Why do my toes hurt when I run?

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markawillis
markawillis Posts: 20
in Fitness and Exercise
Every time I run my toes feel like they are going to sleep almost. They get all 'tingly' feeling.and makes my run very uncomfortable. I don't think my shoes are too tight. HELP?
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Replies

  • Melis25Fit
    Melis25Fit Posts: 811 Member
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    This happens when I'm on the elliptical for more than 30 mins. I still can't figure it out!
  • therealangd
    therealangd Posts: 1,861 Member
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    I don't know the answer, but mine get like that too when I use an eliptical machine. But not when I run outdoors or on the treadmill.
  • joannbuist23
    joannbuist23 Posts: 127 Member
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    When I started running I had to go up a whole shoe size in order to keep my toes from hurting.
  • maggiemyst
    maggiemyst Posts: 11
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    I would think that its somehow related to blood circulation. I would double check with your Dr. to see what they think...
  • chrissyh
    chrissyh Posts: 8,235 Member
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    I had to go up 1/2 size in running shoes.

    Go to running store and see what they think - typically the eval is free.
  • bka8
    bka8 Posts: 92
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    Mine too! I've been told its about how tight you tie your laces and how you run...i try to distribute the weight differently on my foot and it seems to help, but I'm looking forward to other possible solutions that might come on here!
  • LessMe2B
    LessMe2B Posts: 316
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    Your feet are probably swelling when you run, may need a 1/2 or whole size bigger shoe.
  • lindalee0315
    lindalee0315 Posts: 527 Member
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    A couple of things: When on the elliptical, lift your toes up and wiggle them around in your shoes once in awhile during the exercise. It stops the tingling feeling. With running, I got a professional fitting at a local shoe store called Gazelle, and learned that my running shoe size is a full size bigger than my dress shoe size. Once I bought the bigger shoes, my toe troubles ended. (I was getting in-grown toenails and a lot of pain.)
  • NanBar
    NanBar Posts: 283 Member
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    Your laces are too tight/or your shoes are too small. Running shoes should be fit 1/2 size big. (and on the elliptical it is almost always laces)
  • leaw24
    leaw24 Posts: 22 Member
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    I get this! I found this... http://running.about.com/b/2008/07/21/why-do-my-toes-feel-numb-when-running.htm

    Generally the same advice, make sure your shoes fit, don't tie your shoe laces overly tight, etc. I'm putting up with it until I can go running shoe shopping as it's not too bad right now.
  • hroush
    hroush Posts: 2,073 Member
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    My feet went to sleep when I was using my elliptical as well. I found that if I tied my shoes loosely (I like to tie them tight) then I didn't have problems.
  • BerryH
    BerryH Posts: 4,698 Member
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    It might be worth checking your shoes. I have a perfectly comfortable pair, but when I try to run or elliptical in them I get terrible pain and/or numbness. When I switch to my other pair - problem gone!
  • Dean513
    Dean513 Posts: 23
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    Sounds like it could be a couple of things. Check the soles of your shoes, if they are worn out in the forefoot, its time for new shoes. My toes start to go numb after a couple of miles when my shoes are near the end of their life. You also might think about going a half to an inch larger on your shoes than you normally wear, that will give your foot a little extra room in the front.
  • jdavis193
    jdavis193 Posts: 972 Member
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    I have to go to a physical therapist and she said that make sure you have the right shoes and they fit correctly. "Not what you may think of a shoe fitting".. There has to be enough room, from the tip of your thumb to the end of your thumb nail, your toes should be at the end of your thumbnail. She said all the shoe stores should suggest them to measure and make sure they are the right ones for you. If you are not sure ask someone to.
  • jdavis193
    jdavis193 Posts: 972 Member
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    Oh she also said that if you workout 5 to 6 days a week you need to change your shoes every 6 months.
  • Starkle09
    Starkle09 Posts: 238 Member
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    I had the same problem...try relacing your shoes and different socks. made all the difference for me.
  • samcee
    samcee Posts: 307
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    I had to go up 1/2 size in running shoes.

    Go to running store and see what they think - typically the eval is free.

    I agree with this! I recently went to a specialist running shop to get an evaluation and I had to go up a shoe size! I brought properly fitted trainers and the difference is amazing.
  • markawillis
    markawillis Posts: 20
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    Thanks for all the advice! I just bought new shoes from the new balance store a few weeks ago got fitted and everything. I thought that it would solve my problem, but it didn't, at first. But after reading all you guys comments I realized that it was my laces. Even though I was not tying them tight they were still too tight lower down. I relaced them looser and presto chango, no more numb toes. Thanks everyone, and thanks to MFP for everything. I have lost 16 lbs as of last sunday and now that I've been running I plan to run in my first 5k this 4 July in the Little Rock firecracker 5k.
  • jwhit31
    jwhit31 Posts: 450 Member
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    Oh, I'm so glad I read this post. My toes become numb on the elliptical machine also. I'm thinking it has to be the shoelaces because I do tie them pretty tight. I'll see tomorrow if loosening them will help any.
  • Hazelbeav
    Hazelbeav Posts: 10 Member
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    Help! I've got a similar problem. My 2nd and 3rd toes go numb on each foot when I run/walk for over 2 - 3 km

    I've always have slightly over flexible joints and have noticed when standing in bare feet, the second and third toe of each foot flatten. The toe joints even try to bend the 'wrong way' when I walk. I think this may be happening when I'm running.

    The only thing that has helped is strapping my toes in a slightly bent position before I run.

    How can I get this fixed? Do I meed to see a podiatrist or a running shoe people?

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