Numb Feet?

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?

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by 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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by 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.

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?

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.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by 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.

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.

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!!

🙂

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.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by 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 [censored]?
🙂

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.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by 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!!

🙂

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.

I have talked to several people about this and still have the problem of numbness. I can't remember exactly, but your foot has several areas, top and bottom where the blood vessels can cause problems so the bottom insole could be great but the top straps could pinch the right area and cause numbness. Usually its pressure on the bottom of the foot and is worse when climbing or pedaling hard. What can help is a thin soft cushioned insole to take some pressureof the bottom of your foot. As mentioned earlier, get a custom insole like supefeet makes one. I still get numb toes when I ride hard. Sometimes I jsut have to loosen me straps for a while. [censored] luck.

Have you tried other saddles?? Either that or get a 'fit check' at your local bike shop. SOme shops have measuring bikes that move around so you learn where to put the saddle better. Long femurs sometimes need to go further back..things like that.
It took me three saddles before I was really happy. My saddle now is so comfortable! FiZik has good saddles. 🙂
Hubby rides a Serfa and wont ride anything else. I know its personal. Even try a woman's saddle some guys find them more comfy because they are wider .

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by 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.

Package numbness seems to be related to the saddle. After having the problem on an old Turbomatic I'd ridden for too many years, I switched to an SSM ERA and all was fine. New bike has a firm SSM Aspide, which seems even better....no numbness at all.

My experience says a firm saddle with the right shape and minimal padding is the way to go to prevent this problem.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by 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.

Yeah i used to.. the problem is in the constriction in blood flow through the lower pelvic are...u know that area where we plonk our butts. Cant re the name but it is well documented and there are seats that alleviate this problem. Yes my old fella went numb and i couldnt stand it. Not that i needed it during riding, anyway the prob doesnt occur anymore. All this talk of numbness is a blood flow problem. The seat cost me $80AUS....

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by 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?

Warming up and stretching would help a little.

However, what happens is: The muscles all around the shin etc become tighter and tighter, but also begin to fuse themselves to the bone - covering and compressing the veins etc running to your feet.

Rather than STRETCHing out the problem - the solution is to DENT out the problem.

Massage around this area from most masseurs will help greatly - the three main areas they should look at - all being either side of the shinbone, are:
On the inside of the leg - the massage should be done right on the insidemost edge of the shinbone, from knee down to foot. (You can do it with your thumb)
On the outside of the leg - the massage should be done JUST off the middle of your shin - where there is a 'ditch' of muscle running from just below your knee to your feet. (Use a wooden spoon yourself)

More massage around the calf would also help... but you can use your thumb and wooden spoon yourself - regulary, on the muscles mentioned previously.
Especially at either end of the muscles - near the knee and down near the foot - they are THE most important parts of the muscle - apply pressure here with the wooden spoon and concentrate on relaxing the muscle with the pressure on it.

Generally this is the same problem i experience. I dread winter, not only because of the wind but because i can expect to have my toes do lots of weird things. Generally i would say my fartherest limbs are pale and lack circulation, but i train hard about 3+ times a week. I suffered a really bad muscle tear last year (not the cause but a condition) in my left foot and now my middle toe on the left foot is considerably shorter then the other toes!

Word of warning - be careful when running on the beach