Question
Dear Dr

I'm 31 weeks pregnant. 8 days ago I suddenly started to limp and when I checked, my left foot was swollen worse than my right.The pain in the heel is still excruciating when I even take one step forward in walking. My doctor says it's edema, however, it's not the swelling but the pain on the heel that's unbearable. I don't have any pain on my right heel. Doc advised me to wear compression stockings which I'm doing. Is podiatry treatment would be of any help in my condition? I'd appreciate if you could advise me on this matter.
Thanks.
Menik

Answer
This Chicago & Elmhurst Laser Podiatrist says.......

Dear Menic,

Sounds like like plantar fasciitis.
Your heel pain is probably due to an irritated  an irritated plantar fascia insert in the calcaneus (heel bone).
During pregnancy the hormone that you release is elastin and that will weaken the arch (elastic ligaments in the spring ligament).
Try PRICE
Protect- Maybe some arch supports in your shoes with a bit of a heel lift. No barefoot.
Rest-Speaks for itself--rest it.
Ice- As much as you can tolerate. Try ice packs 2-3 times a day for about a week or more if you notice improvement.  
Compress-Ace wrap or ankle sleeve-see below
Elevate-Will help if your heel throbs at the end of the day.
Go to our website store at AnkleNFoot.com for examples of wraps, sleeves or braces for your ankle.
Stretch your calf and arch slowly and gently, twice a day and BEFORE you get out of bed.
Maybe try a night splint-see examples at our website store at AnkleNFoot.com
If these suggestions don't help  then seek the aid of Podiatrists who are Board Certified in Orthopedics. Sometimes these injuries respond with orthotics(prescription custom made) and physical therapy or other modalities that will not hurt your baby.

Hope This Helps
Good Luck!

Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661
AnkleNFoot.com
Runnersdoc.com
BabyFootDoc.com

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