Toes Cramped and Falling Asleep on the Elliptical

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BeagleBaby67
BeagleBaby67 Posts: 2 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Does anyone else have a problem with their toes getting cramped or falling asleep after an extended time on an elliptical? I try to use mine for an hour to an hour and a half each day but by the time I am finished my toes really hurt. I have tried wiggling them as I go but that doesn't seem to help and can sometimes throw me off balance. lol Does anyone have any suggestions? I have bought new shoes and arch supports as well. Thanks for any help anyone can provide.

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  • ShapeUpSidney
    ShapeUpSidney Posts: 1,092 Member
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    Could be one of several things, but I've always found that cardio machines that keep your feet planted have this effect. Try repositioning your feet during the workout. Make sure you're putting weight on your legs and feet in a way that is natural and mimics how you would walk, run, or hike. Adjust the elliptical if possible.

    Another thing you could look at is circulatory issues with your doctor. I have a mild case of Raynaud's. There are also minor / non-threatening conditions like Prinzmetals angina to consider. Certain circulatory disorders cause spasms in the muscles that line the walls of your blood vessels.

    Sometimes, your body may be built in a way that compresses an artery. In my case, a cervical rib and hypertrophied scalene muscles puts pressure on my thoracic artery. If your muscles are out of proportion, or you're experiencing an impingement, physical therapy can help.

    I wouldn't be stressed about it. First try the tips I mentioned. If you keep feeling discomfort, see a doctor.
  • IronSmasher
    IronSmasher Posts: 3,908 Member
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    Go harder and faster, get done quicker
  • mlb929
    mlb929 Posts: 1,974 Member
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    I've had issues with this in running and on the elliptical and stationary bike. After several dr's visits, several specialists, and numerous tests. My massage therapist finally got to the core of my issue. My pififormus muscle is very tight, and rubs against my saitic nerve,which causes numbness in my feet. Most people will get some area of numbness in their back or hip, I had none. I do massage therapy weekly to relieve the problems, uses a double thumper massage thing, sit on tennis balls in my glute area, and have now started PT to strengthen my hips even more to try to get around it. You're so not alone. It doesn't hurt anything and is really just an annoyance. I can ignore it after all this time, but when I change mode of fitness, I always notice it's still there.
  • ShapeUpSidney
    ShapeUpSidney Posts: 1,092 Member
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    I've had issues with this in running and on the elliptical and stationary bike. After several dr's visits, several specialists, and numerous tests. My massage therapist finally got to the core of my issue. My pififormus muscle is very tight, and rubs against my saitic nerve,which causes numbness in my feet. Most people will get some area of numbness in their back or hip, I had none. I do massage therapy weekly to relieve the problems, uses a double thumper massage thing, sit on tennis balls in my glute area, and have now started PT to strengthen my hips even more to try to get around it. You're so not alone. It doesn't hurt anything and is really just an annoyance. I can ignore it after all this time, but when I change mode of fitness, I always notice it's still there.

    I'm soooooooooo glad Im' not the only one. My physical therapist just went to town on my tensor fascia lata and IT band...so painful

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