Today, I’m back with another pregnancy guide and I’m talking about ankle pain in particular.
Whilst I had a really straightforward pregnancy, in my third trimester, I really struggled with back pain, sciatica, and ankle pain. To the point where in the final weeks it was really difficult to walk.
If that’s you, here’s five tips to help you deal with ankle pain during pregnancy….
AD: This post is a sponsored post with The Bad Back Company but my experiences-and pain!-are all my own!
1. Seek support early on
My pain was limited to the final weeks but I’ve known people who have struggled fron the start of the second trimester and eventually needed crutches by the end of their pregnancy!
If you suspect you are likely to struggle with back and ankle pain (perhaps due to a predisposition or as an arthritis sufferer already) speak to your midwife as early on as possible to allow the referral to physio to come through in time for you to use it!
2. Look out for swollen ankles
It’s normal for ankles to be slightly swollen in pregnancy-especially if you’re suffering from ankle pain and inflammation too.
However, do be aware that severely swollen ankles need checking asap with your medical team, as your pain could be less about the everyday strains of pregnancy and instead suggest problems such as deep vein thrombosis or preeclampsia.
3. Invest in decent ankle supports
Ankle supports are a great idea if you aren’t in a position to constantly rest your foot.
I used a mild one such as this ankle support bandage by the bad back company but they also do more supportive ones and plantar fascitis compression socks.
Plantar fasciitis is a type of pain that affects the heel instead of the ankle and is common during pregnancy too. However, my husband has also been suffering for this on and off for about a year and uses these socks too!
4. Ditch the heels!
Investing in good shoes during pregnancy is key in my opinion.
You don’t have to ditch the heels but you might find it comfier if you did!
I started wearing OOFOS recovery footwear in my third trimester: they’re basically shoes designed to reduce the pressure on your ankles and lower back.
They’re not the most attractive shoes but they’re the comfiest thing you’ll ever own and I still wear them now to go running. They’re incredibly supportive and cushioned.
5. It doesn’t last forever
When I struggled with back and ankle pain, I thought it would never go away but the day after the c-section it disappeared for good!
The vast majority of women find that the strain of pregnancy on their back and ankles painful but that once their baby has arrived and the strain is no longer there, it disappears altogether!
Although ankle pain is really frustrating, it is one of the ways your body is trying it’s best to adapt to a growing bump-so know that it’s all part of growing your baby and put your feet up and get some rest whilst you still can!
Ankle pain is very terrible. I loved this information on dealing with that. Thank you so very much for your article. This is really good information. It’s great to visit your blog. It really gives me some insight into this subject.
I was having severe pain in my ankle. But after my doctor’s suggestion, it helped me.