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The FootWorks Store, Columbus, Ohio

Providing the highest quality products, service, and knowledge for our customers' specific foot needs.

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    • Achilles Tendonitis
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    • Arch Pain / Arch Strain
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    • Metatarsalgia
    • Morton’s Neuroma
    • Morton’s Toe
    • Over-Pronation (Flat Feet)
    • Overlapping Toes
    • Plantar Fasciitis
    • Post-Tib Tendonitis
    • Pregnancy and Your Feet
    • Sesamoiditis
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Pregnancy and Your Feet

Definition

Pregnancy triggers many different changes in a woman’s body. Many women have common complaints throughout their pregnancy. One of these complaints, often overlooked, is foot pain. Due to the natural weight gain during pregnancy, a woman’s center of gravity is completely altered. This causes a new weight-bearing stance and added pressure to the knees and feet.

Two of the most common foot problems experienced by pregnant woman are over- pronation and edema. These problems can lead to pain at the heel, arch, or ball-of-foot-pain. Many women may also experience leg cramping and varicose veins due to weight gain. Because of this, it is important for all pregnant women to learn more about foot health during their pregnancy to help make this nine month period more comfortable for them.

Cause

Over-pronation and edema are both very common foot problems experienced during pregnancy.

Over-Pronation, also referred to as flat feet, is caused when a person’s arch flattens out upon weight bearing and their feet roll inward when walking. This can create extreme stress or inflammation on the plantar fascia, the fibrous band of tissue that runs from the heel to the forefoot.

Over-pronation can make walking very painful and can increase strain on the feet, calves and/or back. The reason many pregnant women suffer from over-pronation is due to the added pressure on the body as a result of weight gain. Over-pronation is also very prominent in people who have flexible, flat feet or in people who are obese.

Edema, also referred to as swelling in the feet, normally occurs in the latter part of pregnancy. Edema results from the extra blood accumulated during pregnancy. The enlarging uterus puts pressure on the blood vessels in the pelvis and legs causing circulation to slow down and blood to pool in the lower extremities. The total water fluid in the body remains the same as before pregnancy, however it only becomes displaced. When feet are swollen, they can become purplish in color. Sometimes extra water can be retained during pregnancy, which can add to the swelling. If there is swelling in the face or hands, a doctor should be contacted immediately.

Treatment and Prevention

There are effective ways to treat both over-pronation and edema during pregnancy.

Over-Pronation can be treated conservatively with “ready-made” orthotics. These orthotics should be designed with appropriate arch support and medial rearfoot posting to correct the over-pronation. Proper fitting footwear is also very important in treating over-pronation. Choose comfortable footwear that provides extra support and shock absorption.

It is important to treat over-pronation for pain relief but also to prevent other foot conditions from developing such as Plantar Fasciitis, Heel Spurs, Metatarsalgia, Post-Tib Tendonitis and/or Bunions.

Edema in the feet can be minimized and comforted by the following methods:

  • Elevate your feet as often as possible. If you have to sit for long periods of time, place a small stool by your feet to elevate them.
  • Wear proper fitting footwear. Footwear that is too narrow or short will constrict circulation.
  • Have your feet measured several times throughout your pregnancy. They will probably change sizes.
  • Wear seamless socks that do not constrict circulation.
  • If you are driving for a long period of time, take regular breaks to stretch your legs to promote circulation.
  • Exercise regularly to promote overall health; walking is the best exercise.
  • Drink plenty of water to keep the body hydrated. This helps the body retain less fluid.
  • Eat a well-balanced diet and avoid foods high in salt that can cause water retention.

Swelling is normally similar in both feet. If there is swelling in both feet that are not symmetrical, this may be a sign of a vascular problem and a doctor should be contacted immediately.

If any problems persist, consult your doctor.

Back to List of Foot Conditions

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Product Information

 Our store specializes in sizing and fitting shoes to your feet. We carry a large number of brands of comfort shoes, in all of those hard to fit sizes.

New Balance, Brooks, Saucony, Finn Comfort and Naot are JUST A FEW Name brands that we carry. The FootWorks Store also carries new lines of shoes from Drew shoes and Orthofeet. These shoes address diabetic, arthritic and hard to fit feet.

Customer Satisfaction Policies

We are here to help! We will stand behind our products and services. If there ever is any issue with our products or service, we will do our best to fix it and make it right!

Appointments Preferred

Appointments are strongly preferred, but walk-ins are welcome.

Local: 614-367-1510
Toll-Free: 1-800-515-1640

Our Location

1302 Hill Road North
Pickerington, Ohio 43147

Directions:
We are conveniently located on State Route 256 (Hill Road) in Pickerington, OH, 1 mile south of Interstate 70 on the East side of the street. Turn left at the 5th stop light from I-70, across from Huntington Bank and Kohls.

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HOURS:

Appointments Strongly Preferred
Walk-ins Welcome

Monday - Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday - Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday Closed

Directions

 

LOCATION:

The FootWorks Store Inc.
1302 Hill Rd. N
Pickerington, OH 43147-8986
Toll Free: 1-800-515-1640
Phone: 614-367-1510
Fax: 614-367-1246
info@thefootworksstore.com

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