Health Tip: Pregnancy and Foot Health

The feet have a lot more weight to support

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(HealthDay News) -- Pregnancy can trigger aches and pains all over your body, from your head to your toes.

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The American Podiatric Medical Association offers these suggestions to help ease the burden on your feet while you're pregnant:

• Prop up your feet whenever you can. But avoid sitting with your legs or ankles crossed, which could impair circulation.
• When sitting for a long time, stretch your legs often.
• Wear comfortable, supportive shoes that fit well. Your shoe size may change during pregnancy.
• If you have flat feet, buy a pair of running shoes for everyday walking or exercise, as they offer superior shock absorption.
• Skip the high heels; low heels are fine.
• When you feel a leg cramp, walk the cramp out. To help prevent leg cramps, exercise the muscles by gently rotating your ankles to the left and right.

-- Diana Kohnle