b_rider

Still getting numb feet. I bought new, proper fitting shoes, (Shimano M070's). I wear thin cycling socks. Adjusted the cleat position. I'm using double sided SPD pedals. But still getting numb feet, although not as many toes and the numbness takes longer to occur.

It has been suggested to me that it could be something called pressure dispersion. Which means that the pressure that is put on the bottom of my foot is being centered only around the cleat area, which is causing the numbness.

The suggested method to correct this is to either spend more money then I can really afford right now and get carbon fiber soled shoes, they have better pressure dispersion. Or spend a little bit of money and switch to the SPD/platform style pedal. That is the pedal that is SPD on one side and a regular platform on the other. What the the differant pedal will do is give the areas of my foot that are not against anything something to "butt" up against while I am clipped in to the SPD part of the pedal. It almost sounds like the areas of my feet that are not hitting against the current pedals I am using are trying to " wrap" themselves around the side of the pedal, thus causing the pressure in the central area of the ball of my feet. So either differant shoes or differant pedals should help to correct this.

Thankfully my LBS is going to let me borrow a set of SPD/platform pedals to try out for a few rides. The numbness usually occurs within the first 10 miles of my rides.

My questions to you folks is do you have anything to add to help me solve this? Do you agree or disagree with what was suggested to me? Does it sound like I am on the right track with this? Any other opinions or suggestions please let me know.

Thanks.

aerobat

Agree that different pedals and/or shoes may help. I experienced this with SPD shoes and pedals, as well as "hot spots", which are more painful. The problem in both areas disappeared when I started using Look pedals.

Bbmoozer

I was told to practice one legged spinning. For example, in a trainer, use only your left foot...work on keeping the stroke consistently even all around up and down, push and pull. Numbness for me comes when I push too much rather than pulling up in unison. One legged drills help train.
Sarah

fubar5

My feet used to get a little numb, but it was becuase I wasn't used to clipless and I kept my feet very tense. Are your feet relaxed? Does your whole leg feel tingly?

b_rider

I ride a recumbent, sorry I did not provide that info in the initial thread. I have tried the one legged spinning, and I have determined that either it can not be done on a 'bent, because you need more element of control then on a upright. Or it will take a lot more practice to learn how to dp on a 'bent. I did consider my pedal stroke. That is actually fine, slightly differant then on a upright yes but it is smooth, and I am not mashing big gears either.

b_rider

Yes my feet are very relaxed. In fact before I ride I make fists with my feet to help relaxe them. I know it sounds weird but it works. And no neither one of my legs feels tingly at all.

pistolwhipped

I have a problem sometimes with my mind wondering and forgetting to pull as well as push . I soon feel the results and get back to pulling again. Sarah and Fubar have good points here. Relax , push and pull . Works for me .

Bbmoozer

Oh...well in that case maybe its the blood not getting to your feet. I have never ridden a recum, but would like to try. I would imagine that that position is similar to putting your feet up like in a recliner ?!?!?!? over long hauls maybe that would explain numb toes?? just a thought. Another thing..you do have clipless right?? are you trying to 'hold on' with your toes rather than relaxing on the pedal?
Sarah

b_rider

Yes, it is similar to putting your legs up in a recliner. The problem is not that it is happening over long hauls. But rather after only 10 miles of riding is when it starts. Then it comes and goes. As far as Iknow I have no blodd flow problems, this only happens when I ride and no other time. By holding on with my toes do you mean trying to grab the pedal with my toes even though I am clipped in under the ball of my foot, and that I am trying to curl my toes under to hold onto the pedal? If this what you mean, no I am not doing that. Also when my feet go numb, I move them around in my shoes, the numbness goes away. It comes back after a time so I repeat moving my feet around in the shoes. I'd just love to ride with out my feet going numb at all.

kobyj

I've got two ideas.

Are your laces too tight? Sometimes when I run, if the laces on my shoes are too tight, I will get a sharp pain in my feet. I havn't had my feet go numb, but I am sure that if you take out the constant pounding, tight laces could be enough to restrict blood flow and cause numb feet.

I have also had the problem that if I sit on a certain type of chair for 4-5 minutes, that my feet will go numb. The only thing I can figure is that it is because the chair puts pressure on the back of my legs really close to my hips. I've got a really low body fat percentage (around 10-13%) and I think sitting on that chair restricts blood flow near my hamstrings. I have yet found a way to resolve this problem.

rhafe

Hello- My feet get a bit numb at times too. My shoes fit and have carbon soles plus I've experimented with different cleat positions. Usually worse while climbing or on long rides. I wish I had the answer. I think it is a blood flow/ tension thing, so maybe I'll figure it out someday. Good luck and good riding. Roger H

b_rider

First of all my cycling shoes are Shimano M070's. Which have 2 velcro straps on each shoe to keep them on my feet. So there are no laces. Straps are better, in my opinion when it comes to cycling shoes because they are easier to tighten and loosen. But in answer to your question, no they are not to tight.

bentboy

b rider, I'm riding a rans rocket with regular peddles, my feet would get hot and a little numb when i used the balls of my feet but now i use the middle of my foot and have no problems. i use spd's on my road and mtn bikes but havn't felt the need on my bent.

LittleBigMan

This is quite likely.

The problem is often from downward pressure upon the nerves in the bottom of the foot. Try distributing pedal pressure by spinning circles in addition to powering downward.

blwyn

I tend to push down more on the outside edge of my foot, this causes my foot to go numb. When I realize its happening and focus on pushing evenly across the whole width of my foot the numbness goes away. I also slipped a sheet of plastic cut from an a large plastic container between the inter-sole and bottom of my shoe. This seems to help prevent getting a pinch point at the cleat.

Pat

I sometimes get a bit of foot numbness. I have found that this is caused by being a bit lazy. Instead of lifting my foot on the recovery stroke, I tend to push that foot up with my power stroke. The problem with this is 1) it robs me of some power (big deal) and 2) the constant pressure on the feet makes them get sore.

I have found a simple solution. I lift my feet on the recovery stroke just enough to release all the pressure from the sole of the foot. If I don't get sloppy and fall into my bad ways, I can ride a century without any foot discomfort. Now the posterior is a different matter.

*WildHare*

I think it's definately a blood flow thing. It sounds like your shoes have stiff enough soles which will help keep pressure distributed evenly. Also, I would think you are applying less pressure from that riding position. I would put your pedals on a conventional and see if the problem persists...

b_rider

Good news! I tried the platform/SPD pedals and they helped with the foot numbness. It took a lot longer for my feet to go numb, and not as many toes went numb, and because of the platform side of the pedal I can unclip and pedal using the platform side until the numbness goes away. So they did not eliminate it but they helped substantially. I was told by the recumbent expert at my LBS that riding a 'bent like mine some riders experience foot numbness because of the angle of their legs. He told me this was due in part to blood flow as well as other contributing factors.

I'm going to switch to these new pedals. I think that right now this is the best I can do to help solve this problem. At least progess has been made on it thought. Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

Spinarooni

Try thicker sole inserts.

bentboy

I think your on the right track B-rider, move thoses feet around!:thumbup:

b_rider

Thanks spin. Its funny you mentioned that, I thought about getting gel inserts. Had those on my old shoes, they worked pretty well. I'll try it in the new ones, thanks.

Altwegg

Hello JV,

SPD pedals are notorius for giving riders hotspots. I suggest you change pedals...I use the SPD-R (PD-5500) and do not suffe from hotspots anymore. I say 'anymore' because I used to get it when my straps were too tight. Don't tighten the straps on your shoe before you ride, or adjust them during the ride.

Also, make sure your cleat is adjusted properly.

Keep us posted on what you do with your problem.

Regards

Bikes-N-Drums

On the advice of many, today I raised up my seat to better accomodate the act of pedaling. It worked with great results, however, about halfway through the ride I ended up with numb feet and tingling legs.
So if my seat should be up higher, what do I do to counter the problems in my legs? Seat-tilt adjustment? Which way?

ljbike

If there is enough room inside the shoes, you might try a Plastic Orthotic shoe insert. Spenco or Dr. Scholl are two brands I know about. They're available at shoe stores or drug stores. I had numb feet and they eliminated it for me. Cost less than $20.

mtbikechick

It's not just a blood flow or shoe problem. When you sit in one position for very long you create a pressure spot on you behind that can be pressing on your siatic nerve. these nerves run all the way to your feet. it could be the position of your seat that's doing it too. :confused: