Question
I am a 31 yr old mother of 3 children. My last child was born in spring 2007. Just before spring of 2008, I began having pain in the underside of both feet at the 4th and 5th metatarsal phalangeal bones. It was worse in the morning when I first got out of bed. The pain would fade after I got up and going. I had worn flip-flops 90% of the time since my pregnancy and thought this could be the cause of my pain so I started wearing only sneakers. The pain in my right foot went away, but not in the left foot. It has been several months now and I still have the pain. The longer I walk on it, the less it hurts. However, direct pressure or standing after being immobile for a while causes immediate discomfort. What could be the cause?

Answer
HI Amanda,

It is common after pregnancies to have foot pain.  Your foot will generally get longer and wider.  Also some of the padding on the bottom of the foot may thin.  I would see a podiatrist and look into getting orthotic devices that will support and cushion your foot.  This extra support is essential.

Sorry for the delay in answering.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com



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