Toes going numb while running...

**LanaBear** · 01-19-2011 09:23 PM

Anyone have this happen to them?

I run around 3 miles a day, 6 days a week, my last few runs my toes have started to go numb. This has never happened before.

Tonight when I was running, about 5 minutes in I could feel it, my toes going numb. It starts with that pins and needles feeling (you know that feeling you get when your foot falls asleep) and about a minute after that my toes are numb. It is generally the three biggest toes on each foot, it's annoying to say the least. The feeling generally comes back within 10-20 minutes after I'm done, but tonight my big toe on my left foot is still a bit numb.

Thoughts?

**WildChild** · 01-19-2011 10:50 PM

I've had this happen before, usually when I'm wearing new running shoes. I don't believe that nonsense about breaking in the shoes cuz that usually mean mangling your feet to fit them. Sometimes I've returned 3 or 4 pairs until I've gotten some that really work for me. The Nike Free's don't seem to present to many problems.

**jns** · 01-19-2011 11:38 PM

Somewhere a nerve is being pressed against. It is a problem with fit, like WC says. I have some numbness by nerve damage from diabetes, but it isn't the same as pressure causing a foot to go to sleep. Neither is numbness caused by shoes that are to small or don't have enough ankle support when going downhill on steep terrain. You could be wearing socks that are too thick or fastening the shoes too tight, also.

**LanaBear** · 01-20-2011 09:15 AM

I know it's not the fit of my shoe, I've had them since August and if I'm running 15-20 miles a week, I've put some mileage on them for that to be it now.

It may be my socks I guess... I usually run in very thin running socks, but this week I've been running in thicker cotton socks because I haven't bothered to change them before my runs.

WC, I do totally agree with you on the fabled "breaking in" of shoes. If they don't feel perfect and comfortable the moment I put them on, I don't buy them. I found a store that actually encourages you to wear them around the store or jog around for however long you want to make sure they are perfect for you because they felt the same way, if they don't feel comfortable on the first wear they are not the right shoe for you. I've been a long time fan of Asics for running.

**LanaBear** · 01-20-2011 09:42 AM

I just looked at the Nike Free's. I may have to try those on next time I need some running shoes. I think those are the same ones a friend of mine said she loved.

**jan92** · 01-20-2011 06:06 PM

I was going to say, sounds like poor blood circulation. I think that during workouts, the muscle becomes larger due to blood pump, could be restricting vessels going down to your feet/toes a bit.

**hppacific** · 01-20-2011 10:47 PM

i used to run cross country in highschool and i've had the same problem when you take off your shoes does it stop?? cuz thats what happened to me. i would lace my shoes too tight and it was do something to the top of my feet and it wouldnt let the circulation do its thing but once they were off it was ok. maybe try loosening your laces if thats the case? if that isnt the case maybe you have a pinched nerve in your back or something and the impact of running makes it act up? idk just ideas lol hope they help

**jellybean93** · 01-21-2011 06:06 AM

Umm, Lana, I don't think that's supposed to happen. I've been running for 10 years and I never had any problems with my toes going numb, even during the winter runs. It might be a nerve getting pinched that's doing it. That might cause your toes to numb. You might go to your doctor and see if he/she knows anything.

**LanaBear** · 01-21-2011 10:51 AM

Thanks all for the advice. I went back to wearing my thinner running socks yesterday and didn't lace up as tight and it was better. Still numb, but better. I'll wait it out a couple of weeks to see if it continues, if it does, I'll go to the Dr.