Cycling- numb / blue toes ?

PeterPan132
PeterPan132 Posts: 32
edited September 24 in Fitness and Exercise
I'm in training do a charity cycle next year. Today I've done 33 miles- nothing spectacular but my last long ride was 24. Today it wasn't particularly cold and had few more layers than usual so don't think it was due to being cold, but about 3/4 the way through the ride my toes became painful- it wasn't continuous cycling- i had got off the bike and walked round at the halfway point. I still carried on but when i got home i couldn't feel my toes! Climbed in the shower and they were cold and blue!! Any ideas what this could be or could have caused it? Thanks

Replies

  • RunRideRay
    RunRideRay Posts: 1,536 Member
    I am nearly convinced it is cold, because it does not take much to get those toes freezing! If the temp was in the 50's or below that is an easy culprit. The other would be shoes too tight. Heading into the wind makes a big difference too.

    What's the ride, sounds awesome!!! I went for a fixie ride today, love that thing!

    Let me know if you have any other cycling questions, I would be happy to help.

    Ray
  • gomer316
    gomer316 Posts: 1
    It could possibly be the position of your feet, or shoes, or cleats. or diabetes.
  • cacrat
    cacrat Posts: 336 Member
    Your shoes might be too small.
  • backinthenines
    backinthenines Posts: 1,083 Member
    If they were blue as well as numb, probably just cold.

    If they were numb like "pins & needles" it could be other reasons to do with your footwear and how you put pressure through the pedals.

    Are you currently riding clipped in?
  • TrailerM
    TrailerM Posts: 17
    I know my clipless shoes are pretty tight. They could be restricting the blood flow to your toes, making it more likely for your toes to get cold and numb. Also, if you have a run-of-the-mill saddle on your bike, you might want to upgrade to an ergonomic model to increase bloodflow to your legs.
  • kdao
    kdao Posts: 265
    I am a cyclist and the only time this happens to me is when it's cold out or because I have been in the same position too long without a break. Since you said your cycling wasn't continuous, I am betting its the cold. Also make sure the strap on your shoes isn't clicked too tight. To help with the cold, get shoe covers, I have them and they help a lot.
  • PeterPan132
    PeterPan132 Posts: 32
    Thanks guys. Ill put it down to the cold then but will definitely check my shoes aren't too tight etc! Thanks :)
  • sezp
    sezp Posts: 69
    I suffered from this on a 34 mile ride I did back in the Autumn. I adjusted the cleats in my clipless shoes and haven't suffered since. Worth a try!
  • backinthenines
    backinthenines Posts: 1,083 Member
    If you ride in proper cycling shoes (not trainers) then you can get neoprene overshoes for the winter season which will keep your feet nice and toasty!! :drinker:

    http://www.google.co.uk/products?q=cycling+overshoes&hl=en
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