Numbness in toes

[GumbyGirl]

Hi Ladies,

I am brand new to this forum and am coming to you all the way from Sydney, Australia.

I am a cross country mountain biker, and would probably classify myself at intermediate level and love my rides. I have one problem though, which is making my riding life a misery. I have an issue with numb toes when riding. Usually it's the big toes of both feet but can extend to the second toes as well. It sets in after about 5km or so and is incredibly uncomfortable - perhaps it would be better described as pins and needles.

I ride a hardtail and use clipless pedals with the following Specialized cycling shoes - women's MTB Taho http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCEqP...jsp?spid=26121

I have tried loosening the laces, tightening the laces. I have placed orthotics in, to help support my feet. The shoes appear to fit appropriately - there is room in the front so that my toes don't hit, and the heel is snug etc. It's also not the cold as although it is winter in Sydney, it's about 16 degrees celcius (very mild). As soon as I get home and get the shoes off the sensation comes back to normal in about 5 minutes

Has anyone got suggestions on what it might be? May it even be pedal position?

I am training for a 50km MTB endurance event as well as upcoming 24 hour races and this is really hindering me. I have to stop after about 30km!

Please help!!!

Thanks!

[crazycanuck]

Yo Yo from Perth!

I don't know the best answer but you may want to try www.bicycles.net.au/forums? More local folks?

What about seeing a friendly physio? I don't know the exact answer

Are you doing the Highland Fling or the Coffs harbour mtn marathon? Man you guys have all the cool events over east!

C

[GumbyGirl]

Hi crazycanuck! (Does that mean you're Canadian?? I lived in Calgary for a year)

Thanks for the reply. I'm registered for the Netti Angry Doctor/Irate Intern race in September. I chose the 50km, but the husband is doing 100km - crazy cat

We are also doing an adventure race the week after - the Teva series.

I am so sad as I have missed the entries for the Highland Fling (all full, the fling has flung...) as we were waiting for the release of dates for the Mont 24hr, which we just found out has been pushed back to April next year!!! So sad as it is my all time fave event and ran in October last year. We aren't doing the Scott 24 (now the CORC 24hr) this year... not a fan of the new Mt Stromlo in Canberra... so now need to look for some more events. Not much on the calendar for the rest of this year, might take up some adventure races and prepare for the summer/autumn season in 2009.

Thanks for the link to the other forum, will take a look. Physio can't work out what's going wrong...

G

[crazycanuck]

I'm originally from Edmonton

I've never ridden Mt Stromlo but would love to! What have they changed?
Have you thought about doing any of the cool rides in QLD or VIC? What about the Kona24hr in Vic on dec 1st/2nd? You can always come over to Perth & do the 12hr solo!

Have you tried different shoes by chance? Could it be the air vents in the shoe? I would sometimes get one cold toe on one side with my old shoes but still have no clue why. Perhaps it's the socks?

I hope someone can provide an answer! I'd like you to complete your events!

Take care

C

[tulip]

Sounds like your shoes are too small, even though you say they fit. Can you try a different size and see if that helps?

[KnottedYet]

Sounds like your shoes are too small, even though you say they fit. Can you try a different size and see if that helps?

+1
could they be too narrow? Maybe try the wider men's version, or try taking the laces out of the front-most eyelets? Ask your physio to check your metatarsal arch for a dropped met head, too. (though a dropped met head ususally leads to numbness in the middle toes more than the big toe)

(I have Tahos, too.)