Feet go numb while using elliptical

Happysoul0317

Does anyone else have this problem? After about 20 minutes or so, my feet get all numb and tingly, like they are asleep. It goes away within about 2 minutes of my stopping, but it's driving me crazy. Any suggestions?

jennybearlv

Don't use the elliptical? I get weird numb foot problems on ellipticals and recumbent bikes. I don't know if I'm doing it wrong or what. I just do something else.

Tedo201

Are you locking your joints?

bendyourkneekatie

It's very common as you're putting full weight on both feet without the usual shirting around you'd do when standing still. Just remember to move and wiggle your feet every now and then.

jessicagreen1828

Yes this happens to me too!

mabearof6

This happens to me if I leave my feet in one place too long. I move my feet around, and it helps

apullum

Sounds like your shoes might be too small. Your feet can swell during exercise and cause shoes to become too tight even if they otherwise fit well, and that can lead to numbness. If you've recently started wearing a thicker sock, that can contribute to your shoe fitting more tightly too.

There are certainly other issues that could cause foot numbness, but I'd check the shoes.

HoneyBadger302

I've never really had this issue, but I don't leave my feet flat on the "pedals" either - I lift and lower my heels like I would in a normal walk just don't actually lift my whole foot up.

Alatariel75

This happens to me, I think it's really common. I figured it was to do with my feet going around and around but never lifting up.

NewyRob

My brain goes numb on an elliptical.

Courtscan2

Happens to me to, I hate machines - I don't do them anymore as they are uncomfortable and boring as heck.

CJ_Holmes

Try lacing your shoes looser, or wearing different shoes.

rayzerwolf

I noticed it happened when I would push down harder on my toes rather than the whole foot. Or if you have your weight shifted forward. Try pushing down with your heels more then on the front of your feet.

olive1968

This always happened to me as well. Or, just my right pinky toe would go numb. Can I just cut that little sucker off?

Anywho, lately I've realized it doesn't happen. I leave my shoes looser around the toe box and just tighten them up top. I also got a different style of shoe, a more low profile style. Finally, I've also been exercising more consistently the past few months so it could also be that.

Happysoul0317

Tedo201 wrote: »

Are you locking your joints?

Nope. Nice smooth movement

Happysoul0317

Thank you all. It seems that no matter the foot positioning, it happens. My shoes fit well. I guess it'll have to be tolerated.

PikaJoyJoy

I would check how tight you have your shoes. Even if they seem loose to start with, your feet could be swelling and causing the discomfort.

I used to have an elliptical at home and ran into the numb feet issue. I ended up trying a few sessions barefoot and there was no numbing at all.

BrianString

Happens to me all the time, but I've learned to move my feet around, loosen my shoe strings a little prior to getting on, and proper fitting shoes. Not so much of a problem as it used to be.

GoingSaiyan

Are your insoles ridgey? Tried doing elipticals with Roshes and the motion of it made my toes move back and forth over and over. Safe to say I couldnt feel my toes afterwards.

Roadie2000

gypsysoul0317 wrote: »

Thank you all. It seems that no matter the foot positioning, it happens. My shoes fit well. I guess it'll have to be tolerated.

Happens to me all the time no matter what I do. Once I start to feel it I switch it up and pedal backwards for a few minutes and it goes away. This is great because it shifts my weight more toward my heels instead of my toes to relive some stress, and it gives my muscles a rest while it works different ones.

shellma00

Roadie2000 wrote: »

gypsysoul0317 wrote: »

Thank you all. It seems that no matter the foot positioning, it happens. My shoes fit well. I guess it'll have to be tolerated.

Happens to me all the time no matter what I do. Once I start to feel it I switch it up and pedal backwards for a few minutes and it goes away. This is great because it shifts my weight more toward my heels instead of my toes to relive some stress, and it gives my muscles a rest while it works different ones.

I should try this. Thanks for the tip.

leggup

Which part of your foot? Where does it start? Like, does it start in your toes and spread backwards? What elevation are you on (none, low, medium, highest)? Are you wearing running shoes? shoes with an arch? A lot of running shoes are designed to help you propel forward, which won't work on an elliptical.

Are you short? if you're reaching forward for the hand-holds, you could be rolling onto your toes too much.

TeresaB12345

I also pedal backwards for a bit when this happens and it helps

Happysoul0317

leggup wrote: »

Which part of your foot? Where does it start? Like, does it start in your toes and spread backwards? What elevation are you on (none, low, medium, highest)? Are you wearing running shoes? shoes with an arch? A lot of running shoes are designed to help you propel forward, which won't work on an elliptical.

Are you short? if you're reaching forward for the hand-holds, you could be rolling onto your toes too much.

Yes to all of the above. I am wearing running shoes, with arch support and I'm short

newheavensearth

I shift my feet either inward or outward, and my weight back and forth onto my toes then heels to prevent it. Changing directions and speed helps also.

wizzybeth

I literally just asked one of the trainers at my gym today about this because it happens to me all the time. And he said it happens to him too! He thinks it is due to foot position, especially if your feet creep up towards the very front edge of the platforms

franklin5280

Happens all the time with Elipticals that allow you to support part of your weight on side bars. When You have the ones with moving arms I don’t notice it as often. When I do feel it, I have Diabetic Neuropathy as well it helps to rock your heel and ball of my foot. Numbness is a sign of pitched nerves or lack of circulation. Try rocking your feet or changing your foot position, if that helps your good’

Marilyn0924

Your shoes may fit well, but on the elliptical, your feet need a little extra space. Loosen the laces nearer to the toes and make sure you are engaging your heel on the downstep, and not the toes. It makes a difference.

Happysoul0317

Marilyn0924 wrote: »

Your shoes may fit well, but on the elliptical, your feet need a little extra space. Loosen the laces nearer to the toes and make sure you are engaging your heel on the downstep, and not the toes. It makes a difference.

Thats eexactly what i did yesterday. Much MUCH better. Thank you!

MelanieCN77

I get this too, with all shoes, laced differently. Starts in my big toes after about 10 minutes. I just deal with it.