Foot Discomfort, Pain, and Numbness While Exercising

Skinny_Mocha

Sorry to make a new post, but the other topics on foot issues weren't specific enough to my problem.

I do the elliptical machine for 60 minutes at a time. Lately, my left foot (my right foot goes numb too but doesn't have the other problems) not only goes numb from the pressure, but also starts to cramp and get really uncomfortable (like it's being forced into the wrong position), and my second-to-pinky toe (the equivalent of the ring finger) has somehow curled under and remains pushed against the pad of my foot. For the longest time, I thought something was stuck in my shoe because my toes were numb and I couldn't feel that it was my own little digit down there, tucked under the rest of my foot!

I have tried wiggling my toes, but it doesn't work. I have actually stopped and removed my shoe, but the hard, flat surface of the elliptical pedal is uncomfortable as well. Then, as soon as I put the shoe back on, the same thing happens. I have loosened the laces on both shoes, so they are definitely not too tight. It has something to do with my toes getting squished under,

I fear this is going to cause bunions and other foot problems, because I'm doing it 60 minutes, at least 3 to 5 times a week. I have a wide foot, too, so that limits my shoe shopping ability.

Has anyone had and remedied this problem??

RedneckWmn

I get the tingley feeling in my left foot if I've been on the elliptical for too long. I try to keep it down to 30 minutes at a time on one piece of equipment. Just feels like my foot isn't getting proper circulation,.

jheller

I have the same problem on the elliptical machines - mainly my left foot. I think its just the motion and how much pressure we put on our feet trying to get that darn machine to work. I wear orthotics and it still happens. I also have sciatica and thought that might be a contributing factor but it ONLY happens on elliptical. I have no issues on the treadmill or the AMT. You may wish to consult a podiatrist but I really think its just the motion of the machine.

Tobi1013

I'm not an expert by any means, but you may be tying your shoes too tight and cutting off your circulation. Another explanation could be that you need to be in a wider width shoe. I recently got fitted for running shoes (at a store that analyzes your gait and whatnot) and wound up with an extra wide (2E) width shoe.

Just my two cents...others with more knowledge may have differing thoughts, but I wanted to share my experience since it might be helpful.

TheGoblinRoad

Are you at the gym, where there are other options? So you can break up your exercise? I do elliptical for about 25 mins, treadmill for 35, bike for 10. Or sometimes I change it up.

If it's a piece of equipment at home, then I'd just suggest you only do 30 minutes at a time. Could do once in the morning and once at night.

I had that problem, but for me, getting larger shoes resolved it.

Nich0le

toes tingling is more than likely because the toe box of your shoe is not big enough. Women's shoes have small toe boxes and after babies or gaining weight our feet do spread, after I had my babies I had to wear mens shoes for the same reason. Back in a womens shoe now BUT I was advised to buy my shoes a half to a full size too big for walking, running and even elliptical because your toes hit the front of your shoe if the are too small.

If new shoes are not in your budget try re-lacing your shoes and keep the ball and toe area the loose. It may feel strange at first but that may help with the numb toes. It may require buying a new pair of shoe laces, mens shoe laces because women's shoe laces are 45 inches and mens are 54 inches which will allow you to loosen your laces and still tie your shoes!

Skinny_Mocha

Thanks all! I think I will just try splitting up the time and see if that does the trick. Good to know it's not something abnormal!

keith0373

Here is an article on it. Basically your body is tricked into thinking you are standing still because of the constant pressure on your feet. http://www.ellipticalhome.com/elliptical-trainer-sleepy-foot-article.html

This is normal and happens to me about every 3 miles. All I have to do is get off for a little bit (<1 minute) and walk around and I am good for another mile. I have found that my best method is to do 3 miles on the elliptical, then get on the treadmill for 0.5 miles then do my last 3 miles. I am afraid I will hurt a knee if I don't take the breaks because I go numb from my hips down.