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Why Feet Change During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes significant changes that affect the feet. Increased body mass places extra pressure on the arches, while hormonal shifts, particularly the influx of relaxin, loosen ligaments and joints. The center of gravity is displaced, altering posture and gait. These changes can cause feet to become longer, flatter, and broader, which may lead to discomfort, swelling, or difficulty finding proper footwear. A podiatrist can help by assessing foot structure, recommending supportive shoes or custom orthotics, and providing guidance on exercises to maintain strength and flexibility. If pregnancy related foot changes are causing discomfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for personalized care and support.
Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Health Center. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?
One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.
Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages.
How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?
- Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
- Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
- Wear shoes with good arch support
- Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
- Elevate feet if you experience swelling
- Massage your feet
- Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Rogers and Berryville, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Metatarsal Bone Fractures

Metatarsal bone fractures occur when one of the long bones in the middle of the foot breaks, often from trauma, overuse, or a sudden twist. These fractures can be open, where the bone pierces the skin, or closed, where the skin remains intact. They may also be displaced, meaning the bone pieces are out of alignment, or nondisplaced, where the bone remains properly aligned. A podiatrist can assess the injury through examination and imaging, provide proper immobilization, and recommend treatment to promote healing and prevent long-term complications. Early diagnosis is vital to restoring foot function and mobility. If you have foot pain or feel you may have broken a bone, it is suggested that you promptly visit a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what is going on.
A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Health Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury.
Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:
- Bruising
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Blue in color
- Numbness
- Cold
- Misshapen
- Cuts
- Deformities
Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.
Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Rogers and Berryville, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Choosing the Right Shoes for Children’s Healthy Feet

Children’s shoes play a vital role in supporting proper foot growth and development. The right footwear varies by age, with infants needing soft, flexible shoes for early walking and older children requiring supportive, well-fitted shoes for school and play. Types of shoes include sneakers for daily wear, sandals for warm weather, and sport-specific footwear for athletic activities. Poorly fitting shoes can lead to discomfort, blisters, or long-term foot problems. A podiatrist can assess a child’s foot structure, recommend the best shoe type, and address any concerns about gait or development. For healthy, active feet, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have, and guide you toward the correct shoes to buy for your child.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Health Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
- Make sure their shoes fit properly
- Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
- Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
- Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
- Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
- Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
- Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
- Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Rogers and Berryville, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Flat Feet and Finding Relief

Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet collapse or fail to develop properly, leading to discomfort and mobility issues. Symptoms include arch pain, ankle swelling, stiffness, and aching in the calf muscles after standing or walking for long periods. Causes can include genetics, obesity, pregnancy, or injury that weakens the supporting structures of the foot. A podiatrist can assess the severity of flat feet, provide custom orthotics, recommend supportive footwear, and offer exercises to reduce pain and improve function. Ignoring symptoms can lead to long-term joint strain and difficulty walking. If you have painful flat feet, it is suggested that you seek treatment from a podiatrist.
Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Health Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.
Conditions & Problems:
Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.
Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.
Symptoms
- Pain around the heel or arch area
- Trouble standing on the tip toe
- Swelling around the inside of the ankle
- Flat look to one or both feet
- Having your shoes feel uneven when worn
Treatment
If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Rogers and Berryville, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.