Running Foot Numbness: EP Chiropractic Injury Team

It’s not unusual for runners to experience tingling, pins and needles, and numbness in their feet while running. Running foot numbness is a relatively common problem for runners and can be easily remedied. Numbness will present in one part of the foot or just the toes. Sometimes it can spread throughout the whole foot. Different causes, most of which are not serious, can be easily dealt with. Serious causes can be treated with chiropractic, massage, decompression therapy, and functional medicine.

Running Foot Numbness

Reasons why the feet experience numbing sensations when running, include:

• Improper footwear.
• Laces that are tied too tightly.
• Foot strike pattern.
• Foot structure.
• Training schedule.
• Muscle tightness.
• Compressed nerve.
• Medical conditions like neuromas or peripheral neuropathy.

Footwear

• A common cause of running foot numbness is having overly tight shoes that place added pressure on nerves.
• If this could be the reason, the remedy is to get new shoes.
• Try to find a store that specializes in running shoes and ask for help.
• Footwear professionals look at the size of the foot, the shape, and running gait.
• For example, individuals with a wide foot may need a style with a wider/larger toebox or the front of the shoe that houses the forefoot.
• Get a pair that’s one-half to a full size larger than a regular everyday shoe size.
• This is because when running, the feet swell, especially in hot and humid weather.
• Going up a half or whole size will also accommodate thicker socks for individuals that run in cold weather.
• Sometimes numbness can result from biomechanical issues that can be corrected with the proper shoe.

Tight Laces

• Sometimes it’s not the shoes but the laces that are too tight.
• Pulling a little tighter to get a firm fit around the ankle is common, but this can entrap nerves on top of the foot at the ankle/anterior tarsal tunnel, similar to the carpal tunnel in the wrist.
• This can be problematic for individuals with high arches.
• Loosening the laces are recommended.
• However, runners may feel insecure with looser laces.
• Experimenting with different lacing techniques is recommended to find one that keeps the shoes comfortable without creating undue pressure over the top of the foot.
• Using padding under the tongue of the shoe can help.

Foot Fall Pattern

• Sometimes running form can put pressure on nerves that, lead to numbness.
• Overstriding – Landing heel first with the foot ahead of the body’s center of gravity places the feet on the ground for too long.
• Correcting this issue can be achieved by shortening the stride and focusing on landing on the midsole.
• This way, the feet will land directly under the body.
• Running like stepping on hot coals is recommended, keeping the movements light and quick.
• Correcting overstriding saves energy and lowers the risk of shin splints.
• A sports chiropractor, physical therapist, or running coach can help fine-tune form for specific guidance.

Foot Structure

• The anatomy of the feet, specifically the arches, can contribute to running foot numbness.
• Flat feet mean the entire bottom of each foot is in contact with the floor when barefoot.
• Overly flexible feet are more likely to experience nerve compression.
• This can be corrected with shoe orthotic inserts.
• Over-the-counter orthotics may work, but custom orthotics are another option if they don’t.

Muscle Tightness

• Stiff, inflexible muscles can lead to anatomical conditions that generate nerve pressure.
• Warm-up exercises before running will get the muscles loose and ready.
• Stretching is very important before and after running.
• Individuals prone to muscle tightness should include flexibility exercises.
• Yoga can improve flexibility and body alignment.
• Foam rollers and other massage tools will work out kinks in areas where tightness forms and affects nerves, like the quadriceps, calves, hamstrings, and I.T. band.
• Regular sports massage and chiropractic can help keep the body pliable.

Sciatic Nerve Issues

• A compressed nerve causes a decrease in the sensation to the areas the nerve supplies.
• Foot numbness, especially around the heel or the sole, can be caused by sciatic nerve compression.
• The pain from sciatica might originate in the back but can end up causing numbness in the feet and/or toes.
• Poor posture, tight piriformis muscles, or other back injuries can also cause sciatica.
• A chiropractor or physical therapist can prescribe decompression therapy, MET stretches, and rehabilitative exercises.

Prevention

Most of the time, running foot numbness can be treated by adjusting footwear or technique. Here are a few tips for injury prevention:

Evaluate Shoes

• First, make sure the shoelaces are not overly tight.
• If the shoes are uncomfortable when running, look for another set and get a custom fitting.

Running Form

• Avoid overstriding by focusing on landing on the midsole instead of the heel.
• This will take the pressure off of the feet.

Foot Orthotics

• Individuals with flat feet, high arches, or overly flexible feet should consider orthotics.

Avoid Overtraining

• Work rest days into the training schedule and gradually build up to avoid overuse injuries.
  Stretch to prevent muscle imbalances, keep muscles loose, and improve the range of motion.

Chiropractic and Physical Therapy

• If symptoms don’t improve, see a doctor, podiatrist, or chiropractor so they can rule out conditions and develop a personalized treatment plan.

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Benefits of Custom Foot Orthotics

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References

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Souza, Richard B. “An Evidence-Based Videotaped Running Biomechanics Analysis.” Physical Medicine and rehabilitation clinics of North America vol. 27,1 (2016): 217-36. doi:10.1016/j.pmr.2015.08.006

Sridhara, C R, and K L Izzo. “Terminal sensory branches of the superficial peroneal nerve: an entrapment syndrome.” Archives of physical medicine and Rehabilitation vol. 66,11 (1985): 789-91.