Feet go numb while running...

Tiffany23

Tiffany23

New member
Hello! Well, I have an interesting problem that I have yet to figure out. While I used to run outside a lot when I was youger... it is something that I got away from in college. About 3 weeks ago I started walking around the local middle school track and have slowly been building that up to a run. I have been able to run 1/2 to 3/4 of every lap (I do 10 - 11) the last few times I have been out there. The problem I have been running into (no pun intended) is that my feet (typically my right, but tonight was both) start going numb when I am running. I thought that maybe I needed new shoes, but I haven't had these shoes for too long and have no problem with them when I do cardio at the gym. I also tried to wear my shoes looser tonight, but around lap 4-5 the problem returned. I do have a strong background in anatomy as I am in occupational therapy school now, but this I am having a hard time understanding.

Anyone have input as to why this is happening and how I can make it stop? I would like to continue this workout as I really enjoy being outside in the evening and I would like to run a 5k someday.

Any help would be great! :D

Thanks!
 
My feet also get itchy and a bit numb when I run. You situation could be different, but I think its just the effect of the ground hitting hard against the bottom of your foot. If it was a circulation problem then you would have noticed it doing other cardio exercises.
 
First thing I would check is to make sure that your shoes fit you properly - go to a running store (not a discount wearhouse but a place that actually has people who are trained)and get measured and fitted for a pair of shoes... Take a pair of your most loved sneakers that are well worn with you -and the person fitting you can check the wear pattern on the shoe and watch how you walk to determine the best shoe for your foot...

the right shoe may make all the difference
 
maleficent said:
First thing I would check is to make sure that your shoes fit you properly - go to a running store (not a discount wearhouse but a place that actually has people who are trained)and get measured and fitted for a pair of shoes... Take a pair of your most loved sneakers that are well worn with you -and the person fitting you can check the wear pattern on the shoe and watch how you walk to determine the best shoe for your foot...

the right shoe may make all the difference
Click to expand...
I( agree 100%...I got new shoes when I FINALLY started running...Then Got 2 more pair till the numbness went away :doh:
 
Thanks for all the advice and thoughts. I have found a running store close to where I live and will be visiting them tomorrow :D. They have a 30 day return policy on their shoes so I can try a pair out and bring them back if I still have numbness. I will let you all know how it goes!

Thanks again!
 
Tiffany - my feet go numb as well - if I'm running or on the elliptical.

My sister tells me to make sure that my shoes aren't tied too tight. She's such a smarty! So I've told her I'm not cutting the circulation off - what other advice does she have.

She said the same as Maleficient said - go and make sure you have properly fitting shoes. Which atm I have not done - no good shoe stores around here. :(
 
I went and got a new pair of shoes today! The shoe salesman had me put on a pair of shoes and then he watched me run in the store. From that he told me the way that I run and what type of shoe I might need. The pair that I found I think will work well, but I do have 30 days to bring them back if they don't work. They had a couple other shoes that I wanted to try in smaller sizes, but they didn't have the sizes. He is going to order the sizes so that they are there incase these ones don't work.

He did say that women often have problems with their feet going numb. He said sometimes they can find a shoe to work or as they get more fit the numbness goes away. He also said that sometimes it never goes away completely... hopefully I am not that sometimes.

I thought that was interesting. Keep your fingers crossed that these shoes will work! I don't know if I will get a chance to try them out tonight... but I will let you all know if the numbness persists.
 
if it's happening on the elliptical it's more than likely your foot being in the same position for an extended period of time.. try moving your feet at set intervals
 
I have a similiar problem.

I work out on a Nordik Trak ski machine and after about 20 minutes, the ball of my right foot starts to go numb. I did break my ankle in 04' and the mobitlity that ankle is compromised. I have been using an ankle brace to help with the swelling, but I'm wondering if a different type of shoe would help? I think what I use not are crosstrainers. Would the type of motion on a ski machine be more like running, therefore making a true running shoe a better option?
 
skiers and ellipticals, my bet would be, keep your foot in a stagnant position - plus a little tense so it's going to get numb from lack of use... Move your tootsies around - or even try wiggling your toes while you're working? (i'd fall off if i tried it but give it a shot)
 
maleficent said:
if it's happening on the elliptical it's more than likely your foot being in the same position for an extended period of time.. try moving your feet at set intervals
Click to expand...

Hey Mal,

I do try to move my feet a lot on the elliptical. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. But, thanks for the tip.
I just push through it now ... no pain, no gain, right?
 
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yarmiah said:
I have a similiar problem.

I work out on a Nordik Trak ski machine and after about 20 minutes, the ball of my right foot starts to go numb. I did break my ankle in 04' and the mobitlity that ankle is compromised. I have been using an ankle brace to help with the swelling, but I'm wondering if a different type of shoe would help? I think what I use not are crosstrainers. Would the type of motion on a ski machine be more like running, therefore making a true running shoe a better option?
Click to expand...

Ouch that sounds painful. I know before I've gotten advice for the elliptical to like get up on your toes a bit and then back on your heels. I don't know if that would work for the ski machine.

I have sprained my ankles before too - one was so bad I passed out from the pain like 5 min. later! It probably would've been better if it were a break.
 
Feet Going Numb

My feet have been going numb on exercise machines since I was about 12. I'm not sure why, but it happens on the stair climber, stationary bike, and most often on the elliptical. It drives me crazy! My poor little toes just go numb. I find that if I get off the machine and walk around for a minute or two, feeling comes right back into my feet, but as soon as I return to the machine, the numbness returns as well. I spoke with my nurse about it and she said the same thing happens to her. I don't think it's anything to be particularly concerned about, but it sure is annoying. Especially when I'm really into my routine and I have to stop to feel my toes again.

Has anyone come across an easier solution than breaking during the workout? I am somewhat flat footed, perhaps this causes it?
 
I am having the exact same problem! It happens on an elliptical (which makes sense, as many of you have stated, our feet stay in ONE position)...but I noticed it's also starting to happen to me of just 20 minutes of a quick-paced walk, too. It slows me down because the numbness almost turns painful (like pins and needles).

I noticed that someone mentioned the possibility of it being poor circulation - and my mother had a circulatory disease which is hereditary. Kind of put me on alert. Should I check this out? I'm hoping this is just as normal as everyone else's strange numb sensation.
 
I have something called exertional compartment syndrome (I know it sounds made up!) It is worse when I weight more, and better when my weight is down. It causes numbness in my feet as well as severe pain in my shins and on the sides of my legs. They get really, really hard too. Basically what happens is all of the blood is pumping down to my legs, and my fasica isn't flexible enough and it ends up constricting the veins so the blood doesn't flow back up my legs (it just all kind of stays down there until I stop the activity). Usually resting for a bit, walking it off slowly helps. At first I went to the local shoe store, and got fitted for a new pair of shoes, thinking shin splints were the problem, but that wasn't the case. It could be that there is just a lot a pressure in your legs and it is causing the numbness or discomfort.
 
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