New to cycling and having foot issues

[mbuckleman]

I'm about 4 months into riding. I'm doing 3-4 rides a week and between 110 - 130 miles. I have clipless pedals and have had them for about 2 months.

I'm having a lot of pain and numbness in the outer part of my right foot and the toes. It feels like all the pressure is on the outside of my foot and my toes whereas my left foot feels like the pressure is evenly distributed across my foot, if that makes sense.

If I stand on flat ground with regular shoes on, my right foot is angled out when I stand with my legs straight. I don't know what you call that; but it has always been like that and it has never been an issue for sports before.

I have adjusted my seat to what I feel is the optimum height, and more experienced rides say that the height appears to be correct based on my pedal stroke. I've tried cocking the cleat under my shoe in and out to change how the weight comes down on that foot.

I'd like to avoid spending a lot of money right away for a custom fitting on an old bike that I know I'll replace in a year or so. I've searched the web and this site and found lots of ideas; but I'm wondering where I should start with my specific problem. Keep messing with the cleats? Try Lemond Lewedges, something else?

Oh, I also have a Morton's Neuroma on my right foot - but this pain is in a different area and feels completely different than when that swells/flares up.

Thanks.

 

[rich88]

Hmmm,

you have a lot going on with your feet. Sounds like your best bet is to connect with a professional, ideally a sports med doc who works with cyclists.

In the absense of that I would start with the fit of your shoes. Most of us have feet that are not exactly the same size. Is the fit OK with your right cycling shoe? What pedals are you running with? Do they have any degree of float? Until you have your shoe/pedal issues worked out I would be careful about not messing up your right knee due to a misaligned shoe.

 

[mbuckleman]

I have the LOOK style pedals. They have 9 degrees of float. The shoes seem to fit well and I tried on 10 or 12 pairs - these fit the best and felt the most comfortable. It is these shoes:

Louis Garneau Ventilator Road Shoe - Cycling Shoes

I wear very lightweight breathable socks.

I am seeing a podiatrist, but he's not exactly a cylcing or sports specialist. Maybe I'll see if there's a better Dr. around.

Thanks.

 

[jhuskey]

Can't say 100% for sure but it is usually the shoe that is causing the problem. Even if they feel good standing they may have pressure points when cycling.
Again, won't say this is your problem for sure but I suggest looking there first

 

[roadhouse]

not really important to your problem but i do believe it's the cleats that fit onto the shoes that give you your float, not the shoes themselves. red is 9 degrees. gray, like i use, are 4-5 on the LOOK keos.

 

[Deafwolf]

About the Morton's Neuroma, I am sure you have already heard, but having wider shoes feels better for that condition. If your feet get pinched in from the sides, the a flare-up is more likely to occur. For the ladies, high heels are best to be avoided. In cycling, this can translate to the load of pressure upon your foot during your down stroke.

Another option that may yield some good results is to remove the sole of your show and replace with a Spenco arch support of some other type of insert you can buy at the sporting goods store.