Runners- toe/foot numbness every couple of weeks?
Lizzypb88
Posts: 367 Member
Since I completed the C25K a month ago I'm now regularly running about 30min every other day, once I started heading outside and off the treadmill I ended up getting foot numbness and silly me pushed through it and made it worse... I went to a PT and they said my shoes fit well and are good for me, all I ended up doing was taking a full week off running and I was all better... I now only run outside once a week and otherwise it's on the treadmill, but yesterday I couldn't finish my run because 10min I felt warmth in my foot, and thought this time I should just stop before I injure myself again.
I'm not going to hop back on to the treadmill until my foot is back to normal as I feel a very very slight tingle in my toes today. My question is- am I still running too much? Is my body still just getting used to running in general since I'm not building up on C25K anymore? I'm not overdoing it, I run between 4.5-4.8 depending if I'm outside or on the treadmill. I'm still obese, about 190, could it just be my weight putting pressure on my feet? I know rest and some ibu will make it better but I don't understand why it happened again if I didn't over do it this time. I absolutely love running, I hate having to take time off lol
I'm not going to hop back on to the treadmill until my foot is back to normal as I feel a very very slight tingle in my toes today. My question is- am I still running too much? Is my body still just getting used to running in general since I'm not building up on C25K anymore? I'm not overdoing it, I run between 4.5-4.8 depending if I'm outside or on the treadmill. I'm still obese, about 190, could it just be my weight putting pressure on my feet? I know rest and some ibu will make it better but I don't understand why it happened again if I didn't over do it this time. I absolutely love running, I hate having to take time off lol
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Replies
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Congrats on finishing c25k! How often are you running--every day or only 3x per week? If more than 3x per week, I would suggest you cut back the number of days. Were you fitted for running shoes properly with a gait analysis? On what basis did your PT say your shoes are ok?0
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That's not necessarily too much running.
Did you get a diagnosis from the PT?
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Bravo for stopping in time. I think your PT did not go far enough to figure out what is going on. This might be tough to diagnose as the surest way to figure out what is going on is to repeat the conditions. That means a PT willing to run with you for thirty minutes.0
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What about your socks? When I first started running I was wearing 'sports socks' which were basically cheap probably cotton socks. I had a 'warm' feeling particularly in my toes which felt like it may be a friction burn. I bought proper running socks, problem solved.2
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If your PT can't tell what's causing recurring foot numbness, it might be time to consult a podiatrist. It sounds like you've already addressed all the common stuff you can do on your own.3
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Congrats on finishing c25k! How often are you running--every day or only 3x per week? If more than 3x per week, I would suggest you cut back the number of days. Were you fitted for running shoes properly with a gait analysis? On what basis did your PT say your shoes are ok?
I brought them to my PT, they're a sports physical therapy and wore them and walked on the treadmill with them0 -
Cherimoose wrote: »That's not necessarily too much running.
Did you get a diagnosis from the PT?
No he seemed to not know, he tried fitting me for orthopedics but when I used them on the treadmill I immediately felt New pain, so he said no reason to use them if it's doing more harm then good.. then I continued taking a break from running and haven't been back since because I started running again and had no issues for almost 3 weeks. He was very thorough but didn't diagnose anything0 -
girlinahat wrote: »What about your socks? When I first started running I was wearing 'sports socks' which were basically cheap probably cotton socks. I had a 'warm' feeling particularly in my toes which felt like it may be a friction burn. I bought proper running socks, problem solved.
I did get socks from the runners shoe store as I actually had an issue prior that was solved with good socks!0 -
If your PT can't tell what's causing recurring foot numbness, it might be time to consult a podiatrist. It sounds like you've already addressed all the common stuff you can do on your own.
Okay maybe that's something I should do then since the PT was thorough but still a bit puzzled0 -
There is a nerve that runs along the top of your foot, it could be your shoes are tied too tight across the top. I was having the same problem, try adjusting your laces just a bit.5
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Is it in both feet? And you say numbness - does it hurt or is it sorta 'tingly'?
You may want to experiment with various ways to tie your shoes. It could be that your shoes are putting pressure on your foot causing this issue. Check out this article from Runners World.2 -
Shoe lacing was my first thought, too.
http://d2s0f1q6r2lxto.cloudfront.net/pub/ProTips/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/LACING-TECHNIQUES_DICKS_R27.jpg has some more lacing options.0 -
DeeDee2211 wrote: »There is a nerve that runs along the top of your foot, it could be your shoes are tied too tight across the top. I was having the same problem, try adjusting your laces just a bit.
I definitely have and funny you say that, the PT mentioned that nerve! He thinks it's either 1 of 3 nerves being compressed or pinched while I run, but my laces are loose especially near the front0 -
Is it in both feet? And you say numbness - does it hurt or is it sorta 'tingly'?
You may want to experiment with various ways to tie your shoes. It could be that your shoes are putting pressure on your foot causing this issue. Check out this article from Runners World.
Sometimes it's both feet, but this time it's just the one foot, this time around I just felt the warmth, even now I don't feel numbness but my foot feels a tiny bit numb... I have had tons of sciatic issues in the past just because of when I was so big years ago, but the PT said he doesn't think that's the case this time as I didn't have the issue in my feet back then0 -
Lizzy, the laces I loosened are the the ones that are 2 laces down from the toe box, that leaves one lace at the back that I actually have pretty tight. I have found certain running shoes cause my toes to go a little numb too, my favorite running shoes are Nikes. Is there a local running group near you, they can be a wealth of information, or a local store that caters to walkers and runners? I wish you the best of luck!!0
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I didn't read through all the answers, but I'll give you my suggestion. I am a former ultra-marathoner and have worked at a running store, I also manage a physical therapy office just to share my credentials lol!
The first thing to check is whether your shoes are large enough. They absolutely MUST be 1/2 to 1 whole size larger than your street shoes. If they are large enough, then make sure the tie box is wide enough to accommodate your metatarsal joint area. Nike generally speaking runs small and has a narrow toe box (the front area of the shoe from the metatarsal joint area to the tip of your toes.) New balance and Saucony have a more heroes to box for the most part. Adidas tech fit Boost line is amazing for people with a wider foot. Fits like a glove!
If it's not size and it's not the toes box, it may be your form and where you hit the ground with your foot fall. I recommend going to a running store where they can watch and record you running to see if you are over-striding, over-pronating or landing too far forward on your toes. Chances are, it's NOT an ailment or over training. Unless you are very over weight and/or have diabetes, neuropathy is probably not the problem. So, start small and go from there.
Great job on the C25K! Welcome to the team!!0 -
Any history of iron deficiency or anemia? It can cause some neuropathy in the feet and hands.0
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Ultima_Morpha wrote: »Any history of iron deficiency or anemia? It can cause some neuropathy in the feet and hands.
Yes I have been anemic in the past! Some years I'm fine other years I'm on iron pills, thanks for the tip0 -
mattiefras wrote: »I didn't read through all the answers, but I'll give you my suggestion. I am a former ultra-marathoner and have worked at a running store, I also manage a physical therapy office just to share my credentials lol!
The first thing to check is whether your shoes are large enough. They absolutely MUST be 1/2 to 1 whole size larger than your street shoes. If they are large enough, then make sure the tie box is wide enough to accommodate your metatarsal joint area. Nike generally speaking runs small and has a narrow toe box (the front area of the shoe from the metatarsal joint area to the tip of your toes.) New balance and Saucony have a more heroes to box for the most part. Adidas tech fit Boost line is amazing for people with a wider foot. Fits like a glove!
If it's not size and it's not the toes box, it may be your form and where you hit the ground with your foot fall. I recommend going to a running store where they can watch and record you running to see if you are over-striding, over-pronating or landing too far forward on your toes. Chances are, it's NOT an ailment or over training. Unless you are very over weight and/or have diabetes, neuropathy is probably not the problem. So, start small and go from there.
Great job on the C25K! Welcome to the team!!
The PT did mention something like this but went on to say that the cost isn't really worth it to see if it could make a difference, but him suggesting that it's a possibility then maybe I should bite the bullet and try half size up... I wear brooks right now1 -
How old are the shoes, btw? If the cushioning is worn down, that can also cause issues. Being both in the PT and running store biz, I feel like the advise that getting your fit checked was totally irresponsible. Whenever I look for a health practitioner, I make sure to go with someone who is either a runner or has extensive training with athletes. Fit and form are king when it comes to preventing injury. Your health is worth every penny you will spend on a decent pair of running shoes!0
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Loosen your laces, and see if that helps. If not, make an appointment with a podiatrist.0
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Is it in both feet? And you say numbness - does it hurt or is it sorta 'tingly'?
You may want to experiment with various ways to tie your shoes. It could be that your shoes are putting pressure on your foot causing this issue. Check out this article from Runners World.
Sometimes it's both feet, but this time it's just the one foot, this time around I just felt the warmth, even now I don't feel numbness but my foot feels a tiny bit numb... I have had tons of sciatic issues in the past just because of when I was so big years ago, but the PT said he doesn't think that's the case this time as I didn't have the issue in my feet back then
Given what you're describing it sounds like something related to your gait when you run in the real world rather than on the dreadmill. That suggests shoe fit or lacing, rather than anything more obscure like some of the suggestions in this thread.
As your physio was observing your gait on a treadmill and you say you don't experience this on a treadmill then I'm unsurprised that he's not seeing an issue.
Given that you're only running short distances then I'd suggest that going up a size is unlikely to solve your problem. Personally I think a blanket recommendation of that is questionable. The basis for that is that very long distance runners do see some forefoot splaying, but that's in the 20 miles plus range. I'd also highlight that my MudClaws are very snug fitting, and I wear those for marathons or longer.
I'd suggest another look at your lacing. It's not out of the question that your shoes are appropriate for dreadmilling but not running in the real.0 -
MeanderingMammal wrote: »Is it in both feet? And you say numbness - does it hurt or is it sorta 'tingly'?
You may want to experiment with various ways to tie your shoes. It could be that your shoes are putting pressure on your foot causing this issue. Check out this article from Runners World.
Sometimes it's both feet, but this time it's just the one foot, this time around I just felt the warmth, even now I don't feel numbness but my foot feels a tiny bit numb... I have had tons of sciatic issues in the past just because of when I was so big years ago, but the PT said he doesn't think that's the case this time as I didn't have the issue in my feet back then
Given what you're describing it sounds like something related to your gait when you run in the real world rather than on the dreadmill. That suggests shoe fit or lacing, rather than anything more obscure like some of the suggestions in this thread.
As your physio was observing your gait on a treadmill and you say you don't experience this on a treadmill then I'm unsurprised that he's not seeing an issue.
Given that you're only running short distances then I'd suggest that going up a size is unlikely to solve your problem. Personally I think a blanket recommendation of that is questionable. The basis for that is that very long distance runners do see some forefoot splaying, but that's in the 20 miles plus range. I'd also highlight that my MudClaws are very snug fitting, and I wear those for marathons or longer.
I'd suggest another look at your lacing. It's not out of the question that your shoes are appropriate for dreadmilling but not running in the real.
The dreadmill is definitely a word I would call it! But it actually started happening during my run on the treadmill this time...
Something really odd I'm noticing.. today it's in both my feet, it just feels like my socks are a tad tight on the tops of my feet and a bit in the toes, there's no pain, but I just feel a slight tightness... I'm due for my period soon, and coincidentally I looked back at my last cycle and this tight feeling started before my last period too... I'm wondering if I'm getting slight water retention from my period?! Or if it's a contributing factor, because I have been on steroids once years ago and this is how it felt on my feet- like a bit of a squeeze on the top of my foot, any kind of swelling even if it's not noticeable bothers me like crazy!0 -
I wouldn't go buy larger shoes for no real reason. All of my running shoes are in my regular shoe size (except one pair that's 1/2 size larger and I really don't like the way they feel since they are too big). I handle multi-hour runs in regular sized shoes just fine.
But-it could be that the shoes you're wearing aren't the best match for your outside running gait. Shoes are classed as. Neutral, stability, motion control, etc and if you overpronate A stability or motion control shoe is probably what you should wear. But-every brand makes at least one shoe in that category (probably several) and it could be that the specific brand/model isn't exactly right for you. For example, my toes go numb in Brooks. They don't in Asics (but I tend to have other pains with some Asics). Saucony worked better for me. They were all "good" for me in terms of being stability shoes, but only one specific Saucony model turned out to be the right fit for my foot and my gait. I would try a different pair of shoes.0 -
MeanderingMammal wrote: »Is it in both feet? And you say numbness - does it hurt or is it sorta 'tingly'?
You may want to experiment with various ways to tie your shoes. It could be that your shoes are putting pressure on your foot causing this issue. Check out this article from Runners World.
Sometimes it's both feet, but this time it's just the one foot, this time around I just felt the warmth, even now I don't feel numbness but my foot feels a tiny bit numb... I have had tons of sciatic issues in the past just because of when I was so big years ago, but the PT said he doesn't think that's the case this time as I didn't have the issue in my feet back then
Given what you're describing it sounds like something related to your gait when you run in the real world rather than on the dreadmill. That suggests shoe fit or lacing, rather than anything more obscure like some of the suggestions in this thread.
As your physio was observing your gait on a treadmill and you say you don't experience this on a treadmill then I'm unsurprised that he's not seeing an issue.
Given that you're only running short distances then I'd suggest that going up a size is unlikely to solve your problem. Personally I think a blanket recommendation of that is questionable. The basis for that is that very long distance runners do see some forefoot splaying, but that's in the 20 miles plus range. I'd also highlight that my MudClaws are very snug fitting, and I wear those for marathons or longer.
I'd suggest another look at your lacing. It's not out of the question that your shoes are appropriate for dreadmilling but not running in the real.
The dreadmill is definitely a word I would call it! But it actually started happening during my run on the treadmill this time...
Something really odd I'm noticing.. today it's in both my feet, it just feels like my socks are a tad tight on the tops of my feet and a bit in the toes, there's no pain, but I just feel a slight tightness... I'm due for my period soon, and coincidentally I looked back at my last cycle and this tight feeling started before my last period too... I'm wondering if I'm getting slight water retention from my period?! Or if it's a contributing factor, because I have been on steroids once years ago and this is how it felt on my feet- like a bit of a squeeze on the top of my foot, any kind of swelling even if it's not noticeable bothers me like crazy!
Sounds like you could be right. I generally opt to keep it simple with these kind of debates, so if you are experiencing this on a cyclic basis then your own cycle could be related.
Personally I always relax the lacing on my shoes every time I take them off, so it's done fresh every time. That way I can account for how I feel that day, what the terrain will be like etc.
You may be over tightening when you put them on.0 -
I agree on the overtightening. Seeing this thread reminded me that I used to get this all the time when I first started running years and years ago, but it hasn't happened at all recently. I think the socks I was wearing were too thin and tying my shoes tighter to compensate for that would affect the shape of the shoe, if you see what I mean? The socks I wear now are more cushioned and I don't feel like I need to tie the laces really really tight as my feet feel snug in the socks (I wear Stance or Hilly Twin Skin) - and a snug sock is much more forgiving than a snug shoe. It's definitely worth trying with looser laces as it would be such a straightforward fix!0
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maryjaquiss wrote: »I agree on the overtightening. Seeing this thread reminded me that I used to get this all the time when I first started running years and years ago, but it hasn't happened at all recently. I think the socks I was wearing were too thin and tying my shoes tighter to compensate for that would affect the shape of the shoe, if you see what I mean? The socks I wear now are more cushioned and I don't feel like I need to tie the laces really really tight as my feet feel snug in the socks (I wear Stance or Hilly Twin Skin) - and a snug sock is much more forgiving than a snug shoe. It's definitely worth trying with looser laces as it would be such a straightforward fix!
I had my laces as loose as possible, literally so loose that there was barely any string to tie them yet my feet didn't slip out!
... I went to the shoe store again and they resized me and agreed my foot was a bit wide, and said he had a hard time deciding between an 8.5 and a 9, and I have an 8.5 now, so I went with a 9 in a new shoe which feels great... idk I'll see how it goes when I run, but he said they looked a tad too snug for me so hopefully these new shoes fix it!0 -
I highly recommend this video... Great advice!
https://youtu.be/entUXhcgt3c 0 -
Fifty seconds in and he's talking complete bollox.
I managed about the minutes of that until it became clear that the introductory bollox wasn't going to be corrected, is the usual broscience guff.
Fwiw, following the advice in the video is as likely to lead to calf injury add anything else.1 -
The dude in the video is full of bunk. He could have just said landing in front of your body is the problem and skipped the bro-science. Short, quick strides with your feet landing under you. It doesn't matter how you strike (unless you try to change it and cause yourself a completely preventable injury).2
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