3 strategies for managing postpartum foot pain

Postpartum foot pain is a condition that affects people who have recently completed a pregnancy. It occurs more often in pregnant people than in people who are not, and it can typically crop up during the second and third trimesters.

There are a couple of reasons why this might occur. These include increased weight and pressure on the feet causing arches to fall and reduced circulation causing inflammation. Fortunately, this condition can be effectively treated with the help of supportive devices, physical therapy and medication.

3 ways to manage postpartum foot pain

• Wear compression socks ” This strategy may not be the most glamorous, but it is a great way to increase circulation in the feet. Increased circulation to the lower region of your body can help reduce inflammation, which includes swelling and pain.

• Massage and stretch ” This strategy involves massaging and stretching the tissue in the feet involving muscles and tendons. One way you can do this is to take a tennis ball and roll it back and forth under your painful areas. You can roll the ball under your foot arch, the ball of your foot and your heel. If you would prefer more intensive and professional care, you can seek the assistance of a physical therapist in your area to help you stretch and strengthen the tissue in your feet.

• Wear supportive shoes or orthotics ” In addition to exercising the muscles in your feet, many health care providers will recommend that you find some supportive type of shoe or orthotic insert. These can help provide support for your feet; and for those who have plantar fasciitis as a result of their pregnancy, it can help prevent future flare-ups.

Alliance PTP is ready to help you find top-notch PT for managing postpartum foot pain

At Alliance Physical Therapy Partners, we're proudly bringing together physical therapy practices across the country to help people get the high-quality PT they need. Want to see a physical therapist in person? We can put you in touch with an Alliance PTP partner that's close to you and that can help you address foot pain postpartum.

Not keen on in-person PT sessions or not close to an Alliance PTP partner? No worries. We also offer effective and affordable virtual physical therapy through our Agile Virtual Physical Therapy platform.

Contact our team today so we can help you find the most effective physical therapy services for your injury or condition.