Toe Cramps
#1
Señor Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Hardy, VA
Posts: 17,923
Bikes: Mostly English - predominantly Raleighs
Mentioned: 70 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1491 Post(s)
Liked 1,090 Times
in
638 Posts
Toe Cramps
I got these every so often after a ride last year, but this year, it seems that after (and sometimes even during) my rides, I'm guaranteed to get them. It seems rather odd to me, as I'm in much better riding condition than I was last year. I'm using the same pedal arrangement (Look clipless), and I don't think I've radically changed either my pedaling form or my diet.
Has anyone had experience with this and successfully applied preventive measures? If so, I'm eager to hear what to do. It doesn't ruin my ride, but I'd really prefer to put an end to the wierdness.
Thanks in advance,
Z
Has anyone had experience with this and successfully applied preventive measures? If so, I'm eager to hear what to do. It doesn't ruin my ride, but I'd really prefer to put an end to the wierdness.
Thanks in advance,
Z
__________________
In search of what to search for.
In search of what to search for.
#2
Senor Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 464
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Have you taken the winter off?
For myself I have had the exact same riding position for a few years, which I have found comfortable. This spring however I was having terrible knee problems, so I raised my seat a mm and lowered my stem a mm and it has made a world of difference.
Try one little adjustment at a time and see how it helps or hinders, or maybe it is time for new shoes?
For myself I have had the exact same riding position for a few years, which I have found comfortable. This spring however I was having terrible knee problems, so I raised my seat a mm and lowered my stem a mm and it has made a world of difference.
Try one little adjustment at a time and see how it helps or hinders, or maybe it is time for new shoes?
#3
Scottish Canuck in the US
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 1,179
Bikes: Trek 2100, Cervélo Carbon Soloist
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Just a thought, but as you get in better shapoe you may be riding longer. As you ride longer, your feet may be swelling. Check your shoes. Make sure the area around your toes is not too tight. Also, as you are riding it helps to occasionally wiggles your toes. Stretching your toes at lights can help as well.
#4
¡Pura Vida!
This was happening to me, too, a month or so ago. I found it was partially due to my not staying hydrated enough, but mostly due to riding in cold weather. Stay warm, stay hydrated, remember to wiggle your toes every now and then.
-José
-José
__________________
--José
'92 Bianchi Eros
'05 Bianchi Virata
'08 Electra Straight 8 Cruiser
--José
'92 Bianchi Eros
'05 Bianchi Virata
'08 Electra Straight 8 Cruiser
#5
You need a new bike
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 5,433
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
If you're wearing stiff soled cycling shoes, you shouldn't need to use your toes much while riding. Perhaps you are unconsciously clenching them when you ride hard? Maybe your cleats are too far forward? They should be under the ball of your foot.
#6
Señor Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Hardy, VA
Posts: 17,923
Bikes: Mostly English - predominantly Raleighs
Mentioned: 70 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1491 Post(s)
Liked 1,090 Times
in
638 Posts
Originally Posted by blue_nose
Just a thought, but as you get in better shapoe you may be riding longer. As you ride longer, your feet may be swelling. Check your shoes. Make sure the area around your toes is not too tight. Also, as you are riding it helps to occasionally wiggles your toes. Stretching your toes at lights can help as well.
__________________
In search of what to search for.
In search of what to search for.
#7
Hazardous biker
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Bogotá, Colombia
Posts: 602
Bikes: 2005 Santa Cruz Blur Classic
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Staying hydrated and pedaling properly may contribute to the problem but if you really want to avoid cramps, take some extra vitamin B. You may get one of those bottle of pills at a local walmart.
Ricardo
Ricardo