Key Takeaways
- Plantar fasciitis during pregnancy is often linked to normal body changes, such as weight gain, a shifting center of balance, and hormones that loosen the ligaments in your feet.
- Safe relief often starts with simple steps like supportive shoes, gentle stretching, ice, and rest.
- Always check with your OB (obstetrician) or midwife before starting any new treatment, medicine, or exercise while pregnant.
- Some treatments are usually saved for after pregnancy, including shockwave therapy, so a podiatrist will focus on pregnancy-friendly care first.
- Paragon Podiatry is a trusted provider of plantar fasciitis care in the Bronx, Manhattan, and East Setauket, so request an appointment to find safe heel pain relief during and after pregnancy.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is irritation of the plantar fascia. This is the thick band of tissue on the bottom of your foot that connects your heel to your toes. It works like a bowstring to support your arch.
When this tissue is under too much stress, it can become sore and irritated. Common signs include:
- A sharp, stabbing pain near the heel
- Pain with the first steps in the morning
- Heel pain after sitting or resting
- Stiffness or tenderness in the arch
Why Does Plantar Fasciitis Happen During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy changes your whole body, and your feet carry much of that change. Several factors can add stress to the plantar fascia.
Hormones That Loosen Ligaments
During pregnancy, your body makes much more of a hormone called relaxin. According to Cleveland Clinic's article on how feet change size over time, relaxin relaxes ligaments and makes them more elastic, including the ligaments in your feet. This can let your arches flatten, and your feet may become longer and wider. Cleveland Clinic also notes that this change is often permanent.
When your arch flattens, the plantar fascia has to stretch more with each step. Over time, that extra strain can lead to heel pain.
Weight Gain
Healthy weight gain is a normal part of pregnancy. Still, extra weight adds more pressure to your heels and arches. The Mayo Clinic's plantar fasciitis treatment page explains that extra weight puts more stress on your feet, especially the plantar fascia.
Changes in Posture and Walking
As your belly grows, your center of balance moves forward. Many people change how they stand and walk to make up for it. This can shift more pressure onto certain parts of the foot.
Swelling and Shoe Fit
Swelling in the feet and ankles is common later in pregnancy. Shoes that fit before may now feel tight, or you may switch to flat, unsupportive shoes for comfort. Both can make heel pain worse.
Safe Relief for Plantar Fasciitis While Pregnant
The best plan is one your whole care team agrees on. Talk with your OB or midwife before starting any treatment, and share any heel pain treatment ideas with them. Here are common, gentle options to discuss.
Wear Supportive Shoes
The Mayo Clinic recommends shoes with good arch support, thick soles, and plenty of cushioning. Try to avoid flat shoes and walking barefoot, especially on hard floors. You may need a larger shoe size during pregnancy.
Stretch Gently
Simple stretches for your arches, calves, and Achilles tendon can help relieve pain and improve flexibility. Move slowly, hold onto a wall or chair for balance, and stop if anything hurts.
Use Ice
Mayo Clinic suggests placing ice on your heel for 15 minutes, three or four times a day, to ease pain and swelling. Wrap the ice in a thin towel to protect your skin.
Rest and Pace Yourself
Take breaks from long periods of standing or walking. Put your feet up when you can.
Ask Before Taking Pain Medicine
Some common pain relievers may not be safe during pregnancy. Do not take any medicine, including over-the-counter options, without checking with your OB or midwife first.
Pregnancy-Friendly Care vs. Care to Save for Later
This table shows which plantar fasciitis treatments are often used during pregnancy and which are usually saved for after delivery. Always confirm with your OB or midwife.
| Treatment | During Pregnancy | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Supportive shoes | Often a good first step | You may need a new size as your feet change |
| Gentle stretching and ice | Often a good first step | Ask your OB or midwife about which stretches are right for you |
| Custom orthotics | Can be a helpful option | Supports the arch without medicine or procedures |
| Pain medicine | Only with OB or midwife approval | Some pain relievers are not advised during pregnancy |
| Shockwave therapy | Usually saved for after pregnancy | Pregnancy is listed as a reason this treatment may be inappropriate |
| Surgery | Not a pregnancy treatment | Only for severe cases that do not improve with other care |
How Paragon Podiatry Helps With Plantar Fasciitis During Pregnancy
If heel pain makes it hard to get through your day, a plantar fasciitis doctor near you can help. Paragon's podiatrists are DPMs, which stands for Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. They can check your feet, find what is causing your pain, and work with the plan your OB or midwife has for you.
Custom Orthotics for Changing Feet
Custom orthotics from Paragon Podiatry are prescription medical devices worn in your shoes and made to fit your feet. Paragon's podiatrists look at your feet, the way you walk, and your overall biomechanics (how your body moves). Then they design, fit, and adjust the orthotics to your shoes. Supporting the arch can help take strain off the plantar fascia as your feet change.
Treatment Options After Pregnancy
Some heel pain fades after delivery, but some does not. Paragon Podiatry's plantar fasciitis treatment includes radial pulse shockwave therapy (RSW), a non-invasive, in-office treatment with no downtime. However, the Mayo Clinic's overview of shockwave therapy for medical professionals lists pregnancy as a situation where shockwave therapy may be inappropriate. For that reason, shockwave therapy is an option to talk about after your pregnancy, not during it. Ask your OB or midwife and your podiatrist when the timing is right for you, including if you are breastfeeding.
When to Call a Doctor
See a podiatrist if heel pain lasts more than a few weeks or makes walking hard. Call your OB or midwife right away if you notice:
- Sudden or severe swelling in your feet, hands, or face
- Swelling, warmth, or pain in only one leg
- Numbness or tingling that does not go away
Find Safe, Pregnancy-Friendly Heel Pain Relief at Paragon Podiatry
Plantar fasciitis during pregnancy can be painful, but simple, safe steps can often ease the pain. Paragon Podiatry can build a care plan that supports your changing feet now and offers more options after your baby arrives.
Request an appointment at Paragon Podiatry in the Bronx, Manhattan, or East Setauket to get plantar fasciitis treatment that works with your pregnancy care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is plantar fasciitis common during pregnancy?
It can happen. Pregnancy brings weight gain, posture changes, and hormones that loosen ligaments, and all of these can add stress to the plantar fascia and lead to heel pain.
Will plantar fasciitis go away after pregnancy?
For some people, heel pain gets better after delivery as weight and hormones change. For others, it lasts. Cleveland Clinic notes that foot changes from pregnancy are often permanent, so ongoing support from a podiatrist may help.
Can I get shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis while pregnant?
Shockwave therapy is usually not used during pregnancy. Mayo Clinic lists pregnancy as a situation where it may be inappropriate. Talk with your podiatrist and OB or midwife about whether it may be an option after your pregnancy.
Where can I find a plantar fasciitis doctor near me during pregnancy?
Paragon Podiatry treats plantar fasciitis at offices in the Bronx, Manhattan, and East Setauket on Long Island. You can request an appointment online and let the office know you are pregnant.
Are custom orthotics safe to use while pregnant?
Custom orthotics are prescription devices worn in your shoes to support your arch. They do not involve medicine or procedures, which makes them a gentle option to discuss during pregnancy. Let your OB or midwife know about any new treatment you start.
