Pregnant women complain of aching feet, and it’s a valid complaint. Soreness can be caused by weight gain, foot swelling, and foot instability during pregnancy. Women are also more active now than ever before giving birth, which places greater strain on their feet.

“In the last five years, I’ve seen an increase in pregnant women with foot pain because more women than ever before are active, even running marathons, during their pregnancies,”Marybeth Crane (DPM, FACFAS), a Dallas-area foot & ankle surgeon.

But the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons says that women don’t have to suffer sore feet while pregnant. It can be treated. The following guidelines are provided by ACFAS to help you manage foot problems during pregnancy.

* Painful, Swollen Feet. Pregnant mothers often feel throbbing, swelling feet from excess fluid (or edema) in the feet. This can be caused by the baby’s weight or position. Keep your feet elevated as much as possible, keep your legs straight, wear wide and comfortable shoes, and don’t cross them when you sit.

* Arch Pain. Arch pain can be caused by fatigue or a condition called “arch fatigue”Or “over pronation,”In which the arch flattens. When the ligament that supports the arch of your foot is under extreme stress, it’s called over pronation. Stretch daily, before and after exercise to prevent arch pain. Wear supportive, low-heeled shoes that support your arches.

* Foot Cramps. Cramping is often caused by pregnancy’s increase in blood volume and progesterone. You can improve circulation by elevating your feet and rotating your ankles. Try walking around the block if cramps persist. Stretch your calf muscles daily.

* Ingrown Toenails. Shoes that are too tight can cause ingrown toenails. To avoid ingrown toenails, wear wider shoes during the last trimester. Ingrown toenails can be treated by a foot and ankle specialist. You can make it worse by trying to fix the problem yourself.

Even after your baby is born, you might still need new shoes. “A permanent growth in a woman’s foot, up to half a size, can occur from the release of the same hormone, relaxin, that allows the pelvis to open to deliver the baby.”Dr. Crane. “It makes the ligaments in your feet more flexible, causing feet to spread wider and longer.”

To discuss your treatment options, see a foot surgeon if foot pain persists. You can find more information about foot- and ankle problems at www.footandankle.com www.FootHealthFacts.org.

The pace of life today is rapid. The rise of digital technology has allowed people to communicate with each other via the internet and simultaneously check their children’s soccer scores. With the advent of the Internet, consumers can expect the same conveniences from all services and businesses except their insurance companies. While 98 per cent of insurance claims are processed within 30 working days, it can be frustrating for those who have difficulty paying their medical bills.

It is no longer enough to be insured, as nearly two-thirds of American households have less income than 2002. It is vital to understand how quickly and efficiently your insurance carrier pays claims. This is critical for both financial recovery and physical recovery.

According to a recent survey, 66% of workers would struggle to pay for the financial burdens associated with serious injuries and illnesses. Only 49% of workers have over $1,000 to pay out-of-pocket costs. Employers are being forced to reduce costs as rising health care costs put even more financial pressure on their employees.

* Increasing employees’ health care insurance copayments.

* Increasing employees’ share of premium.

* Implementing high-deductible health plans with health savings accounts.

A lot of people will have to wait for up to a few months before receiving their insurance payments. Many insurance companies are able to offer fast service because they have better technology and an understanding of today’s consumer needs. This is one example. AflacIt is almost rare for insurance companies to offer policies that include claims processing, approval, and payment in a single day.

Fast payment policies are no longer luxury items of the past. It is a necessity in today’s world. It’s vital to have funds readily available for serious illness or injury. You should ensure that your insurance company can move at your pace.

Aflac’s One Day Pay Promise can be found at aflac.com/onedaypay.