Are your Toes Numb After Running?

What causes numb toes?

Shoes that are too tight

: Running shoes can put a lot of pressure on your feet. This reduces blood flow to your feet and causes numbness. When you run, your feet will spread out. Consider getting shoes in a bigger size or lacing them differently if your toe box doesn't allow for enough space. To get a looser fit, some runners run with every loop.

The previous injury

Have you ever broken a bone in your foot or injured your ankle? These old injuries can come back to haunt us. You may still have tissue damage from past traumas that caused damage to your feet. Running on hard surfaces or without warming up can cause numbness and pain in your feet and toes.

Flat arches

: You are more likely than others to overpronate. This means that your feet will turn inwards as you run. This can affect your weight distribution and cause your body to push forward over your feet. This puts a lot of pressure on your toes, which can cause them to become numb.

Sciatic nerve damage

This nerve is directly connected to your feet and legs. This can cause numbness in the soles and toes.

What you can do about it

Make sure you choose the right shoe Shoes should be at least one inch between your toes and the front of each shoe. A sports therapist or podiatrist who is trained in sports medicine may be able to fit you.

Change your gait. Change your rate if your running speed causes numbness. A podiatrist will examine your pace to determine if you need to make a change.

Walking is a great addition. You can slow down by adding walking to your runs. Add a minute of walking for every five minutes of running. After a few weeks, you can start running straight. The numbness may have disappeared.

Massage your toes. Regular stretching and massage can keep your toes flexible. It will also help to ease any pain associated with numbness. Although it won't solve the underlying problem, this will make your feet feel better.

Talk to a doctor. If none of these options provide relief, consult a podiatrist. To determine if you have any medical conditions, an x-ray may be necessary. Your doctor might also recommend custom orthotics or stretching exercises.