If you are one of those who frequents spinning classes or trains riding a bicycle, it is possible that you have ever suffered from annoying tingling in your feet and legs. It's like a feeling of pins sticking in your extremities that also doesn't improve with the passage of time.
The numbness is annoying and even painful. But worst of all, it can make your training a complete torture. Below we will tell you why this problem occurs and how you can prevent it from happening to you.
What are the most common causes?
Basically, the tingling of the feet and legs while riding a bicycle have two causes: nerve compression or restricted blood circulation.
Nerve compression can give you for a improper cleat placement or because the shoes are too tight. It may even be the case that the cleat screw is too long for the thickness of the sole, and is pressing the bottom of the feet.
Another problem may be stance that you adopt while driving. When we cycle, the lower back and pelvis are under a lot of stress and nerves are pinched, so it is normal for many cyclists to have numbness in their feet.
It's pretty easy to tell what's causing that problem, so the sooner we locate it, the lower the risk of avoiding long-term neurological damage. Any ignorance towards the nerve is completely negative for it. One of the most well-known problems is the Morton's neuroma, which happens when one of the branches of the plantar nerve creates scar tissue around the branch when it tries to protect the nerve from compression.
As a result, we will have permanent or long-lasting pain and tingling. If you wear shoes that are too narrow, you could be adding to the discomfort. Likewise, the footwear that we use on a daily basis (heels or pointed shoes) also contribute to this problem.
Furthermore, the blood flow restriction It can be the result of these problems, although it is mostly related to improper shoe use or temperature.
How to deal with numb feet?
The first thing you should locate is the cause that causes that anthill on your feet, and then we will attack the problem.
Try loosening the middle of your shoes a bit, especially in hot weather. This will help the foot not be so compressed and blood circulation can run better. Get off the bike for a few minutes and massage your feet. If after doing this you still have the same feeling, it is possible that the cause is not there.
Make sure it is your shoe size
Stiff soles on cycling shoes are great for increasing energy, but that also means your toes aren't doing much of the work. The toes are not an ornament, so they need extra room to be able to maneuver. The shoes have to be comfortable and not exert any kind of pressure.
If you feel pressure points as soon as you buy them, the feeling will not improve on the bike. It's true that almost all cycling shoes are made of rigid materials, but this also means that they should be comfortable from day one. Otherwise, it will not be your right shoe.
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