Numbness on outer side of left foot

[Sbloomer]

I'm experiencing numbness on the outside of my left foot on longer rides.  I've checked my shoes and the cleats seem to be in identical positions, so cant explain why one it would only happen to one foot.

 

Any thoughts as to what I could do to remedy the issue?

 

Thanks!

[fanievb]

Sounds like your shoe is a bit tight. Remember your feet swell during training

[Zatek]

And remember your feet are not the same length or not usually.

 

You can also try to position the cleat more inwards.

 

Plus 1 on the tightness.

[Tomik]

Shoe too tight or possibly too much pressure on outside from lack of arch support combined with slightly high saddle.

 

Try loosening shoe first and then an insole with better arch support like the specialized blue or green.

[bikebloke]

I'm experiencing numbness on the outside of my left foot on longer rides.  I've checked my shoes and the cleats seem to be in identical positions, so cant explain why one it would only happen to one foot.

 

Any thoughts as to what I could do to remedy the issue?

 

Thanks!

 

your feet arent exactly the same size nor do they have exactly the same angle  - take yourself for a bike fit- take shoes with you - after a pro helps you will still have to tweak it to avoid pressure and hotspots on your feet

[Oufy MTB (Roadie)]

Shoe too tight or possibly too much pressure on outside from lack of arch support combined with slightly high saddle.

Try loosening shoe first and then an insole with better arch support like the specialized blue or green.

Good advice

[Chris_]

Google Mortons Neuroma, see if those symtoms sound right. Pinched nerve which kills your last 2 toes. You said outside of your foot and not toes so I may be on to the wrong idea though.

 

Its quite an easy fix if it is, very very irritating to cycle (and live) with.

[Sbloomer]

Thanks all.

 

I hadn't thought my shoes might be too tight.  Will check that and saddle height as well.

@CBlake, no, those symptoms don't seem to be right (thankfully)

[miniThor]

Another possibility is Sciatica. Pressure/inflammation of the big sciatic nerve underneath your hip. Controls the back and outer part of your legs all the way down.

 

I my case (years ago) it presented as weirdness, tightness and tingling in the calf and outer ankle.

[madmarc]

Google Mortons Neuroma, see if those symtoms sound right. Pinched nerve which kills your last 2 toes. You said outside of your foot and not toes so I may be on to the wrong idea though.

 

Its quite an easy fix if it is, very very irritating to cycle (and live) with.

 

I have this on my left foot !!! most debilitating condition to ride with - How did you fix it ? I been to specialists, use toe spacers and had special inserts made for my shoe, nothing seems to really work - I hear the most extreme is to have the nerve removed, which leaves you with a perm dead spot in that area

[Chris_]

I have this on my left foot !!! most debilitating condition to ride with - How did you fix it ? I been to specialists, use toe spacers and had special inserts made for my shoe, nothing seems to really work - I hear the most extreme is to have the nerve removed, which leaves you with a perm dead spot in that area

 

Ja chopping the nerve is very last resort. I had inners made for all my shoes (not just sporting). I see you're in Gauteng - try Mark Karam (podiatrist) or Mike Roscoe (at SBR Sport) if you're in Jhb area. Shoe inserts mostly did the trick for me though. I also bought new bike shoes, at least a size too big - just for width. I also tighten them very loosely when I ride.

 

I changed my running shoes to ones with laughably wide forefoot sections which changed my life. If you can add Altra shoes in your life - do your feet a favour! The (increasingly narrow) shape of normal shoes really does make an impact. 

[Johan_Kleynhans]

Just asking to understand as I have a few theories on my own condition which is numbness of the hands.

 

My legs are in good shape but I need to lose weight. All of it sits on my upper body. I recon that is my problem. When I ride there is a lot more weight on my arms and palms than what is necessary.

 

It was also a lot worse when I started cycling again after laying off for a number of years. As I get fitter and spend more hours on the bike it is improving. I never struggled with this when I was riding competatively years ago and also for many more hours in one go.

 

Saddle position can play a role. Height and how far back and forward. Do you perhaps pedal a lot harder with this leg?

 

Is the leg stiff after cycling compared to the other one? Have you tried stretching while you ride. Undo the foot and move it around. Wriggle your toes on a downhill.

 

How often do you stand up while you ride.

[Eldron]

Try head back to basics - make sure the axle of the pedal is midway between your 1st and 5th metatarsal.

 

A number outer foot normally happens when the pedal is over the 4th/5th metatarsal.

[Shebeen]

Left foot?!

 

Swap the drive train around to the left.

 

 

( No comic sans on mobile)

[Ryan physio]

Hey,

 

So apart from what has already been said on the topic. It sounds to me that you might simply have what we call "neural tension"

 

try doing this exercise

 

http://www.cornell.edu/video/supine-lower-extremity-neural-glide

 

To get it to stretch the outside of the foot, turn you foot inwards (like you would sprain an ankle).

 

It should give you the exact pain you get whilst cycling.

 

Do this daily, and before you ride. If it makes a difference - you need to continue for 6 weeks