Toes going numb

[Janet]

Hi Guys,
  I have a friend at work who was asking me about causes/fixes for toes going numb.  She had a bike fit done last year, but got a new saddle this year, made some forward/backward adjustment to her saddle, but her outside toes on both feet are still going numb. I suggested maybe her saddle was a bit too low (I haven't seen her ride to see how she looks on the bike).  She just got clipless peddles, but her toes were going numb even in her running shoes. Any ideas?


 

[Sandy]

Bike fit is an obvious place to look and the saddle may have something to do with it HOWEVER because she experiences the numbness in her running shoes and bikes my guess is her shoes are too small.

[Janet]

Thanks Sandy, I'll let her know

[Newt]

G'day Janet,
I agree with Sandy I personally find most bicycle shoes run a bit narrow, that combined with the stiffness of soles makes numbness common. Also the whole action of pedaling you don't tend to move the toes a lot, so the toes will get numb, I wouldn't be surprised if she got off the bike and walked a bit her feet would feel better quickly. So either in running shoes or bicycle shoes having some toe room so you can wiggle them while pedaling might be the solution.

Though some people like Jeff and Dennis may find it hard to do both pedal and wiggle toes at the same time most people can figure it out. 

Peace
Peter

[Jeff]

ouch!

[Newt]

G'day Jeff,

I was just teasing, I've seen you and Dennis multitask before. Heck there is actually evidence of Dennis running and "patting" your butt at the same time, during a race none the less.

And during a Adventure race with Cal and I, I had seen you run and swim at the same time. (swamp crossing)

Peace
Peter

[Sandy]

I thought it was funny...and not far from the truth!   

[gimmeahorse]

When I signed up for the forum I never expected to do anything more than lurk and ask nutrition/food questions....simply because I don't run, and I fall off bikes....and don't really "fit" into your group.  However, I will tell you that when it comes to riding and toes going numb, cyclists do not have the market cornered!  lol

Logistics of the bicycle seat w.r.t. the (female) anatomy isn't that much different from what I look for in the twist of my trail saddle and it has to do with the span of the female's "seat" bones for want of better term.  And when I had the most issues was from a seat (saddle twist) that was too wide - and it was always my toes on the outside of my right foot.  This would happen whether I wore cross-trainers or good quality leather boots.

When I ride a narrower twist saddle, I don't have the problem.  Good luck fixing the problem - it is MOST uncomfortable in a stupid kind of way....no pain per se, but incredible bouts of whining...lol

[Sandy]

Good points!

[Janet]

Thanks for all the help!  I'll let her know

[gimmeahorse]

I had my little horse out for a spin tonight and noticed that the side toes of my right foot were starting to numb...and realized that I was gripping the stirrup with my foot - like you "hang on" to a sandal??  I made myself relax that foot and all was fine....and I re-positioned the foot too.  Funny how things will hit you...lol