Feet falling asleep running?!?!

nsking83
nsking83 Posts: 145
edited September 26 in Fitness and Exercise
Alright guys, I'm freaking out.

I'm running my first mini in 20 days (Indy, 5/7 - AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!). I've been trying to get the last of my long runs in before the big day, and I keep having the SAME PROBLEM!!!!!!

The balls of my feet, the area right below the bases of my toes - keep falling asleep!!! They burn, and tingle, and make those last minutes and miles LONG and PAINFUL!

I am determined to finish that race in 20 days, but I'm concerned.

My shoes are still fairly new (bought in December, probably have about 80 miles on them); I run with the good running socks that aren't cotton; I have fairly new soles in them. Help!!

Replies

  • Christine1110
    Christine1110 Posts: 1,786 Member
    I have the same thing happen on the elliptical. I have tried eveything...but it still happens.


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  • ejmcam
    ejmcam Posts: 533 Member
    I have been having the same problem with my brand new asics. I chalked it up to needing to break them in. Its not really painful for me, but its a noticeable tingle. I'm not a marathn runner though, so maybe with more distance it would be painful. Were you measured for your shoes? I know it can happen if they are to small, but I was measured for mine so I know thats not my issue.
  • Sadie98072
    Sadie98072 Posts: 212 Member
    Are they laced up too tight? I used to do this not realising the amount that my feet swell during a run.
  • misstana
    misstana Posts: 9
    I have the issue on my elliptical too, with Asics also! I was fitted for them, and even had a consult with a running specialist at the Running Store before purchasing.
  • Runner_mick
    Runner_mick Posts: 115 Member
    shoes are too small and your lacing them too tight. Running shoes need to be a full size bigger than regular shoes because feet swell.h
  • iamhealingmyself
    iamhealingmyself Posts: 579 Member
    I only had that problem with a pair of shoes that was too run down in the sole. Only noticed it when on the elliptical though. Since getting a new set, I've not had the problem.

    Try loosening the laces a bit or even mid run and see if that helps, if it continues you might want to consult with your physician. It could be nerve issues from the stress of running. Maybe you need some extra cushion in that area when doing the extra long runs.
  • cat3nv
    cat3nv Posts: 389 Member
    Probably as simple as your shoes are too small or laced too tight. However, if it has been going on for a while I would go see your physician and make sure it is not a pinched nerve or herniated disk.

    Good luck!
  • JackiSto
    JackiSto Posts: 56 Member
    I have had this problem for years on the eliptical or treadmill. I've tried several pairs of shoes, definitely don't have the laces too tight or loose, etc. Unfortunately I've never figured out a way to avoid it... :( My only thought is to go to a specialty shoe store where they could help identify if there's a particular issue that they can find you a shoe for.
  • sociable15
    sociable15 Posts: 98
    Might be that you're lacing them too tight, like others have said, Try lacing them a bit looser.
  • mrphil86
    mrphil86 Posts: 2,382 Member
    Sounds like you'd benefit from compression socks or padded socks.
  • emmaleigh47
    emmaleigh47 Posts: 1,670 Member
    You have gotten alot of advice ... and I am just going to pipe in my advice too!

    Everyone says your running shoes have to be larger -- but if your feet do not swell that is not true. When I use the "right size" shoes my feet go numb... I went back down to a 10.5 and the problem went away.

    Also when I tie my shoes too tight once... I notice it for the next several days... try loosening your shoes. Also you might want to try lacing them differently.

    I used to find that I had to tie my shoes tightly... but when I started backlacing my shoes I could use them looser! :)

    Good luck -- you can do it!
  • nsking83
    nsking83 Posts: 145
    Thanks everyone! I was afraid that was all what you were going to say (either nothing I can do about it or the mixture of laces laced too tight/ shoes too small). Dangit! I was even fitted specially for them at Road Runners here in Cbus (where they check your center of gravity and video you running), but who knows. I regularly wear an 8.5 so I thought I'd be safe in a 9.......I'm hesitant to try out a new pair of shoes between now and then; what do you guys think?

    Thanks for your guys' help...........
  • Eithr
    Eithr Posts: 7
    This is a not so common but still common issue that some runners face. I've switched over to cycling in recent years, but have been a runner most of my life. I had this problem, when I was running more regularly. It would happen after I'd taken a winter off or started adding more miles to my routines. They did a short article about this issue in Runner's World a couple years ago. Seems that there isn't a real answer to why it happens, but again it happens to a lot of runners. In my experience, it seems to be an issue of catching your body, your feet, up to the effort you're putting in. What worked for me was run until your feet are basically completely numb, then walk it off, but keep moving. As soon as the feeling is back, start running again. If they go numb again, walk, wait for the feeling to come back, then more running. Just repeat the process until you've finished the routine or your feet stop falling asleep. This worked for me. After a week or two my feet wouldn't get tingly and numb. It's annoying, but I think it's manageable and not necessarily something scary.

    That said, make sure your shoes aren't too tight. If you're cutting off circulation to your feet, that's a whole other story and could be bad for business.
  • nursegessica
    nursegessica Posts: 36
    Just glad I'm not the only one who has this problem. When my feet go numb on the elliptical I cool down a couple minutes .... then i move to a brisk walk on the treadmill. I try to not tie my shoes too tight. I don't know what the problem is!
  • believetoachieve
    believetoachieve Posts: 675 Member
    20 days is probably enough time to break in a new pair of shoes, but that may not necessarily fix your problem. I generally wear a size 7 shoe, and my runners are only 1/2 a size bigger - and I'm fine. I found that when I lace them too tightly, this happens. When you're lacing, lean ALL the way forward (bend at the ankle) and then tie them. This has solved my problems entirely... no more snoozing feet! How long is your run?
  • RMinVA
    RMinVA Posts: 1,085 Member
    shoes are too small and your lacing them too tight. Running shoes need to be a full size bigger than regular shoes because feet swell.h

    Totally agree! Try a full size larger....that's what mine are. Took care of the toenail issues I was having.
  • Ariyasnow1
    Ariyasnow1 Posts: 117
    I had the same issue and sought out some professional advice last summer. I thought it was because of 'tight shoe laces' or the type of shoe I bought, but I found out it wasn't anything like that. I was told I needed arch support since my feet were so flat; this was the reason why my feet were going numb. I got a pair of arch support insoles from sports authority for 20 bucks. I popped a pair in my running shoes and have had no numbness ever since then! I love them. I bought a pair for my work and snow boots too.

    Good luck.
  • maserati185
    maserati185 Posts: 263 Member
    I am faaaar from expert, but I don't believe shoe stores are incapable of making mistakes and it just might be your shoes. ? Is there space around your toes? If you are getting numbness in the toes/upper foot, my first thoughts are that they may be compressed in the front of your shoe? I have a new pair of cheapies, but they work great and I ran 17 miles in them this week. I can kind of curl my toes, lift them within the shoes. If this is definitely not the problem, hope you find what is. :(
  • FabulousFifty
    FabulousFifty Posts: 1,575 Member
    I have had many friends say that inserts make a huge difference in all shoes. You can have some formfitted to your foot at a Dr. Scholl booth in most Walmart stores, pharmacy area. Or see a podiatrist.

    Good luck!:flowerforyou:
  • emmaleigh47
    emmaleigh47 Posts: 1,670 Member
    Yes also I should add that when I changed out my insoles I had problems too.
    I use superfeet green insoles for high arches. When I was having problems with blisters I tried the pink insoles... but they made my feet go numb!
  • Eithr
    Eithr Posts: 7
    I forgot to add, when I was experiencing this issue I actually went to a series of doctors, well two doctors, to investigate the issue. After a bunch of tests that I can't remember the names of, they said it was either nothing or nerve damage. Nerve damage seemed very unlikely.

    Since the doctors didn't seem too concerned, I wasn't too concerned. This coupled with that article in Runner's World sorta killed my worrying.

    I'm no medical professional but I've been running and cycling for almost 20 years; I would just assume that it's a side effect of conditioning your body for the routines you're getting into. However, if you're really concerned and sure it's not your shoes, might not be a bad idea to talk to a doctor. If nothing else, getting the doctor's opinion will give you some peace of mind.
  • kacarter1017
    kacarter1017 Posts: 651 Member
    I think it's your shoes and where the arch support is hitting your foot. Did you get fitted for your shoes? If not, I would go to a running store and have them fit you properly.
  • kacarter1017
    kacarter1017 Posts: 651 Member
    I have the same thing happen on the elliptical. I have tried eveything...but it still happens.


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    On the elliptical, it does happen- not sure the mechanics behind it, but mine fall asleep every time- or at least get tingly...
  • johannahooks
    johannahooks Posts: 23
    I had this problem...especially during my first marathon (and associated training) this year...and I ended up getting new shoes with a wider toe box...and a half size larger. My problems have completely gone away.

    Shoes and socks make a HUGE difference. Yes, your race is in 20 days, but that's actually plenty of time to break in shoes. In the right shoe, you should be able to take them out of the box, put them on, and go for a long run.
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