My foot goes numb when I run!?

Kpablo

So, my foot started going numb with a pair of my shoes. I've worn these shoes for a few years so I bought news ones thinking they were worn out. I bough another pair of shoes, my foot still goes numb. I then got another pair of shoes. STILL! My foot goes numb, really my toes.

I stretch for a good 15 minutes before getting on the treadmill. I warm up for 2-5 minutes then go. However I'm finding myself having to slow down into a fast walk because my toes. It's only on ONE foot. I make sure to wiggle my toes frequently, but still,

Anyone experience this? On Friday I did 3 miles and for the first time in a long time I got off the treadmill saying to myself "WTF, I hate running!" - just because I get so uncomfortable with the numbness.

Ideas, anyone?

ILuvMoo

I used to have this problem, and at the time, I chalked it up to having my running shoes tied too tightly. However, I really REALLY did not want to loosen them, because I hate that "loose shoe" feeling, and I wanted them to STAY PUT on my feet as I ran.

It's gone away... which I think is just from wear. I think they've streched out a bit and canceled out the original over-tightening.

They were already broken in, but I guess they just got MORE broken in.

ETA: Also, it was something to do with jamming my feet forward in my shoe. It happened more/worse when I was using this bouncy elliptical-esque machine that I loved at my old gym, as opposed to running. Are you running on your toes? Maybe your tread is jamming your toes down into your shoe and mashing them.

jessicadawn1978

Hi there,

Several things come to mind that could cause this, I have a few questions...

Could you be lacing your trainers too tightly? Have you tried them a bit looser?

Have you ever had your gait analysed to check the trainers are ideal for the way your feet land? If not you may want to have this looked at.

Do you have the same problem on the treadmill as outside or is it either/or? You use your muscles differently for treadmill/outside running.

Have you increased mileage significantly in a short amount of time? Your muscles may just not be ready for the extra miles just yet.

When does it comes on and does it go away at any point during your run? If it goes away when you've warmed up then it may be flexibilty and you might want to try some easy drills to help get ready for running

Do you have any pain in your calf muscles or in the shins? If you run your thumb down the front or back on the leg does this hurt? I'm wondering if this is being caused be over tightness in these muscles. If so you might want to invest in a few sports massage sessions to help loosen off.

Do you do any flexibility exercises? You may want to invest in a foam roller to help loosen off tight muscles, also rolling your foot along a tennis ball can help relax the plantar muscle and improves its flexibility. If your feet are very tired or sore, freeze the ball for extra soothing.

RunnerElizabeth

I can end up with numbness in my feet and legs when I run on a treadmill.

A coworker of mine (not a runner or excerciser even) pointed out to me that everytime I run in the gym I come back after and proceed to tell her how awful I feel. I don't do that when I run outside. So my coworker told me to stop running on the mill and now im not having the problem.

Kpablo

Thank yall so much! I think I was tying them too tight. So stupid of me to have to ask about such a easily solved problem. I loosened them and increased my incline (normally do it at 2.5 or 3 but today was at 4) my toes were fine until 25 minutes in then hurt for just a few minutes then were back to normal.

jessicadawn1978

brill., glad you're sorted. It's still worth being cautious when increasing intensity, small incremental increases over time are less likely to result in injuries, and give yourself rest days if you have niggles so they don't get worse. Good luck