Numerous factors contribute to cycling-related injuries such as numbness in the foot or IT band pain; however, the most common factor is overuse. Excessive cycling without an adequate warm up or rest period may result in nerve compression problems in the feet as well as inflammation of the iliotibial, or IT, band along the outside of the knee. Typically, these types of injuries respond well to rest, ice and heat therapy.
Repetitive Stress
You may experience nerve compression and nerve damage as a result of repetitive bouts of cycling. Inflammation in the ligaments, tendons and muscles of the feet caused by continuous pedaling may compress nerve passageways and lead to numbness in one or both feet, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Morton's Neuroma and Neuralgia
Numbness, tingling and burning sensations in the ball of the foot or in the toes while cycling may indicate neuralgia, better known as Morton's Neuroma. This condition usually occurs due to a combination of improper footwear and chronic repetitive activities such as pedaling. Morton's Neuroma typically heals on its own once you begin wearing properly fitting shoes, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Although iliotibial, or IT, band syndrome tends to predominantly strike runners, excessively tight muscles of the legs may cause iliotibial band syndrome in cyclists as well. The iliotibial band is a large swath of fascia that stretches down the outside of each thigh. The syndrome occurs almost exclusively in overuse situations, but can also occur as a result of inadequate strength and flexibility in the IT band itself, according to the Sports Injury Bulletin.
Prevention
Overuse injuries such as numbness in the feet or IT band pain in cyclists usually respond well to rest, ice and heat. Also, ensure that you give yourself a proper warm up before each cycling session to allow the maximum amount of blood flow to the muscles and encourage flexibility.
