Numbness in Toes while Exercising

With the kind of lifestyle most of us lead these days, it has become imperative for us to exercise regularly. The exercises, we choose depend on our liking as well as in accordance to our health condition. In spite of choosing an exercise regimen in accordance to our liking and fitness levels, we have to battle some issues. One of them is numbness in the lower extremities of the body. Some of us have to battle numbness only in toes, while some of us suffer from numbness in the feet. This condition is often seen, only when one is working out. At no other time, do we have to battle such a condition. You will now wonder, what is it that causes this condition. To find the answer to this question, we will move forward to the causes of this condition.

Causes of Numbness in Toes

Although numbness in toes is a common condition, it should not be neglected as a normal condition. One of the common causes of toe numbness is tying the shoe laces very tightly. When you tie the laces tightly, the blood supply to the toes can reduce significantly, which in turn gives rise to the condition. Therefore, this is a condition that should be checked. Once this has been rectified, you may find that the numbness sensation will go away soon.

Often, people do not wear appropriate footwear, when they are working out. When working out, it is important, that you wear cushioned shoes, which support the feet appropriately. If the shoes compress the nerves in the feet, it can lead to numbness in feet or in toes. While buying shoes, one should not be overtly obsessed with the brand or look of the shoes. Good comfort and good support is what is necessary, to keep such conditions at bay.

Have you noticed, that your toes go numb, only while doing a particular exercise, or when you use a particular exercise equipment? It is commonly seen that when people use the elliptical training machine, they suffer from this condition. Although it is true that using the elliptical trainer causes least impact on the knees and joints, it does lead to constant pressure on the feet for extended periods of time. Due to this pressure for long spells of time, the feet or toes can go numb. Therefore, it is important that you move the feet and toes, when you work out on an elliptical trainer.

It is the same with cycling exercise or with the stair climber. It is nothing, but the compression of the nerves, which impacts the toes. Some people experience their toes going numb when running, either on the treadmill or out in the open. In this condition, often the heel of the foot does not come in contact with the ground, which leads to a lot of pressure on the balls of the feet and toes. This in turn causes the toes or the feet to go numb. Likewise, women who use high heels can also suffer from this condition.

If you have noticed that your toes went numb when exercising, did you also check if you suffer from the condition, at other times. If you see that toe numbness is a condition, you suffer at other times as well, then you may want to get yourself checked for diabetes. If the tests come out positive, then you will want to talk to your health care professional about the same. You may be suffering from a condition called diabetic neuropathy. Other than diabetic neuropathy, sensory neuropathy and motor neuropathy can also give rise to toe tingling and numb feet sensation, while biking, exercising or in general.

Treatment for Numbness in Toes

If you are tying your laces tight, then you know what are the measures you will have to take. Likewise, check if you are wearing the right shoes, which lend required support to your feet, and are well cushioned. When you are working out on an elliptical machine, treadmill, make it a point to wiggle your toes as often as you can. Repositioning your feet should also be done at regular intervals, when you are exercising. At the same time, it is important to shift your weight equally between the heel and balls of your feet and toes. If you are running, make it a point to ensure that your heel touches the ground more often.

If you notice toe numbness only when you are exercising, it is recommended that your divide your workout. It is important that the duration is small, so that you stop doing the exercise, before your toes go numb. For this you will have to focus on your feet and increase circulation in your feet.

Other than that you may consider buying an arch support, so that the pressure on your foot is decreased and the nerves of the feet are not irritated. The arch support should be a little rigid, and conforms itself to the arch of your feet. Ensure that the support does not extend forward to your toes. If you notice, toe tingling and numb feet while biking, it is recommended that you use a thin support, which is made from lightweight carbon graphite material in the biking shoes under the arch of the feet. It will help you shift weight off the toes to the arch of the feet.

If you notice that, in spite of the self help measures, your toes do fall asleep and become numb, either while exercising or otherwise, you would not want to neglect the condition. It is best to seek medical help for the same. Last, but not the least, this write-up on numbness in toes should not be substituted for medical advice. Your health care professional is a better judge of the problem.