Tired Feet, Tired Mom: Managing Foot Discomfort While Juggling Motherhood

There are many joys in being a mother, but let’s face it, motherhood can be taxing on the body. Staying up late, running errands, and pursuing kids quickly make you forget about your self-care. One common challenge all moms face is foot pain! Whether it’s a sudden, mysterious ache or postpartum foot pain, sore feet will definitely slow you down. If you have been thinking, “Why does the top of my foot hurt all of a sudden?” Or if you are experiencing the debilitating, chronic soreness of postpartum foot pain, you are not the only one! So let’s consider the reasons why foot pain shows up during motherhood, and what you can do about it.

Why Foot Pain Is Common During Motherhood

Foot pain is more than a nuisance—it’s a common issue of many moms. Pregnancy and giving birth can change your body greatly, and caring for young children starts long before the baby is born and extends long after. During pregnancy, hormones loosen the ligaments in your feet, contributing to swelling and discomfort. Postpartum results in changes to your weight distribution, posture, or even your foot arch, which can result in ongoing foot pain. 

Additionally, the demands of being always on your feet to chase young children, heavy bags, and daily household responsibilities can create stress to your feet. This is often the perfect storm for sore, tired feet and making it challenging to maintain any sort of energy or activity level during the day.

Common Foot Problems For Moms

Sudden Pain On The Top Of The Foot

Mothers frequently find themselves experiencing sudden sharp pain on the top of the foot. Pain on top of the foot is usually painful and uncomfortable and is often caused by overuse, or symptoms of tendonitis or inflammation. Mothers spend so much time on their feet moving here and there from one activity with their children to another, and sometimes standing for an extended period. Consequently, foot discomfort can often occur. The thought may cross your mind, “why does the top of my foot hurt all of a sudden?” Again, something we experience daily and can happen for several different reasons: possibly due to improper support from your shoes, or overstretching from doing the activity. Rest and elevation will hopefully aid in recovery. If the pain continues or does not resolve, it may be wise to reach out to your healthcare provider to rule out any serious injuries.

Managing Foot Discomfort After Childbirth

During the postpartum time period, many women will have chronic foot pain. The physical demands of childbirth, the weight gain of pregnancy and postnatal changes in posture changes or heelrocking body composition can all lead to foot pain or discomfort in one or both feet. You may even be finding your shoe size has changed or a flattened foot-arch. Regardless of how active you will be during the first weeks after childbirth, you’ll be spending a majority of the time moving and caring for the new infant, which puts additional stress to your feet! Assuming you have found foot pain postpartum (also known as postnatal podiatric pain), the best way to manage foot pain will be to stretch, get some good walking shoes and do some foot exercises regularly. These are all simple things that you can do for comfort and to reduce the potential for pain that may develop. 

Tips for Managing Foot Discomfort While Juggling Motherhood

When you’re busy, self-care can feel like something that you can put off; however, taking care of your feet is a good aspect of caring for yourself. Here are a few simple ideas for managing foot pain while managing motherhood:

1. Wear Comfortable Shoes
   When selecting your shoes, make sure that they are supportive and really comfortable. Don’t wear high-heeled shoes or shoes without enough support in the arch. Supportive shoes can be incredibly beneficial in preventing foot pain and reducing pain in the first instance
   
2. Soak and Massage Your Feet
   Soak your feet in warm water, adding Epsom salts for a little extra luxury. After soaking your feet, relieve muscle tension and help circulation with a professional foot massage or simply roll your feet back and forth across a roller or ball.
   
3. Stretch and Strengthen Your Feet
   Your Feet Performing simple stretches for your feet throughout the day can help with your discomfort. Stretching, flexing, and pointing your toes can all help improve flexibility and reduce stiffness.
   
4. Rest and Elevation
   When your feet are sore, it’s a good idea to rest. If you can, consider placing your feet above your heart for 10-15 minutes to help relieve tension and rest your fee

Incorporating Foot Care Into Your Self-Care Routine

It is common for a mother to put aside her care when looking after everyone else. However, simple self-care can make a difference in how you feel. Simple daily care for your feet can be added self-care, just as you find time to care for your skin or beauty care! Consider foot care as part of your care in your role as a mother! Whether that is a quick soak, a foot massage, or even some time spent stretching in the day! Taking care of your feet is essential and beneficial! When your feet feel good, you are more capable of getting on with your day! 

Conclusion

You don’t have to live with chronic foot pain while you are a mother. With a handful of lifestyle adjustments, you can not only manage foot pain, but you can also improve your overall health and wellness. Remember, taking care of your feet is also really about taking care of yourself. With the right shoes, time for stretching and resting your feet during the day, and a little time for foot pampering, you can keep your feet—and energy—up to enjoy the benefits of being a mother.