Pregnancy and the permanent change in foot structure

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After giving birth, some women complain of having bigger feet. Indeed, pregnancy can sometimes cause the arch to flatten, making the feet grow one or two sizes bigger. And many of them stay that way permanently.

The American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation published a study affirming that the decrease in the arches of the feet can be associated with pregnancy and that porous women have an increased risk for other structural and functional changes in the lower limbs. This is especially evident during a woman’s first pregnancy. The reason: a combination of increased weight on the joints with a greater laxity during pregnancy.

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Additionally, this pregnancy-related arch drop explains why women are at a high risk for arthritis and pain in the hips, knees, and spine.

“A flattened foot can strain the ligaments in the foot's sole, causing changes in gait that put extra strain on the knees,” says researcher Neil Segal, an associate professor of orthopedics and rehabilitation at the University of Iowa.

With further research, soon women all over the world will know whether preventive rehabilitation for these structural changes can have an impact on better body, better health, and better-looking feet.

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Know more about the changes that commence in your body during and after pregnancy from this Facebook page for Cristian Andronic.