Swollen Ankles, Pains in Legs & Feet

Swollen and painful legs and ankles are often a feature of pregnancy.This is in part due to the extra weight/fluid retention, and growing baby affecting the mother's circulation, alongside changing mechanics - the hips having to rotate outwards to accomodate the growing baby. Your Osteopath can use soft tissue and articulation techniques to improve the drainage through the feet, legs and pelvis. They may also advise on orthotics if your foot pain is due to dropped arches.

 
 
The following two exercises can help relieve swollen ankles & aches & pains in the legs & feet:

1. Sit on the floor with your back supported against a wall & place a thick pillow under one of your knees. Bend the supporting knee to protect the low back.
2. Slowly straighten the leg and point and flex the toes.
3. Relax your legs back down onto the pillow and repeat 5-10 times


 
1. Sit on the floor with your back supported against a wall & place a thick pillow under your lower legs. If this is uncomfortable, do one leg at a time, and bend the supporting knee.
2. Straighten the legs and point your toes as far as you can away from you, and then up towards the ceiling. Then slowly rotate your ankles clockwise, and then anticlockwise a few times.
3. Relax your feet and ankles, and repeat 5-10 times