Numbness in any part of your body is not a good feeling, and a symptom that you do not want to ignore. Numbness in the toes while you are running or participating in any kind of physical activity is relatively common. The phenomenon could stem from a number of conditions that vary in severity. Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you experience numb toes regularly while you work out.
Nerve Compression
Several forms of physical activity, including biking and running stairs, can cause your feet and toes to tingle and become numb like they are falling asleep. This is known as nerve compression and means that the way you are moving puts pressure on the nerves that lead to your toes, and disrupts your normal sensation. You can experience nerve compression and the associated numbness in your feet and toes if you have a herniated disc or other types of problems in your back. Switching to another sport may improve your symptoms; continued numbness and tingling that stems from back injuries may require further treatment and physical therapy to resolve.
Nerve Damage
A form of nerve damage called neuropathy may contribute to numbness in your toes while you are working out -- and at other times, too. Neuropathy is a medical condition that is usually associated with other medical problems, such as diabetes. If you are diabetic and do not manage your blood sugar levels, you have a higher risk for developing neuropathy, but even people who control their glucose can show symptoms. The feet and toes, as well as the hands, are common areas in which you lose feeling. Although you might have numb toes while you walk, continue on with the exercise, with your doctor's consent. Physical activity can ease symptoms in some people who have neuropathy; others may find relief by taking prescription antidepressant medications or anticonvulsant drugs.
Poor Circulation
Poor blood circulation could be your problem if you have numb toes during a workout. The Texas Heart Institute explains that numb toes on one foot may be a sign of poor circulation, but if you have consistent loss of feeling in both feet while you are exercising, you are more likely to be facing neuropathy. However, moving around will help increase your circulation. If your symptoms persist and other causes have been ruled out, you may need an ultrasound of your legs to monitor your circulation.
Shoe Size
You might develop numb toes simply because your shoes are too small, explains ACE-certified fitness instructor Lisa Stone. The toe box in your shoes needs to be roomy enough to give your toes some space when you move around during a workout. If your sneakers are too snug, your toes keep striking against the toe of the shoe, which can cause a number of issues, like nerve compression or simply numbness. Try a larger shoe--get your feet measured at the store to ensure an accurate fit-- to determine if the numbness is related to your footwear.
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