socks at night. These devices support the feet perpendicular to the lower leg, preventing tendon contraction. Use mustard plasters or paraffin wax. Warming up dissolves the spurs. Timely started therapy relieves heel pain, prevention will help to avoid its occurrence.


Diabetic foot injury

One of the causes of heel pain is diabetes mellitus. As a consequence increased level sugar, blood flow deteriorates, tissues are poorly supplied with oxygen, leg pain appears. The skin of the foot itches and flakes. Diabetes mellitus is accompanied by cracks. In the worst case, a hole appears, an ulcer, a black dot on the heel. It is important to start treatment on time, otherwise the syndrome develops diabetic foot leading to amputation.

Signs of leg damage in diabetes: Swelling of the lower extremities, pain in the lower leg, calf, knee and heel. Skin color is pale, red, blue. The temperature of the foot is either cold or hot. Fungus forms on the nails, between the toes - diabetes leads to damage to the legs.

Pregnancy with diabetes mellitus

A pregnant woman with diabetes should control glucose levels, follow the doctor's recommendations regarding nutrition. Treatment and prevention of diabetic foot - washing feet warm water without soap, dry thoroughly. Pay attention to the area between your fingers.

To moisturize the foot, use a special ointment or fat cream... With diabetes, float your legs, use mechanical means not recommended for removing rough skin. Use special pedicure socks to prevent calluses, cracked feet.

The choice of footwear plays an important role in diabetes mellitus. Special and comfortable for leg pathology, relieving the load from the calves and knees. Wearing shoes without a heel is undesirable for foot pain. Choose socks for diabetes without a stiff elastic band.

Feet numbness

If the foot grows numb, itches, there is a burning sensation in the heel, tingling is felt due to a violation of the nerve receptors of the legs and swelling of the tissues. This is hypesthesia resulting from diabetes mellitus, vitamin B deficiency.

The foot is numb due to joint inflammation and heel spurs. Causes - osteochondrosis, arthritis, vascular disease. Damage to the central nervous system also causes numbness in the heels. This is facilitated by the load on the heart when carrying a baby.

If your foot rarely becomes numb, don't worry. After giving birth, the numbness will disappear. The problem is treated at home. Exercise, water aerobics, warm shower, foot massage, reducing the load from the knees. Also, an iron diet, vitamins, and blood sugar control if numbness occurs with diabetes.

Examination of the foot by a doctor

If your leg becomes numb on a regular basis, see a doctor. The doctor will prescribe an ultrasound and Doppler examination to detect blood clots, varicose veins, and other vascular diseases. Would need general analysis blood to detect anemia. If not enough, the doctor will prescribe the consultation of other specialists.

When the heel gets numb, itches, the treatment consists of procedures that strengthen the blood vessels. Phlebotonics are prescribed, a special ointment. For numbness, wearing compression stockings and elastic bandages worn during childbirth. In rare cases, plaster is used. Continue treatment after delivery.

Achilles tendonitis

Stress on the knees during pregnancy leads to Achilles tendinitis. It hurts a woman to step on the heel. Tendinitis is an inflammation in the tissues of the heel tendon. The back of the legs is exposed to stress during childbearing, salts are removed worse, accumulate, the elasticity of the tendon decreases, the tissues become inflamed.

When walking or jumping, a woman develops a strong nagging pain, with further movement dies down. The skin over the heel tendon turns red, and this part of the leg swells.

Damage to the Achilles tendon occurs due to the flat feet of a pregnant woman, the use of uncomfortable shoes. The formation of a skin growth in the area of ​​the Achilles tendon is possible. It hurts a woman to step on the heel. Start treating the inflammation as early as possible, otherwise tendonitis will become chronic.

A symptom of chronic tendinitis is a nagging pain after sleep. It hurts to walk when the surface is tilted, up the stairs. Chronic tendonitis leads to the development of a heel spur. The disease is diagnosed by probing the surface with fingers - a pain point is found. An ultrasound will show where the tissue is torn.

Medicine recommends starting the treatment of tendonitis by removing the load from the knees of the injured limb. The ankle joint is tightened with an elastic bandage, applied cold compress... If the tendon is severely affected, it may be necessary to apply a cast to relieve stress on the ankle. After relieving pain, continue treatment with a course of massage, gymnastics.

Physiotherapy

Heel pain is treated with physical exercise suitable for a pregnant woman:

  1. Walking. You need to do it in walking shoes. Step on the heel with soft transition to the sock. Gradually, stride length and duration increase.
  2. Exercise to stretch the muscles of the heel tendon. Stand straight with feet shoulder-width apart. Step forward. The knees are bent, the buttocks are tense. Heels rest on the floor, stretching back part legs.
  3. Stand on a step or a special platform, resting on your toes. The heels drop slowly below the platform level. Hold out for 30 seconds.
  4. With your heels on the edge of the step, do 12 squats for 3 sets with a little break. Exercise will strengthen the strength of the Achilles tendon, tighten the buttocks.
  5. Stand straight, legs apart already shoulders. We bend our knees alternately without lifting the socks off the floor.
  6. Stand on your fingertips, straining your legs and buttocks, hold out for a few seconds, lower yourself.
  7. Sitting on a chair, with arms lowered along the body, bend-unbend the knees.
  8. Stand on your left leg, stretch your right leg forward, tighten your buttocks. Rotate with the foot, lower leg, whole leg. Change legs.

Do not get carried away with gymnastics. A heavy load, with pain in the legs, is contraindicated for a pregnant woman. Training should not be completely ruled out. Heels hurt during pregnancy in many women. Sometimes the only way out is to endure until the birth. Heel pain is also treated during pregnancy. It is important to observe the hygiene of the feet, to do the pedicure in a timely manner.

Most pregnant women understand that their bodies are now exposed to big changes and loads. And therefore, during this period, new sensations for the mother can arise that she did not experience before. But this does not mean at all that any of them can be ranked as " side effects»Pregnancy, even if such manifestations are found in very many expectant mothers.

The same goes for heel pain during pregnancy. This phenomenon is quite common among women carrying children, and, as a rule, they tend to blame increasing weight for the occurrence of pain. This reason really takes place, but others are not excluded as well. Therefore, it will not be superfluous to tell the doctor that the heels are very sore during pregnancy.

When walking, heels hurt during pregnancy

As usual in other cases, heel pain during pregnancy sends mom to the forum. And here she is relieved to find that this problem occurs all the time! Even the manifestations of many women are the same, although not all are the same.

Many pregnant women complain that the heels begin to hurt a lot while walking, especially when walking for a long time, and they do not bother in the supine position. For some, the heels hurt so much that even in the kitchen, while preparing food, they have to sit down on a stool - it is impossible to stand because of the pain.

It is not uncommon for heel pain during pregnancy to appear in the morning, and then by the end of the day, as the woman “paces,” disappears. Or it passes during the day, but returns again in the evening.

Symptoms and manifestations can be different, and in each case, doctors suspect different causes of pain.

Why do heels hurt during pregnancy

And even if sometimes there is even weight loss during pregnancy, in most all cases, the total body weight of a woman increases with increasing term. In addition to the fact that the load on musculoskeletal system in general, and on the feet in particular, the center of gravity is also redistributed, shifting anteriorly. All this leads to the fact that over time, the pregnant woman develops pain in the heels during pregnancy. Doctors reassure expectant mothers: there is no need to worry about this, after childbirth the pain will soon disappear, but keeping the weight gain during pregnancy under control is a must!

At the same time, many women will agree that even with very modest gains, the legs and heels still hurt during pregnancy. It is likely that you are wearing uncomfortable shoes (solid sole not suitable for expectant mothers), or abruptly changed high hairpin on shoes at low speed, or just tired. If the pain occurs regularly or is definitely not associated with shoes, then there may be other causes of heel pain during pregnancy.

For example, swelling, especially if the heels hurt in the morning, after a night's sleep, and then the pain disappears. If the skin on the heels is badly cracked, and even more so if the cracks are deep, then strong pain in the heels - a phenomenon quite normal for this condition of the legs. Here you can advise to get a pedicure and start moisturizing your feet every day.

Women prone to varicose veins Veins: Pain in the heels during pregnancy can sometimes indicate an exacerbation of this condition.

Spurs in the heels during pregnancy

Sharp, sharp pain when stepping on the heel can be a sign of salt deposits, people say that "thorns" or "spurs" are formed in the feet. The problem is more likely to make itself felt if these growths were formed even before pregnancy. This condition requires treatment, but during the period of bearing a child, it is contraindicated, and therefore doctors will advise you to endure ...

But when it is impossible to tolerate, it is if pain in the heels occurs when walking: it is not at all necessary, but still it is possible that this is due to a disruption in work of cardio-vascular system, which is now experiencing increased stress.

What to do if heels hurt during pregnancy

So, heel pain during pregnancy is the most unpleasant problem. She brings many expectant mothers to tears of suffering, because it can be unbearable to endure such pain. This is very disappointing, but there is no more reliable way to get rid of the pain, how to carry the pregnancy to the end and give birth to a baby. Almost always, heel pain in pregnant women is a physiological passing phenomenon that does not pose a danger and does not require treatment.

Nevertheless, so that you do not worry and do not doubt that heel pain does not carry any risk in itself, tell your doctor about it. Tell us exactly how it hurts, when the pain occurs, how long it lasts, and other details about your condition. If necessary, he will refer you for a consultation narrow specialist if he suspects that something is amiss. But, most likely, the doctor will give you useful tips and recommendations on what to do if heels hurt during pregnancy:

  • Follow allowable increments weight during pregnancy and do not exceed the norms.
  • Take care of the prevention of edema, do not abuse salty and drink enough clean water.
  • Wear comfortable shoes with a small, wide, stable heel that does not exceed 4-5 cm: high heels and pregnancy are incompatible, but absolutely flat sole also leads to incorrect weight redistribution. In addition, the shoes must be made of natural materials so that the feet do not fog up, it should not squeeze or chafe anywhere.
  • Avoid prolonged sitting. If you are driving, stop and walk, stretch your legs. The same should be done at work.
  • Lead agile active image life, but do not overwork walking.
  • If your doctor suspects heel spurs during pregnancy, then perhaps he will advise you to wear special insoles with soft pads on the surface.
  • To relieve fatigue from the legs, reduce leg pain during pregnancy and eliminate swelling, cool foot baths are excellent. You can use herbal decoctions for this or add to the water. sea ​​salt or baking soda.
  • After the bath, be sure to lie down horizontally with your legs raised on a hill (put something under them). Always try to put your feet on some kind of elevation when you are lying or sitting (in the latter case, you can, for example, put them on a low stool or bench).
  • And if your husband gives you a foot massage, then you will immediately forget about the pain in your heels!

Unfortunately, pregnant women sometimes have to go through a lot of troubles and even endure a lot of torment. But, you must admit, the main thing always remains so that they do not harm your and your baby's health. We wish you more pleasant moments, and less annoying ones!

Let nothing hurt!

Especially for nashidetki.net- Ekaterina Vlasenko

The body of a woman, while carrying a child, experiences an increased load: hormonal changes occur, general well-being changes, and body weight increases. Often, expectant mothers turn to the doctor with a question: why do heels hurt during pregnancy, and can such a symptom indicate the development of any disease?

The reason can be both physiological and pathological factors, therefore, if you experience discomfort, you should consult a doctor.

What is the reason

Overweight most often provokes the development of pain in the heels. The abdomen increases in size, the center of gravity shifts, and the musculoskeletal system is under greater stress than usual. Unpleasant sensations occur after prolonged standing, walking or wearing new, uncomfortable shoes. If these factors are eliminated, heaviness and pain in the legs, the heels will quickly disappear.

During the entire pregnancy, a woman should gain 12-15 kg. When there is an excessive increase in body weight, the lower limbs, spine, cardiovascular system are affected, the risk of developing late toxicosis, gestational diabetes, varicose veins, edema.

Possible causes of heel pain:

  • plantar fasciitis;
  • heel spurs;
  • mechanical trauma, tendonitis of the Achilles tendon;
  • diabetic foot;
  • genital infections: gonorrhea, chlamydia;
  • reactive, psoriatic, rheumatoid arthritis;
  • ankylosing spondylitis;
  • Reiter's syndrome;
  • bursitis of the heels;
  • paresthesia.

Pain can be localized, spread to the entire limb, bother only when making movements, or appear at rest, at night.

Some patients complain of sore heels after childbirth, although they did not experience such symptoms for nine months. The cause may be damage to the spinal nerve in lumbar that happens with complicated generic activity... Complications are diagnosed in women with narrow pelvis, or if the child is very large.

Plantar fasciitis

The disease is characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, which runs through the entire foot and attaches to the heads of the metatarsal bones. When a plate of connective tissue is constantly exposed to stress, stretching or injury, inflammation develops and severe pain syndrome. Fasciitis in pregnant women appears due to excess weight or flat feet. At risk are women with congenital pathology connective tissue.

Symptoms of the disease:

  • swelling of the ankle, ankle;
  • pain in the heels in the morning after getting out of bed;
  • burning sensation when supporting on the heel.

Discomfort occurs after a long walk, intensifies by the end of the day, and can radiate to the area of ​​the arch, ankle. Without treatment, fasciitis gradually progresses, the plantar fascia stiffens, causes sharp, stabbing pain, and the development of lameness.

Diabetic foot injury

Diabetes mellitus is a disease endocrine system caused by metabolic disorders, accompanied by an increase in blood glucose levels. Pathology can manifest before pregnancy or while carrying a child. The disease is dangerous development severe complications in the fetus and the expectant mother, so women should pass thorough examination at the stage of family planning.

Diabetes during pregnancy is often diagnosed in mothers over 35 years old who have a hereditary predisposition, overweight, bad habits... The cause can also be autoimmune inflammation of the pancreas, viral diseases.

Uncompensated gestational diabetes can cause disruption of the functioning of the circulatory system, nervous system, with a complicated course, there are symptoms of diabetic lesion, pain in the heels.

TO grave consequences diseases for a newborn include: macrosomia, perinatal mortality, vices intrauterine development, congenital diabetes mellitus. In the mother, the disease may recede after the birth of the baby.

Diabetic foot syndrome is characterized by frequent trauma to soft tissues: even minor wounds, abrasions, calluses lead to deep suppuration of the epidermis. Ulcers do not heal for a long time, in severe cases they cause the development of gangrene and partial or complete amputation of the leg.

Pathological changes in the joints, ligaments, tendons, nerve fibers and blood vessels lead to irreversible deformation of the lower extremities, edema, pain in the heels, numbness, and decreased sensitivity.

Spurs in the heels during pregnancy

Plantar fasciitis, or "spur", is a spiny growth of osteophytes at the site of attachment of the fascia to the tubercle of the heel bones. The disease causes the appearance of acute pain during walking, develops against the background of metabolic disorders in the body, obesity, flat feet, is a complication of neglected plantar fasciitis, joint diseases, deterioration of blood circulation in the extremities.

Pregnant women complain of severe discomfort when applying pressure to the heel, as if stepping on a nail or glass. The most intense pain occurs in the morning, subsides during the day, and increases again in the evening. Sometimes it has a persistent character, causes lameness, limitation of mobility.

Outwardly, no visible changes in the foot are observed, and a slight swelling of the heel is rarely formed.

The disease can be diagnosed only by the results of an X-ray examination.

Achilles tendonitis

Achilles tendon attaches calf muscles to the bones of the heel, is responsible for flexion and extension movements of the foot. Abrupt change high heels for flat shoes, heavy weight bodies provoke overstrain of the ligaments and development inflammatory process- tendinitis.

The pain most often occurs on later dates pregnancy, this is due to increased stress on the lower extremities. Discomfort is localized in the upper part of the heel, spreading to the calf area. The skin over the affected tendons is red, hot to the touch, the soft tissues are swollen, severe pain occurs on palpation.

A hallmark of tendonitis is the limitation of ankle mobility, pain when rising on tiptoes, immediately after waking up in the morning, while sleeping in a supine position. With a prolonged course, the disease can be complicated by dystrophy of the tissues surrounding the tendons, the formation of a heel spur.

Feet numbness

Often, pregnant women complain of pain in the heels, paresthesia of the soles, toes. The cause of the pathology may be the appearance of edema, varicose veins, and a lack of vitamins. An increased load on the cardiovascular system, a decrease in the tone of the walls of the arteries, compression of the abdominal vessels by the growing uterus leads to a violation of blood circulation. As a result, the sensitivity of the legs decreases, tingling, numbness worries. These symptoms are most pronounced in the area of ​​the heels and toes.

These symptoms often occur in III trimester pregnancy and can even be observed in healthy women... But with paresthesia of the extremities, the appearance of pain in the heels, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor. Varicose veins, high blood pressure provoke the development of late toxicosis, placental insufficiency, cause pathology in the fetus.

How to get rid of heel pain

If any uncomfortable sensations appear, it is necessary to contact your doctor in order to find out the cause of the pathology. Relieve the condition with acute pain foot massage, cool baths with mint, chamomile, sage helps. Has an anesthetic effect alcohol tincture lilac flowers. After a long walk, forced to be in an upright position, you need to lie down, put a small pillow under your heels. This helps to normalize blood circulation.

Applications of honey and iodized salt relieve pain well. Mix a tablespoon of a bee product with 20 g of salt, grease the heel, fix it on top with a bandage. The procedure is carried out every day before bedtime.

A cold compress is applied to the affected heel to reduce swelling and inflammation. For this, the ice cubes are wrapped in a cotton towel and kept on the leg for 2-3 minutes. This procedure reduces pain and swelling.

Important! Pharmacy ointments with anesthetics and anti-inflammatory components can be used only after consulting a traumatologist, rheumatologist or neurologist.

Heel pain in pregnant women can be caused by a set excess weight or the development of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Prevention measures include weight control, taking vitamins, wearing comfortable shoes with orthopedic insoles, and regular exercise therapy.

The birth of a miracle is a wonderful phenomenon, but this process is long, and sometimes difficult for many women. Quite often, women simply adjust to various changes during pregnancy. As a rule, the changes are hormonal, but sometimes women are expected and physical changes... In addition, the pregnant woman is experiencing different pains for 9 months, and in the later stages, even the heels of a woman can hurt.

Most doctors say that many women get heel pain during pregnancy. First of all, this is due to the fact that the center of gravity shifts, because the woman begins to gain weight. And, as a rule, a lot of stress goes to the legs, knees and feet. According to doctors, this is quite normal phenomenon, but it causes a lot of inconvenience to the pregnant woman.

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is quite common in pregnant women, which is mainly manifested by pain on the plantar side of the heel. Popularly, this disease is called differently, someone is the heel of a runner, someone is calcanodyne. Basically, this disease affects athletes, more often runners. There are many reasons for such pain. Heel pain can appear due to an intense training regimen, weight gain, long walking.

Treatment and prevention of heel pain

Before treating heel pain, you need to first determine the source of the pain, because heels hurt during pregnancy due to different reasons... Someone's heels may hurt due to a serious illness, while others simply because of tired feet. When walking for a long time, pregnant women may have heels ache, feeling as if they are on fire. In that case light Massaging the legs and lifting the legs above the thighs will be very beneficial. You can lie comfortably on the bed and put your feet on the headboard. This will increase blood flow and reduce inflammation.

Shoes

If you want to walk comfortably without any pain, choose comfortable shoes, especially during pregnancy. When choosing shoes, first of all pay attention to the lasts, the beauty and model of the shoe is a secondary issue. The main thing for you is comfort.

Flat feet

During pregnancy, hormones, relaxing ligaments and other structures increase to prepare female body to childbirth. These same hormones can relax the ligaments in the legs, which most often leads to flat feet and an increase in leg size. Many women at 4-5 months start wearing shoes that are half or a whole size larger.

In addition, along with the growing baby in the womb, the size of the breasts increases, which puts additional stress on your legs. It should be noted that pain in the heels during pregnancy is, unfortunately, frequent occurrence, which goes away by itself only after childbirth.

How to relieve heel pain?

Try not to stand for long periods of time or go barefoot. If you have to stand on duty, then in this case, push against something. But, be sure to take breaks to sit down a bit and raise your legs.

In the evening mandatory rest your legs, especially if you walked or stood all day. You can ask your husband to massage your feet, and also place your feet above your hips with a few pillows underneath them.

Swelling of the feet

The legs of pregnant women become swollen due to the increase in fluid in the body tissues. However, swelling of the legs and ankles during pregnancy is very common. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also cause swelling of the legs. It is rare that such swelling gives pain, mostly just discomfort. But if you notice swelling of the face, around the eyes, or swelling of the hands, then you should immediately consult a doctor. After all, the body of a pregnant woman swells with kidney problems.

Carrying a baby is a happy time for a woman. Happiness is darkened by unpleasant, painful sensations for nine months. Women often have heel pain during pregnancy. This phenomenon should not be ignored. See a doctor who will prescribe treatment to help relieve and relieve symptoms.

In some, heel pain appears in the evening, in other women, on the contrary - in the morning, in the afternoon it passes, in the evening it returns again. It hurts a woman to stand even for a short time. Pain can occur while jumping.

This is sometimes associated with hormonal changes in the body. Weight gain accompanying the last trimester of pregnancy and edema can affect heel pain. Do not ignore the forward redistribution of the center of gravity.

Heel pain is caused by shoes, the transition from heels to flat soles. Choose comfortable shoes with low, wide heels. Due to the constant load of the knees, cracks can form on the heels, stepping on the feet, pain is felt. Baths for softening, cleansing the skin, daily moisturizing, treatment of the heels with special tools in the salon help.

Doctors do not recommend ignoring heel pain. Pain does not always go away after childbirth. The reason is the aggravation of varicose veins. Heart and vascular problems can be reflected in heel pain. The causes of heel pain in a pregnant woman are diabetes, heel fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis.

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the muscles in the heel area. Leads to the appearance of a thorn-like growth - a heel spur. Education is affected by a sharp increase in the body weight of a pregnant woman, leading to impaired blood circulation in the lower extremities. During pregnancy, a woman may develop flat feet, which contributes to the appearance of spurs.

A spike in the heel is accompanied by unbearable pain. While walking with support on the heel, bending over - the pain is sharp, burning.

If you experience pain due to a spike in your heel, see your doctor. He will refer you to the right specialists, who will select a treatment to relieve inflammation in the soft tissues of the foot.

But for a woman expecting a baby, gentle therapy is suitable. Therapeutic massage reduces the pain from the spur. Reduce physical activity, the load on the knees. The doctor will select anesthetic ointment, medications suitable for the pregnant woman.

It is worth reconsidering nutrition. Eat foods that remove salt from the body - watermelons or cucumbers. This relieves the pain caused by the spur. Reduce your salt intake.

Contrast baths, baths with sea salt relieve pain. Complex therapy for pain due to the spur includes the use of special insoles, heel cushions. They support the muscles and ligaments in the correct position, improve blood circulation, strengthen the ligaments, helping to reduce the load on the knees, and treat flat feet. Sometimes a cast is applied to keep the heel in position.

For morning heel pain, use Strasbourg socks at night. These devices support the feet perpendicular to the lower leg, preventing tendon contraction. Use mustard plasters or paraffin wax. Warming up dissolves the spurs. Timely started therapy relieves heel pain, prevention will help to avoid its occurrence.

Diabetic foot injury

One of the causes of heel pain is diabetes mellitus. Due to high sugar levels, blood flow deteriorates, tissues are poorly supplied with oxygen, and leg pain appears. The skin of the foot itches and flakes. Diabetes mellitus is accompanied by cracks. In the worst case, a hole appears, an ulcer, a black dot on the heel. It is important to start treatment on time, otherwise diabetic foot syndrome develops, leading to amputation.

Signs of leg damage in diabetes: Swelling of the lower extremities, pain in the lower leg, calf, knee and heel. Skin color is pale, red, blue. The temperature of the foot is either cold or hot. Fungus forms on the nails, between the toes - diabetes leads to damage to the legs.

A pregnant woman with diabetes should control glucose levels, follow the doctor's recommendations regarding nutrition. Treatment and prevention of diabetic foot - washing feet with warm water without soap, dry thoroughly. Pay attention to the area between your fingers.

Use a special ointment or oily cream to moisturize your feet. With diabetes, it is not recommended to float your legs, use mechanical means to remove hardened skin. Use special pedicure socks to prevent calluses, cracked feet.

The choice of footwear plays an important role in diabetes mellitus. Special and comfortable for leg pathology, relieving the load from the calves and knees. Wearing shoes without a heel is undesirable for foot pain. Choose socks for diabetes without a stiff elastic band.

Feet numbness

If the foot grows numb, itches, there is a burning sensation in the heel, tingling is felt due to a violation of the nerve receptors of the legs and swelling of the tissues. This is hypesthesia resulting from diabetes mellitus, vitamin B deficiency.

The foot is numb due to joint inflammation and heel spurs. Causes - osteochondrosis, arthritis, vascular disease. Damage to the central nervous system also causes numbness in the heels. This is facilitated by the load on the heart when carrying a baby.

If your foot rarely becomes numb, don't worry. After giving birth, the numbness will disappear. The problem is treated at home. Exercise, water aerobics, a warm shower, foot massage, and reducing the load from the knees help. Also, an iron diet, vitamins, and blood sugar control if numbness occurs with diabetes.

If your leg becomes numb on a regular basis, see a doctor. The doctor will prescribe an ultrasound and Doppler examination to detect blood clots, varicose veins, and other vascular diseases. A complete blood count will be required to detect anemia. If not enough, the doctor will prescribe the consultation of other specialists.

When the heel gets numb, itches, the treatment consists of procedures that strengthen the blood vessels. Phlebotonics are prescribed, a special ointment. For numbness, wearing compression stockings and elastic bandages during childbirth will help. In rare cases, plaster is used. Continue treatment after delivery.

Achilles tendonitis

Stress on the knees during pregnancy leads to Achilles tendinitis. It hurts a woman to step on the heel. Tendinitis is an inflammation in the tissues of the heel tendon. The back of the legs is exposed to stress during childbearing, salts are removed worse, accumulate, the elasticity of the tendon decreases, the tissues become inflamed.

During walking or jumping, a woman has a strong pulling pain, with further movement it subsides. The skin over the heel tendon turns red, and this part of the leg swells.

Damage to the Achilles tendon occurs due to the flat feet of a pregnant woman, the use of uncomfortable shoes. The formation of a skin growth in the area of ​​the Achilles tendon is possible. It hurts a woman to step on the heel. Start treating the inflammation as early as possible, otherwise tendonitis will become chronic.

A symptom of chronic tendinitis is a nagging pain after sleep. It hurts to walk when the surface is tilted, up the stairs. Chronic tendonitis leads to the development of a heel spur. The disease is diagnosed by probing the surface with fingers - a pain point is found. An ultrasound will show where the tissue is torn.

Medicine recommends starting the treatment of tendonitis by removing the load from the knees of the injured limb. The ankle joint is tightened with an elastic bandage, a cold compress is applied. If the tendon is severely affected, it may be necessary to apply a cast to relieve stress on the ankle. After relieving pain, continue treatment with a course of massage, gymnastics.

Physiotherapy

Heel pain is treated with exercise suitable for a pregnant woman:

  1. Walking. You need to do it in walking shoes. Step on the heel with a gentle transition to the toe. Gradually, stride length and duration increase.
  2. Exercise to stretch the muscles of the heel tendon. Stand straight with feet shoulder-width apart. Step forward. The knees are bent, the buttocks are tense. The heels rest on the floor, stretching the back of the leg.
  3. Stand on a step or a special platform, resting on your toes. The heels drop slowly below the platform level. Hold out for 30 seconds.
  4. With your heels on the edge of the step, do 12 squats for 3 sets with a little break. Exercise will strengthen the strength of the Achilles tendon, tighten the buttocks.
  5. Stand straight, legs apart already shoulders. We bend our knees alternately without lifting the socks off the floor.
  6. Stand on your fingertips, straining your legs and buttocks, hold out for a few seconds, lower yourself.
  7. Sitting on a chair, with arms lowered along the body, bend-unbend the knees.
  8. Stand on your left leg, stretch your right leg forward, tighten your buttocks. Rotate with the foot, lower leg, whole leg. Change legs.

Do not get carried away with gymnastics. A heavy load, with pain in the legs, is contraindicated for a pregnant woman. Training should not be completely ruled out. Heels hurt during pregnancy in many women. Sometimes the only way out is to endure until the birth. Heel pain is also treated during pregnancy. It is important to observe the hygiene of the feet, to do the pedicure in a timely manner.

Most pregnant women understand that now their body is undergoing great changes and stress. And therefore, during this period, new sensations for the mother can arise that she did not experience before. But this does not mean at all that any of them can be counted among the "side effects" of pregnancy, even if such manifestations are found in very many expectant mothers.

The same goes for heel pain during pregnancy. This phenomenon is quite common among women carrying children, and, as a rule, they tend to blame increasing weight for the occurrence of pain. This reason really takes place, but others are not excluded as well. Therefore, it will not be superfluous to tell the doctor that the heels are very sore during pregnancy.

When walking, heels hurt during pregnancy

As usual in other cases, heel pain during pregnancy sends mom to the forum. And here she is relieved to find that this problem occurs all the time! Even the manifestations of many women are the same, although not all are the same.

Many pregnant women complain that the heels begin to hurt a lot while walking, especially when walking for a long time, and they do not bother in the supine position. For some, the heels hurt so much that even in the kitchen, while preparing food, they have to sit down on a stool - it is impossible to stand because of the pain.

It is not uncommon for heel pain during pregnancy to appear in the morning, and then by the end of the day, as the woman “paces,” disappears. Or it passes during the day, but returns again in the evening.

Symptoms and manifestations can be different, and in each case, doctors suspect different causes of pain.

Why do heels hurt during pregnancy

And even if sometimes there is even weight loss during pregnancy, in most all cases, the total body weight of a woman increases with increasing term. In addition to increasing the load on the musculoskeletal system in general and on the feet in particular, the center of gravity is also redistributed, shifting forward. All this leads to the fact that over time, the pregnant woman develops pain in the heels during pregnancy. Doctors reassure expectant mothers: there is no need to worry about this, after childbirth the pain will soon disappear, but keeping the weight gain during pregnancy under control is a must!

At the same time, many women will agree that even with very modest gains, the legs and heels still hurt during pregnancy. It is likely that you are wearing uncomfortable shoes (a solid sole is not suitable for expectant mothers), or suddenly changed a high stiletto heel for shoes with a low speed, or are simply tired. If the pain occurs regularly or is definitely not associated with shoes, then there may be other causes of heel pain during pregnancy.

For example, swelling, especially if the heels hurt in the morning, after a night's sleep, and then the pain disappears. If the skin on the heels is badly cracked, and even more so if the cracks are deep, then severe pain in the heels is quite normal for such a condition of the legs. Here you can advise to get a pedicure and start moisturizing your feet every day.

Women prone to varicose veins should be concerned: pain in the heels during pregnancy can sometimes indicate an exacerbation of this disease.

Spurs in the heels during pregnancy

Sharp, sharp pain when stepping on the heel can be a sign of salt deposits, people say that "thorns" or "spurs" form in the feet. The problem is more likely to make itself felt if these growths were formed even before pregnancy. This condition requires treatment, but during the period of bearing a child, it is contraindicated, and therefore doctors will advise you to endure ...

But when it is impossible to tolerate, it is if pain in the heels occurs when walking: it is not at all necessary, but it is still possible that this is due to a disruption in the work of the cardiovascular system, which is now experiencing increased stress.

What to do if heels hurt during pregnancy

So, heel pain during pregnancy is the most unpleasant problem. She brings many expectant mothers to tears of suffering, because it can be unbearable to endure such pain. This is very disappointing, but there is no more reliable way to get rid of the pain, how to carry the pregnancy to the end and give birth to a baby. Almost always, heel pain in pregnant women is a physiological passing phenomenon that does not pose a danger and does not require treatment.

Nevertheless, so that you do not worry and do not doubt that heel pain does not carry any risk in itself, tell your doctor about it. Tell us exactly how it hurts, when the pain occurs, how long it lasts, and other details about your condition. If necessary, he will refer you to a narrow specialist consultation if he suspects that something is amiss. But, most likely, the doctor will give you useful advice and recommendations on what to do if your heels hurt during pregnancy:

  • Keep track of the allowable weight gain during pregnancy and do not exceed the norm.
  • Take care of the prevention of edema, do not overuse salt and drink enough clean water.
  • Wear comfortable shoes with small, wide, stable heels, not exceeding 4-5 cm: high heels and pregnancy are incompatible, and an absolutely flat sole also leads to incorrect weight redistribution. In addition, shoes should be made of natural materials so that the feet do not fog up, it should not squeeze or chafe anywhere.
  • Avoid prolonged sitting. If you are driving, stop and walk, stretch your legs. The same should be done at work.
  • Live an active lifestyle, but do not overwork yourself with walking.
  • If your doctor suspects heel spurs during pregnancy, then perhaps he will advise you to wear special insoles with soft pads on the surface.
  • To relieve fatigue from the legs, reduce leg pain during pregnancy and eliminate swelling, cool foot baths are excellent. You can use herbal teas for this, or add sea salt or baking soda to the water.
  • After the bath, be sure to lie down horizontally with your legs raised on a hill (put something under them). Always try to put your feet on some kind of elevation when you are lying or sitting (in the latter case, you can, for example, put them on a low stool or bench).
  • And if your husband gives you a foot massage, then you will immediately forget about the pain in your heels!

Unfortunately, pregnant women sometimes have to go through a lot of troubles and even endure a lot of torment. But, you must admit, the main thing always remains so that they do not harm your and your baby's health. We wish you more pleasant moments, and less annoying ones!