Numb Feet?

glyde

Hello to all! Hope this finds everyone riding safely and having fun.

I have been a 'recreational enthusiast' for a number of years now and have noticed a problem when I ride for extended periods of time - numb feet! This numbness is not a result of weather conditions, as it happens in warm and cold weather. I don't believe that it is a result of having my shoes too tight either, as I have done rides where my shoes have been so loose as to make me wonder if my feet will pull out.

Typically, once I begin to hit about the 2 hour mark, I begin to get that 'pins and needle' feeling in my toes and it gradually spreads throughout the foot. Now, I will admit that I do spend a lot of time sitting in the saddle - as I prefer to spin a higher cadence than to get out of the saddle.

If it is a question of me just getting off my bum and out of the saddle more often, fair enough. However, my concern is that perhaps it is something more insidious. Something wrong with my pedal stroke? Bad positioning on my bike?

Any insight into this would be greatly appreciated!

taumbu

I had a teammate a few years ago that experienced the same problem. He solved his problem by wearing toe warmers 12 months a year. I don't know what the physiological reason for the problem was or why toe warmers helped it, but that was his solution and it worked for him. Any of you medical types know why this might have worked?

dhk

If the numbness is being caused by pressure, I'd suggest two things. Check the insoles of your cycling shoes for a conforming fit and a bit of cushion. If they are shot, you could replace them with a sports insole or other custom orthotics. If you insoles are OK, you could try moving your cleats back about 1 cm towards the heel, so that the pressure point isn't right on the ball of your foot. I've read that this fix works for ultra-riders. Good luck.

dhk

PS: I made the assumption you're already riding in a good pair of stiff-soled road shoes and large platform pedals. If not, I'd say new shoes/pedals are in order.

David_Zen

I have a similar problem in my right foot. It started over a week ago. I wasn't wearing proper cycling shoes then and so last week I bought a pair hoping it would help. But that hasn't really helped. I also have a slight pain in my heel when I walk. I suspect it has something to do with poor blood circulation. I also having trouble falling asleep at night and my right eye keeps twitching. I'm planning to go see a doc tomorrow.

kaehlerpie

I had numbness (the pins and needles) in my left foot when I started riding on the indoor trainer....I was wearing brand new Gaerne Polar Boots (anticipating the cold PA. Winter) I use the Shimano 7750 pedals and I was hoping this problem is just a Newbie thing, has anyone else had any similar problem?

Since I just got the bike 2 days ago, prior to this I was riding a Lifecycle and never had numbness in my feet. But then again I was not wearing riding shoes and I wasn't clipped in to the pedals on the Lifecycle.

The LBS fitted me and I am wondering if the cleat needs to be moved or will this discomfort pass.

Jhikers

THIS NUMBNESS IS NOT A RESULT OF WEATHER CONDITIONS, AS IT HAPPENS IN WARM AND COLD WEATHER.

The reason is that the muscles around your shins become so tight that they restrict the blood flow to your feet.

David_Zen

Jhikers, I think you are right because the muscles in my right shin do become very tight. Do you think warming up and stretching the muscles before riding would help?

2LAP

I once had a similar problem and noticed that I rode with the muscles in my feet contracted. I was able to stop it by just relaxing my feet and occasional 'wiggling' of toes.

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JuneBug

wow.
I have had this problem forever and even experience toe numbness when I snow shoe or ski. I think its true it must be circulation. I might suggest you check your saddle too. I changed my shoes to some totally stiff carbon soles and that helped me alot. But the saddle can pinch sometimes vulnerable arteries.
OH and as an aside. If it IS the circulation. Try taking some Ginko. Ginko is supposed to help circulation.

Lankataff

I've had this same problem with my feet many, many times, but how many of you can say you have had it in your genitalia?
It's only happened to me a couple of times, but I can tell you the first time I got quite alarmed! Perhaps I should <i>warm up and stretch the area in question </i> or <i> wiggle</i> more often!!

dhk

Just started longer (1 hour) sessions on the indoor trainer, and notice circulation related numbness now too. I never stand on the trainer, and use my old bike which has a broken down Brooks saddle and pedals with toe clips. Will try switching bikes on the trainer to see if it's the equipment that matters.

I wonder if the condition could be diet or fitness-related, since I'm now a lot thinner, and eating more carbs and a lot less fat. Resting HR is quite a bit lower as well. In general, my feet seem to be colder and have less circulation throughout the day.

JuneBug

maybe dont wear your shoes there!
Oh . there are other drugs for THAT 'problem'! heee

hey another thing to try is to move your CLIPS. perhaps they are in the wrong spot for your feet? We are all anatomically different even the right and left foot! One leg is longer! This is my problem I think..
I might put a little lift on one of my clips just to see if that helps. crazy , huh? just a teensy bit.

David_Zen

The numbness is even more pronounced in my private area. I try to get off my saddle more regularly when I'm riding so the shrinkage and numbness doesn't get too bad. I had meant to aske if the numbness in both areas could be related and if anyone had the same problem.