Search
Notices
Training & Nutrition Learn how to develop a training schedule that's good for you. What should you eat and drink on your ride? Learn everything you need to know about training and nutrition here.

Toe Cramps

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 04-18-06, 11:28 AM
  #1  
Señor Member
Thread Starter
 
USAZorro's Avatar
 
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
__________________
In search of what to search for.
USAZorro is offline  
Old 04-18-06, 11:39 AM
  #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?
!!Comatoa$ted is offline  
Old 04-18-06, 02:39 PM
  #3  
Scottish Canuck in the US
 
blue_nose's Avatar
 
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.
blue_nose is offline  
Old 04-18-06, 03:22 PM
  #4  
OPC
¡Pura Vida!
 
OPC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 298

Bikes: '92 Bianchi Eros, '05 Bianchi Virata, Electra Straight 8

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Liked 5 Times in 4 Posts
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
'92 Bianchi Eros
'05 Bianchi Virata
'08 Electra Straight 8 Cruiser
OPC is offline  
Old 04-18-06, 08:19 PM
  #5  
You need a new bike
 
supcom's Avatar
 
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.
supcom is offline  
Old 04-18-06, 09:02 PM
  #6  
Señor Member
Thread Starter
 
USAZorro's Avatar
 
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.
Definitely not due to tightness in the shoes. If anything, they're a bit loose in the toe area. I am riding a bit longer though, and I haven't been making a conscious effort to wiggle my toes. I'll try that.
__________________
In search of what to search for.
USAZorro is offline  
Old 04-19-06, 06:23 AM
  #7  
Hazardous biker
 
Ricardo's Avatar
 
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 is offline  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.