Darn Elliptical Causing Numb Toes?

iamwildarose

Anyone know why my toes and the very top portion of my foot would feel kind numb (not the pins and needles extreme- more basic) when doing the elliptical? My husband bought me this machine for Christmas. I have never had this problem with a treadmill.
My friend who is a runner said maybe my shoes- but they are new running sneakers and the fit is good.
Anyone have any other ideas?

iluvmine

does it too me too.. i switched to another pair of shoes..

LOVEthighSELF

This actually happens to me today!!!

vartanfan71

Mine do too! I just move my feet around a little bit.

CelesteENelson

hahahaha I have the same problem and I think it is because we push consistently with our toes on the elliptical versus rolling our feet on the treadmill when walking. if I take the time to go in reverse on the elliptical it helps correct the problem.If I focus hard on keeping my feet as flat as possible it doesnt do it as bad. or if I lean to far forward.

Wendi_S

This happens to me on the treadmill every day!

AndreaWyland

me too and my foot doctor said it happens to him too... wierd

morgaj8

It does for me too. I changed shoes & it still didnt help. I tried putting my weight on my heels but nothing helps. I just deal with it...

carocurl135

I have read that if you loosen your shoelaces, it helps.

autumtg

It is a common problem for most people. On an elliptical your foot doesn't go through the normal range of motion it would while you are running. Just try to remember to wiggle your toes occasionally or lift your heels up a little as you are doing the motions. HTH!

jepantle

This happens to me all the time! I bought new shoes because I thought that maybe mine were too narrow and were squishing my toes, but it's no better. It doesn't stop me from using the elliptical, but it's really obnoxious! I'd love to hear if anyone has any thoughts...

MobiusMan

it's normal from the constant pumping of blood out of your feet as you put repeated pressure on them. 1. shift your feet regularly. 2. get a 1/2" neoprene pad for the foot beds on the machine and it'll go away.

Nailrep

me too!

getterislim2010

OMG... I was wondering the same thing for months... I think it's just a matter of moving your feet around and using your heels.... it's very annoying... especially when you're in the middle of a good work out

Jenna423

This happens to me too!!!! I'm so glad to see that I'm not a weirdo. I asked my husband if it happens to him and he looked at me like I had two heads! :laugh:

SuzanneRogers

It is normal, you feet are most likely swelling during your workouts and your shoes get tighter and makes your feet feel like they are asleep, that is what my sport doctor told me.

Atlantique

It's most likely the fit of your shoes.

shipleyd

I have the same problem but only in my right foot. Hurts on elliptical and on the bike I ride at the gym. I sometimes were an ankle brace and that helps. I also realized that I have extremely high arches and bought high arch inserts for my shoes which help ALOT!. I have bought the $50 Dr. Scholls inserts and the $20 sports authority inserts. No difference except for the price.

My trainer at the gym also said since I was wearing running shoes that the soles are softer then those of cross trainers and that an investment in new shoes would probably help.

barrelskinny

Mine do it on the elliptical as well as the treadmill. Talked to the personal trainer about it and he said to stretch my feet really well first and make sure your body is warmed up before you start. It still happens sometimes, and I just deal with it, but it is annoying. the treadmill actually does it worse to me!

CallejaFairey

funny, i never had that happen on an eliptical, but used to have it from a recombent bike. i didn't worry too much and just used something else to warm up with at the gym. that was years ago though, so who knows f it would still happen to me.

barrelskinny

ha ha Jenna, it happens to my husband too!

phatdiva26

OMG!! I thought it was just me!!! The good thing is that it goes away instantly after getting off the elliptical:happy: I the elliptical!!!

bparsont

thanks for all the information. I was wondering the same thing. This web-site rocks. :flowerforyou:

jerseyshorenurse

Sets in after about 20min on the elliptical, from constant pressure of the 'pedals' against the ball of your foot. When I start getting that sensation, it lower my stance a little bit, more into a squat, and make sure I'm pushing through my heels for a minute or two. Or do the same and go in reverse which feels a little more natural. You can also try picking your feet up off the pedals at the top of the revolution, but I find it a little awkward and makes me look like a dork (not that that stops me ) But at any rate, alleviate the pressure on the balls of your feet/toes for a minute or two and it goes away.

iamwildarose

My husband gave me the oddest expression when I told him. I told him I was having issues using it. He got on the machine to try it out for himself and told me that HE does not have a problem. So helpful....

Atlantique

You shouldn't be on your toes on the elliptical. Your foot should be flat on the pedal most of the time.

If you have to get up onto your toes to move the pedals, you may have set the resistance level too high for your current level of fitness.

That's not only bad for your poor toes, it's giving you a false sense of calories burned.

You should be on that elliptical with flat feet and your fingers just barely grazing the hand rails. The hand rails are there for balance only! If you are supporting your weight on the hand rails, you are really deceiving yourself about the calories expended, as you are not moving your full weight!

iamwildarose

Thanks for the suggestions and knowing that others are having the same problem is a little comforting at least!
I have swinging arm bars that I use. I dont have to get up on my toes to get it going so I think my resistance is on a good setting. I try to be really aware of my foot placement. I try to make sure that my heels are connecting to the pedal. I cant go backwards because I will loose my balance! I will try to get the pads for the pedals. I have tried with my old shoes with the same problem- I thought the new ones would help but not the case. I will try everyones suggestions!

Atlantique

Are you using a home machine then, rather than one at a gym? Maybe if you post the model you are using, other folks will be familiar with it and might have more specific suggestions.

nashkim

I have the same problem, and loosening my laces, as well as shifting my feet, wiggling my toes, helps. I'm certainly glad to see it isn't just me!

Heather75

Loosen your shoelaces. It used to happen to me but I started wearing my shoes a little looser and it no longer happens.