Weird problem with my foot while running

When I'm running on the treadmill, my right foot goes numb...I know this is really weird but has anyone experienced the same thing?  And what is it?

I don't really know why it happens but I experience the same thing if I'm really pushing myself and not paying attention to my breathing. But for me it's all my limbs, as soon as it happens I just breathe more deeply and it goes away.

alright i have been pushing myself pretty hard...i'll try the breathing better and see if that works

I have really gotten into running the last 2 years or so and when I first started out I ran a 10k and had to stop several times because my foot was going numb.  It felt like it was falling asleep on me.  I was using just regular tennis/basketball shoes to run in and someone advised me to get a pair of running shoes.  What a huge difference.  Never had the problem again.  Not sure what you're using to run in but both my wife and I solve many of our running problems just by the footwear we use.  Hope that helps.

Actually there are several reasons…some not to be alarmed about, and some you might want to see a doctor about.  

The first pertains to women who are on the Ortho Evra patch or something similar….i don’t think I need to elaborate on this one….be very careful, and see a doctor.

The second one could be due to your shoes.  I know this use to happen to me when I was a pro runner, and I switched shoes because the arch was incorrect, and the “Toe Box” in the shoe was a bit too small.  Also, don’t tie your laces like you are trying to cut off your circulation….they should be snug…not extremely tight.  Remember, …each time you step your feet change in size due to the pressure put on them.  So knowing that your feet are not too restricted in a small shoe is key. (the shoes for running and the shoes for running can be different.

The third reason could be that when you run….and I see this in a lot of Joggers….one of your hips might rotate further than the other causing a numb sensation after a while….the process could be sped up by the treadmill not having any “give” or suspension to reduce shock.  There are stretches and exercises to correct this.  This case is not overly serious.

Hope this helps…

Potter

thanks for all the ideas...i feel a bit better now.

i definitely might need different shoes, I've been thinking about picking some up.

Original Post by shg_chiquita:

thanks for all the ideas...i feel a bit better now.

 

i definitely might need different shoes, I've been thinking about picking some up.

 good idea....a good indication of needing new shoes is actually not how they look....just look at the sole of the shoe...if it's worn...it could cause Hamstring, back, and even shin and tibia problems.

Wow - glad to know I'm not crazy. I have the same issue in my right foot as well. I gave up on the elliptical because it drove me crazy but now I'll try different shoes!

I second everyone's opnions on getting new shoes... I would recommend heading to a running store and having someone look at your feet and your current shoes... I used to have the same problem because my running shoes were too small. I thought I should wear the same size as my everyday shoes, but I didn't think about the fact that my feet swelled up while I was running (causing numbness and blisters). Oh, one more thing to think about. If I tied my shoes too tight, my feet got sore easier and they started to go numb while I am running... something to think about... thank goodness for the folks at the running shop I went to... they got me all sorted out and I haven't had an issue since!

Ditto to lizzie's post.  I would definitely invest in new running shoes.  Don't be afraid to invest some extra money into them in order to get yourself the most comfortable, best fitting shoes.  Running shoes are only good for 300-500 miles and then it's time to retire them.  Remember you're worth it and good shoes will help protect not only your feet, but also your knees, hips and back as well.  Good luck!

There is also a possibility it is morton's neuroma.  To my best understanding, it is primarily inherited and is a condition where nerves are enlarged or packed between bones too tightly.  I have it and found it started in one foot and then years later, the other foot started up too.  My dad had it, also.  I know the arch in the front of my foot was collapsed, so that is what got it started.  I think that was probably true of my dad.

I found that just ignoring it as much as possible, stopping and wiggling my foot inside my shoe for a few minutes if necessary, and just continuing to extend my walks slowly - - - it eventually got a lot better.  I was able to up my distance to 10 miles a day after about 6 months.

There are pads that hook over a toe and sit under the front of the food and can help with the arch problem - - - but they take a while to get used to - - - at least for me.

I also found that I need the most flexible shoes available, rather than the stiffest ones.  There was an article in Prevention years ago concerning how to tell if you need a rigid shoe or a flexible shoe.  I wish they would reprint that.  Runners world says heavier people need stiff shoes, but the prevention article had an actual test you could perform.  It sure helped me.

On the topic of getting better running shoes:

I suggest going to a specialty running shoe store, as compared to a place that sells all types of shoes.  Find one that has people who specialize in analyzing your running style.  They will look at your current running shoes as well, to analyze the wear and tear on them.  But they will also spend some time having you run outside and observe your personal habits; then, they find a shoe that best fits your running style.  In the Sacramento area, we have a store called Fleet Feet that provides this level of expertise.

Also, there might be a difference with what type of shoes you should wear running on a treadmill, as compared to running on the street.  I'm not sure, but I would ask a specialist.

Thanks all for putting this topic out here.  I have had the problem of my foot getting 'numb' on the optical trainer too.  Decent shoes would probably fix this one.

I also go to the rock climbing gym and more often than not, my big toe and sometimes a few others go completely numb for a bit.  I don't tie my shoes too tight but they have to be fairly snug to work.  It's just hard to climb when you can't feel the hold under your toes.  The odd thing is that I've had the same shoes for a year and my toes and parts of my feet only go numb sometimes.  I can't find any rhyme or reason to it.  Odd....

I was a bit concerned but realize I am probably just pinching some nerves.  Whew.  

I think numbness on the eliptical might be caused by a different problem. But for other numbness it could also be caused by tightness in the lower back - running does work the lower back and when the muscles tighten they can put pressure on your nerves that go to your feet. If this is a persistant problem you might want to talk to a chiropractor or a physio therapist.

dehydration...this happens in my hand....usually caused by electrolyte imbalances...

make sure you drink water while your running and before.....also try to have a snack before...