The Pregnant Patient - Why Do My Feet Hurt?

ABSTRACT

Although hormonal and anatomical changes that occur during pregnancy have been well documented, how these changes affect foot and ankle function are less understood. Changes during pregnancy in body mass, body-mass distribution, joint laxity, and muscle strength can all contribute to alterations in gait pattern that can lead to pain or injury to the foot and ankle. This review provides an overview of the various foot and ankle anatomic, biomechanic, and kinematic changes that occur during pregnancy. In addition, this article presents the most common causes of foot and ankle symptoms expressed by the pregnant patient population and discuss the management and treatment of each condition.