Working out can occasionally cause numbness in the feet. According to the Foot and Ankle Center of Washington, the numbness is related to pressured nerves within the foot, particularly in the ball. Specific types of exercises increase your risk of numb feet. Simply switching shoes or wearing supportive orthotics may help. In some cases, certain medical conditions make you more prone to numb feet from exercise. If you suspect the latter, see your doctor for a diagnosis.
Types of Workouts
Certain exercises place extra pressure on the balls of your feet. The extra pressure pinches the nerves in this area and causes a domino effect within the rest of the foot. The Foot and Ankle Center of Washington reports that the most common types of exercises that cause numb feet include bicycling, running on the treadmill, stair climbers and elliptical machines.
Medical Causes
An underlying medical condition can cause numb feet with any type of standing workout you perform. The most common of these is diabetes. Diabetes can restrict the blood flow in the feet and causes pinched nerves. The condition exacerbates during workouts. According to MayoClinic.com, numbness is associated with other types of medical conditions, including tumors, spinal cord injury, Lyme disease, herniated disk, vitamin B12 deficiency, carpal tunnel syndrome, multiple sclerosis and peripheral nerve compression. Other causes, such as stroke, can be life threatening.
Risks
Side effects that accompany numb feet, such as faintness, should be addressed with a doctor immediately. Stop exercising when your workout when your feet go numb. Numbness of the feet is commonly associated diabetes. Regular exercise helps relieve the symptoms of diabetes, so you should not quit working out because of numb feet. With the consent of your doctor, the American Diabetes Association recommends doing exercises in which you are off your feet, such as swimming.
Prevention/Solution
When you notice that your feet go numb after you work out, you can try orthotics in your shoes. These help alleviate pressure on the balls of the feet. Numbness in the feet should not be ignored. The American Diabetes Association says that continuously working out on your feet makes injuries such as blisters go unnoticed. This can place you at risk of infection and even bruises. Occasional numbness from exercise is normal. If the numbness occurs every time you workout, you should see a medical doctor. Your doctor will likely refer you to a foot specialist if the numbness is not linked to any underlying health problems.
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