Numb toes - a problem, but better than numb back

richrock

I'm not entirely sure where to post this, but I'll ask anyway:

After riding about half an hour, I'll get a numb feeling like pins n needles in my smaller toes, typically the last toe and a little up the side of the foot. This is usually happening when I'm hitting my stride, probably getting to the aerobic stage. I've recently done a few things to change my riding habits, so I'll explain:

My MTB got stolen, and I used to get numb back and feet after same period of time. I chose a road bike as a replacement, a good fit, and the saddle, although it chafed a bit (MTB clothes and road bikes don't mix!) I felt a lot more comfortable on the perch, and I've made some incremental changes to the fit of the bike. Historically, I used to be able to ride 40-50 miles with no problems at all on my old road bike.

I am using my old MTB shoes at the moment, I tend to wear them loose, as this helps a bit. I will be upgrading to a set of clipless once the budget allows, but I have to make do at the moment.

http://www.bicycle7.com/bike-part/SHIMANO-SH-M038-SHOES_B7_2243.html

At least now the numb back has gone, which is a step in the right direction. Is the feeling possibly due to the fact I'm a bit flabby, and quite unfit? As I mentioned, previous road experience didn't have this, so wondering if my size/weight is now an issue. FWIW, I'm 14st 8, 5ft 7", and a bit flabby (40" waist!!!! :shock: )

The tingling doesn't go when I stand on the pedals, and only dissipates when I've stopped for a few minutes.

Any advice/ideas appreciated.

nferrar

Sounds like either circulation is being impeded or you're getting pressure spots through the soles. Although you say you wear the shoes loose are they still tight-fitting around the toe box? As they're MTB shoes they might not have very stiff soles (which can spread the load better and avoid localised pressure spots). It sounds like you're riding on flats though so the pedal platform should be big enough that it's not a problem...

DCowling

Hi
I have the same problem it,s Mortons Neuroma,
http://www.patient.co.uk/health/Morton's-Neuroma.htm

It could be just bad positioning of saddle etc, so tweak these first

I initially had it so bad that I had to stop afetr 20miles and massage my feet but now after fine tuning the saddle, handlebar, cleat position as well as making sure I have decent pad in my shorts, I have managed tio get it down to a twinge that can be relieved by wiggling my toes whilst riding.
It is a lot worse in the winter as the cold exacerbates the symptons.
I have also gone up a size in shoe and inserted gel insert soles but you could try Specialized BG insoles, I have not gone down this route yet but it is the next step.
Your local dealer can measure your footbed profile then provide an insole to suite, this will spread the pressure accross the sole and relieve the pressure points

richrock

@nferrar - Yup, the bike I've got is using clips, which are fine atm, I don't do them up really, just enough so I can pull if I need to.

Might try a ride with my ordinary trainers as they were fitted for running, and have plenty of toe room.

@DCowling I read the link, the only symptom I have is pins and needles, but in the toe itself. I don't get any other symptoms listed there. However, a good read and will look at the specialized kit (LBS is a spec dealer). I've got some of their kit, and my friends swear by their BG insoles themselves.

Zoomer37

I used to suffer numb toes in my right foot. Turned out my saddle was to high.

Try dropping it 3 - 5mm and ride it for a while and see if that helps.

richrock

Update:

I'm still getting numb feet, and even occasionally in my back again... Doh! It dissipates quickly, and there's no pain at all, the only thing I get is loss of feeling.

What I've tried : lowered saddle further (it's already too low IMO), pushed saddle backwards and forwards, adjusted tilt of saddle, tried thinner socks, shoes undone. All has made no difference.

There is one thing that has made a difference: I started riding by commuting, 7 miles and would have numb feet by the end. Now I don't get that. Done a few 16 mile rides, very numb halfway first time, but second and third times not getting numb until the end. Today I rode 22 miles, had numbness by 14 miles, back was going numb by 17 miles.

Important to note: it's only my right side that goes numb. Left side I will get a tingle in the feet - usually just the big toe.

I am looking to replace the stem, reducing it by 20mm from 120 to 100. However, riding on the bars at where I expect the hoods to then be makes little difference. I have
a reasonable bend in my arms with the setup I have now.

So, my question is this. In the process of elimination by adjustments, I have concluded that there are two remaining changes to when I rode a road bike last:

1. I weighed less :oops: (about 3 stone less to be honest). Could the extra tyre be a factor, and explain why the numbness takes longer each time? I've lost about 8 pounds already.

2. I don't have water bottles, and am using my Camelbak for hydration. On my old MTB (fitted by the LBS to perfection) I had problems using this. I'm going to try a ride without it (risky, as I don't have anywhere for repair kit, etc) and see what that does. Does anyone have experience of packs affecting posture, and possibly adding unnecessary pressure?

Sorry if this is a bit wordy, best to be descriptive and all. Doc's no good, told me to take some ibuprofen and rest..... :roll:

mattward1979

imo, adding 3st to the saddle is causing most of your problems...

Im 16st now, down from just shy of 17st, and the difference in my technique and power is astonishing!

Do your same route with a 1st backpack on, and see how painful it is...

Cant wait till im 14st, but still sporting these monstrous legs!!

EDIT: you say its 1 side mainly, and that is the pain I get after about 15 miles.. I found making sure that split the time "resting" on the pedals between the left and right foot helped, as I way favoring my right as a natural propensity to unclippling my left

itsnotarace

Either your foot is at an awkward angle or you are otherwise putting excess pressure on an area that is not designed to be put under pressure.

Get some clipless pedals and get the cleats setup properly (plenty of guides on the internet such as http://www.bikemagic.com/maintenance/fi ... /7004.html ) and your pain will go away.

izza

The fact you are getting pain after a bit of time rather than building up from the start would imply IMHO that it is not fit but nerve damage. Think about changing shoes and/or cleats and look at footbeds such as the Specialized ones which dissipate pressure and protect nerves

richrock

Unfortunately, my budget is pretty much zero at the moment, motorbike bills take precedence for this month Will have to talk to the international bank of wife about that....

I have also noticed that I get pins & needles in my hands is they are bent close to my body (like when reading a book for instance) - making me wonder if my circulation is going to pot.... :?