foot numbness

[Cdalekat]

So I know this topic has been talked about a thousand times before, but I'm hoping everyone will cut me some slack anway. :o

On rides over 5 miles in length, I get numbness in the outside of both feet. I don't seem to have it anywhere else, and I'm not sure what is causing it. Taking a break from pedaling for a bit seems to help, but only one foot will recover at a time (recovery seems to be dependant on position within the circle).

I'm riding clipless with moutain shoes... ie, not very stiff.
I never notice this on rides less than 5 miles (regular shorts, not padded), but definitely on longer rides (padded shorts).

I don't know what else might be relevant....

Any suggestions on what is causing this and how to eliminate it?

[LBTC]

I found more foot numbness when I was riding the wrong saddle. must have been pinching somewhere. Also, saddle adjustment would probably make a big difference there, too.

if you can wiggle your toes in your shoes, your shoes are probably not the problem.

cleat placement could be an issue for you, too.

have you had a good BS fit you on your bike yet? I get that done on my road bike in a week. I can't wait!! :D

Namaste,
~T~

[slinkedog]

Okay, I'll 'fess up that for a while I was having an issue with my left foot going numb. I mentioned it to my husband and he asked how tight I was pulling the velcro on my shoes. DUH! :eek: My shoe was a little too tight. Now, I will say that I still have some issues with my left foot that I think the tightness of the shoe was exacerbating, so I think it was just part of the problem. But I thought I'd mention it just in case. :)

[AutumnBreez]

I have this same problem, even happens when I have to keep my foot down on the clutch of the car for any lengthy period of time. Pressure on the foot in that region for long periods causes my foot to go numb. Both feet do it when cycling, and I do the toe wiggling thing and it eleviates it slightly. Must have arteries that run that area or something that don't like the pressure.

Also, it may be that your seat is too high that your having to reach and pointing toe down more then heel down during your down strokes.
Possible that your saddle is cutting your circulation off somewhere down the back of thighs. It's crazy isn't it...the numerous factors for each persons individual issues.

[Biking Chick]

Also, it may be that your seat is too high that your having to reach and pointing toe down more then heel down during your down strokes. Possible that your saddle is cutting your circulation off somewhere down the back of thighs. It's crazy isn't it...the numerous factors for each persons individual issues.

If your saddle is too high it would cause pain in your knee before your foot went numb. I have clipless and find that when riding in higher temperatures my feet swell causing my foot to go numb. Going to a lighter weight sock and being able to loosen the velcro straps on my shoes during a ride made a big difference for me.

Along those same lines - are your shoes the correct size?? What about changing the liner in your shoes?

If all else fails you may consider having a professional bike fitting session. I know that some riders need to have shims placed in their cleats but all of the 'experts' that I have talked with say that that is something that should be done only after having your bike fitted by someone who really knows how to fit a bike.

[CorsairMac]

I have this same problem, even happens when I have to keep my foot down on the clutch of the car for any lengthy period of time. Pressure on the foot in that region for long periods causes my foot to go numb.

Have you been to see a foot doctor about this?....I'm asking because I was having issues with my right foot going numb and/or cold and ended up having to have surgery to release the tarsal tendon. It's a tendon the runs down your leg between your ankle and your achilles tendon thru a tunnel and branches out into your foot. They thought the tunnel had become inflamed (think carpal tunnel syndrome) and were going to do the surgery to release the tunnel. In my case the tendon had become pinched in my arch muscle of all things and they had to cut the muscle to release the tendon.

[RoadRaven]

I often get numbness but I think its just because, on a road bike, your foot stays pretty much in one position - particulalry on flats - and if I forget to wriggle it/them, one or both drift off to sleep...

:)

[Cdalekat]

Thanks everyone - definitely some things to give a try!

I think my seat is at the right height, though it's not exactly a woman friendly seat. It is thin, which is why I'm inclinded to think it helps prevent some numbness... fewer contact points. Though its something to take a critical look at.

My shoes seem ok - they are actually moutain shoes with laces. If anything, sometimes I wonder if I don't have them tight enough?! Their biggest problem is that they aren't very stiff - makes them easy to walk in though. I think I'll start some extra toe wiggling and see what that does. :o

CorsairMac - If it was just one foot I would guess medical issues like you describe would be a possibility. My left ankle was *destroyed* in a soccer incident (Dr's didn't think I'd be walking again - proved them wrong :D ), and I have much resdiual numbness from that. But this is happening in both feet.

Anyway, I'm hoping the certified bike-fit people will be at the shop on Sunday so that I can pick their brains!

[CorsairMac]

Let us know what they say - wishing you luck!!

[shewhobikes]

Yeah, the extra toe wiggling helps me. I have terrible feet due to rheumatoid arthritis; all my foot joints are out of whack. I have to be sure to do lots of toe wiggling, including when I clip out at a traffic light or something, I'm consciously wriggling my toes/feet. That's about the only thing that helps me.

[sarahkonamojo]

I have suffered similarly. I finally found some answers. This is the diagnosis. Hot Foot:
http://roadbikerider.com/articles.htm#How%20to%20Solve%20Painful%20Hot%20Foot

The condition is aggravated by the hills we have in Colorado.

This might help you, too. I have been fiddling with my feet for months now and at least I have a direction to head for awhile. I am now trying metatarsal pads... (Of course losing 8 pounds might help, too. Thank goodness that isn't the primary remedy.)

Hope your foot problems are more easily solved.
SKM

[Cdalekat]

Great website SKM! Some very interesting things in there. I'll have to try some of them. Good luck with your feet too.

Update: last time I was at the LBS the professional fitters weren't there. I did see one at the US Championship race, but figured it wasn't the time to get free advice out of him! :D

[joyrider]

I had this problem for the first few months of this year, or since I took up cycling again. EVERY time I went riding, after about twenty minutes, I would be dealing with toe numbness on the outside. I thought it was something I would just have to learn to tolerate. During this time, I had also been working my way through the REI saddle selection trying to find something comfortable, and I finally did. And you know what? I was so busy rhapsodizing about how great my poor crotch felt that at first I didn't notice that the toe numbness was gone. It was the saddle, when I thought it was just me, seeing as I remember I always had toe numbness when I used to ride in my early twenties. So don't give up! It may be that one adjustment away!