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Foot cramps
I am due in four months time and have developed cramping in the arches of my feet. Other than massage, do you have any ideas? Could I be deficient in some vitamin? Lisa
Imagine the poor foot. During walking, more than two times the force of body weight is borne by the foot. If you have any tendency toward being flat arched or high arched, you are at greater risk of developing any of a number of ills that the foot is susceptible to.
The additional weight acquired during pregnancy as well as the progressive softening of all the ligaments in response to the hormonal changes and the changing centre of gravity make the foot a vulnerable structure.
The most common of this type of problem is called plantar fasciitis and it is just an inflammation of the covering enclosing the muscles in the area of the arch. It can be caused by trauma, such as stepping on something with the impact mostly in this area or by a quick step which pulls this area abruptly. Sometimes we may experience this after starting a walking exercise programme.
Several things may help.
- Before you get out of bed each morning, write the alphabet with your feet! Sounds crazy but it promotes good circulation and stretching of the ligaments before they must take the strain of the total body weight.
- Apply ice to the feet for 10 - 15 minutes four times a day.
- Medications such as paracetamol, aspirin or ibuprofen may help, but consult your doctor for use in pregnancy.
- Sometimes shoe inserts that support the arch work for this, or ones that raise the heel slightly. Make sure you wear ‘good shoes’.
It might not go away immediately after the baby. This can take up to 6 months to a year to resolve. I hope it isn't too bad and that it goes away.
Peg
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