HELP! Numbness and tingling in feet getting too much.

ct8282
ct8282 Posts: 414
edited July 2013 in Road general
You may have read my comments in a previous thread about the numbness and tingling in my feet, mainly my left foot, but this morning I went out and did 45 miles but the numbness in my left foot made me stop 4 times. It was almost unbearable.

I have tried loosening off the Velcro and ratchet fastenings to the point where my foot is barely held in the shoe but after a few miles the numbness returns. It starts to manifest itself almost with painful points on the bottom of the balls of my feet and the bottom of my toes, then it just slowly spreads throughout my foot eventually causing me to have to stop and walk it off. Quite frankly it's ruining any enjoyment I get from riding.

I've started to wonder if my shoes maybe just don't work for my feet. I have a pair of these so they're not mega expensive but not cheap crap either...

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/lou ... e-ec029811

I am very close to just ordering a different pair but my worry is I might end up with the same problem.

Any thoughts on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Comments

  • verylonglegs
    verylonglegs Posts: 4,023
    I don't have cycling based evidence but your comment about the shoes just not being right for you is a possible as I had a problem back in my footballing days where a particular pair of boots just seem to pressure the sole of my left foot in a certain way to the point it would feel like I was running on a drawing pin towards the end of the game. I thought I had a genuine injury problem until I played in different footwear for a weekend as the ground was firmer and the problem went away. Is there anyone that could loan you a different pair of shoes for a couple of rides just to test the theory?
  • CleeRider
    CleeRider Posts: 304
    edited July 2013
    How frequently do you stand up out of your saddle and pedal? I suffered the same symptoms when I did my first 50 miles - on a perfectly flat route - that meant I was permanently sat on the saddle. I had to stop twice and take my shoes off to get the feeling back in my outer most toes.
    I also got awful pain in the ar$e.
    The symptoms have been greatly reduced since I started forcing myself to stand and pedal for a minute after every 10 miles of less. It could be that I'm blocking certain nerves/blood supply to my toes by staying seated.

    I should also mention that I installed some SPD wedges on my cleat on my right foot which may have helped even out the pressure points. So the solution for me was probably a combination of standing up and wedges.
  • Rodders30
    Rodders30 Posts: 314
    My feet used to get numb/tingles. Now i use toe covers to keep them warm. Even on hot days like today. Never had a problem since.

    Took them off once on a ride as i thought id let some air in. Bad idea. Started to hurt. Covers back on, warmed up and ok.
    Trek 1.5 Road
    Haro MTB
  • trailflow
    trailflow Posts: 1,311
    Try a pair of padded insoles over your current one's.
  • ct8282
    ct8282 Posts: 414
    CleeRider wrote:
    How frequently do you stand up out of your saddle and pedal? I suffered the same symptoms when I did my first 50 miles - on a perfectly flat route - that meant I was permanently sat on the saddle. I had to stop twice and take my shoes off to get the feeling back in my outer most toes.
    I also got awful pain in the ar$e.
    The symptoms have been greatly reduced since I started forcing myself to stand and pedal for a minute after every 10 miles of less. It could be that I'm blocking certain nerves/blood supply to my toes by staying seated.

    I should also mention that I installed some SPD wedges on my cleat on my right foot which may have helped even out the pressure points. So the solution for me was probably a combination of standing up and wedges.

    I stand up plenty on my rides as I like attacking hills when I can. I will look at the wedges as I've not heard of that before.
  • ct8282
    ct8282 Posts: 414
    trailflow wrote:
    Try a pair of padded insoles over your current one's.

    I will certainly look at this. Can you recommend some good insoles?
  • Steve236
    Steve236 Posts: 212
    This might help and it might not but my numb feet problem seems to have lessened a lot recently with a bit of attention to pedalling technique. I had considered shoes/saddle/cleat position and varied them all but without much effect. I've tried to mash less (if continually focusing all the pressure on the downstroke is what mashing is - I've never been sure) and to pull back and pull up slightly at the bottom and on the upstroke and too spin more.

    When I forget to do this, the numbness starts to come back but at least I can get rid of it now without having to stop and walk around.
  • Calpol
    Calpol Posts: 1,039
    You might consider the Specialized footbeds. They come in varying degrees of arch support. Most retailers also have a pressure pad for determining what version you need. I have high arches so wear the green ones. They make a big difference to the comfort of shoes. I think they cost about £25. there are also other options including some you can get in stores that are custom moulded.
  • ct8282
    ct8282 Posts: 414
    Calpol wrote:
    You might consider the Specialized footbeds. They come in varying degrees of arch support. Most retailers also have a pressure pad for determining what version you need. I have high arches so wear the green ones. They make a big difference to the comfort of shoes. I think they cost about £25. there are also other options including some you can get in stores that are custom moulded.

    This sounds like an option worth trying. Do you think its maybe pressure on the bottom of the foot causing the problem then?

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