Why do my toes hurt when I run?

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.

I would think that its somehow related to blood circulation. I would double check with your Dr. to see what they think...

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!

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.)

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.

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!

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.

I had the same problem...try relacing your shoes and different socks. made all the difference for me.

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?

Agree that's it may be your shoes...most folks need to go up about a size in running shoes...my friend lost 6 toenails while training for a marathon before she went to an actual running store to get sized...she thought it was part of the "cost" of being a marathon runner...it isn't!

Question - are your calves tight - like really, really tight all the time? If yes, go see a physio and then perhaps a doctor.

I used to get the worst feeling in my feet, like someone had set my toes on fire when I walked more than 200-300m. The pins and needles were so bad I wondered if my toes were still attached.

I have compartment sydnrome - after lots of tests Ive been referred to a surgeon. Its rare, so chances are you all wont have it - and for most of you, its probably just shoes.... but... With compartment syndrome your nerves can become so damaged you can lose feeling in your feet due to the lack of blood flow and do real damage. Id recommend getting checked out. There is heaps more to the story, but I wish I had learnt what the problem was 5 years earlier rather than spend sooooo much money on shoes all the time! (like every 6-8 weeks) not to mention the pain.

PS - although I still have the problem - after dropping 15kgs and getting regular exercise - its rare I get it now, and the surgeon is happy with my progress hes agreed to defer the surgery for another 12 months to see how I go!

Question - are your calves tight - like really, really tight all the time? If yes, go see a physio and then perhaps a doctor.

I used to get the worst feeling in my feet, like someone had set my toes on fire when I walked more than 200-300m. The pins and needles were so bad I wondered if my toes were still attached.

I have compartment sydnrome - after lots of tests Ive been referred to a surgeon. Its rare, so chances are you all wont have it - and for most of you, its probably just shoes.... but... With compartment syndrome your nerves can become so damaged you can lose feeling in your feet due to the lack of blood flow and do real damage. Id recommend getting checked out. There is heaps more to the story, but I wish I had learnt what the problem was 5 years earlier rather than spend sooooo much money on shoes all the time! (like every 6-8 weeks) not to mention the pain.

PS - although I still have the problem - after dropping 15kgs and getting regular exercise - its rare I get it now, and the surgeon is happy with my progress hes agreed to defer the surgery for another 12 months to see how I go!

My husband (who is 6ft2 and 74kgs) Has the same problem. It runs in his family and his mother, brother, two cousins and aunt all suffer with it. They're all very thin so it's definatly not weight related. It's worth having it checked if you get no joy from loosening shoe laces and going up a shoe size.