While pregnancy can be a joyous and exciting time in your life, it can also cause several changes in your body. Many women, for example, notice changes to their feet while they’re pregnant, including swollen feet. Below are several foot conditions you may experience during your pregnancy and what you can do about them.

4 Common Foot Conditions Among Pregnant Women

1. Foot Pain

The inevitable weight gain during pregnancy can cause the feet to flatten out, resulting in sharp pain. Some women may feel so much discomfort in their feet that they have difficulty walking. An effective way to reduce foot pain during pregnancy is to wear shoes that support the arch of the foot.

2. Dry Skin

Many pregnant women also report having very dry skin on their feet. Pregnancy hormones can affect how much your feet sweat, ultimately drying them out. To combat dryness, remember to apply unscented lotion to your feet every day.

3. Swollen Feet

The increase in blood volume during pregnancy can lead to swollen feet in many women. There are several ways to reduce fluid buildup in your feet, such as limiting your salt intake, lying with your feet up, and drinking plenty of water.

4. Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are common during pregnancy for several reasons. Nails tend to grow more quickly during pregnancy, so they need more frequent trims. Swollen feet can also increase the risk of your nails digging into the skin around it. To reduce the likelihood of ingrown nails, wear well-fitting shoes, and trim your toenails as often as needed.

If you’re experiencing swollen feet or other foot issues, turn to the foot specialists at Podiatry Associates of Rochester LLP in Rochester, NY. The practice offers a wide variety of podiatry services for patients of all ages and will work closely with you through each step of your treatment. The professionals at this podiatry office can treat everything from plantar fasciitis to sports injuries and aim to get patients back on their feet quickly. For more information about their services, call (585) 342-8700 or visit their website.