foot numbness

[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.

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 ), 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.ht...l%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!

[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!