Foot Shape Changes During Pregnancy and Postpartum Are Associated With Patient Pain and Function

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Podiatry
• Pregnancy Health

Background:

• Foot pain affects 42% of pregnant women, with unclear links to foot morphology changes.
• Understanding foot shape alterations during and after pregnancy is crucial for managing pain and function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify changes in foot dimensions (width, length, height, arch, area) during pregnancy and postpartum.
• To determine if foot shape changes correlate with clinically significant changes in Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pain Interference and Physical Function scores.

Main Methods:

• A novel multiplane digital imaging system was used to measure foot shape in pregnant women (n=31) and a control group (n=18).
• Measurements were taken during early, mid, and late pregnancy, and postpartum.
• PROMIS Pain Interference and Physical Function scores were collected to assess pain and function.

Main Results:

• Significant increases in foot width, dorsum height, length, and medial foot area were observed from early to late pregnancy.
• Foot width also increased from early pregnancy to postpartum.
• Increased medial foot area and foot length were associated with higher pain interference, while increased medial foot area correlated with reduced physical function.

Conclusions:

• Pregnancy-induced foot morphology changes, particularly edema-related swelling, are linked to musculoskeletal pain and functional decline.
• Findings suggest potential interventions like compression socks, massage, or foot elevation to manage pregnancy-related foot changes and associated pain.