My feet go numb when exercising?

VaxSA
VaxSA Posts: 90 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Has anyone experienced this? Ive changed shoes and it happens in both pairs, and when wearing no shoes... my big toe goes numb first then sort of radiates outwards (but never gets so far as my heels) and it just goes away as soon as I sit down.

I generally work out on the crosstrainer or walking/jogging down the raceway (dirt) outside.

Any ideas on what this is/how I could stop it? Is it just because im not used to exercising?

Replies

  • VaxSA
    VaxSA Posts: 90 Member
    Its okay, googled it and apparently my shoes are too tight :P
  • Mokey41
    Mokey41 Posts: 5,769 Member
    If it's happening on the elliptical it's usually because you keep your feet flat on the "pedals" all the time. How you lace your shoes can be an issue to. There's a large vein that runs down the top of your foot. If you have your shoes laced tightly with the tongue pressing down hard on the vein it can cause numbness.
  • susannamarie
    susannamarie Posts: 2,148 Member
    Oh, so you're not supposed to keep your feet flat on the elliptical?

    Serious question btw, I have the same issue.
  • hereisgone125
    hereisgone125 Posts: 79 Member
    bump...I have the same issue.
  • MalloryMelts
    MalloryMelts Posts: 28 Member
    My toes go numb all the time. Whike walking. And wiggling them when i walk makes it worse. It usually takes an hr of power walking before it goes numb though. Ive tried circulation socks....nothing.
  • Sphyk1
    Sphyk1 Posts: 85 Member
    bump
  • tomomatic
    tomomatic Posts: 1,794 Member
    I've had my feet go numb from wearing tight shoes but not from the elliptical machine. Are they simply tied too tight? I happen to have flat feet, too. Have you tried wearing a thicker pair of socks?
  • VaxSA
    VaxSA Posts: 90 Member
    I just loosened up my shoes and went for a run (RUN! Ha! I walk ten fenceposts, run ten fenceposts) and my feet did not go numb! Hooray! It was just bad tying!
  • Mokey41
    Mokey41 Posts: 5,769 Member
    Oh, so you're not supposed to keep your feet flat on the elliptical?

    Serious question btw, I have the same issue.

    Yes and no. Yes, because it's easier and gives you more stability but no because it's basically like standing in one spot for a long time and causes blood to pool in your feet. Either take a "stomp" break every 10 minutes and just step off for a few seconds and stamp your feet or going backwards will help. If you're co ordinated enough to simulate a running movement lifting your feet or going onto the balls of your feet works too.
  • backinaction
    backinaction Posts: 28 Member
    This was happening to me for a while. It is definitely a shoe thing. It can be as simple as the laces, and I have found this solution (http://readytechrun.com/2013/05/shoe-lace-techniques/). The other thing could be the fit of your shoe and the toe box may not be able to accommodate your foot once it begins to lengthen from running or walking. You definitely want to buy a shoe a bigger size than you would for a cross-trianing shoe. It might feel like it is a bit big, but that allows your toes room when your foot elongates.

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