It is relatively common to experience numb feet while using an elliptical trainer machine. Depending on how you use this machine and the type of shoes you wear while on it, you may experience numbness in one or both feet due to compression of the nerves or blood vessels in the feet. While chronic nerve irritation related to elliptical use can potentially cause lasting nerve problems, you can often prevent or relieve these problems by adjusting your technique, workout schedule or shoe tightness.
Common Causes
One possible cause for numb feet on an elliptical is that you are putting too much weight on your toes, which decreases circulation and sensation to part of the foot. However, the most common cause of foot numbness related to elliptical use, according to nerve specialist and sports medicine physician, Dr. Russel O'Connor, M.D., is nerve compression. As ellipticals are designed so that your feet do not leave the pedals while using the machine, the nerves in your forefeet may become compressed by the pressure of your body weight during extended bouts of exercise. Wearing ill-fitting shoes while using an elliptical can also cause numbness due to nerve compression.
Health Conditions
Although experiencing numbness in your feet while using an elliptical machine is not necessarily indicative of a health problem, nerve compression from using an elliptical can cause chronic nerve problems over the long-term. Certain underlying health conditions can also cause foot numbness during exercise. A single bout of nerve compression and numbness from elliptical use usually goes away a few minutes after stepping off the machine, according to Dr. O'Connor. However, if you experience nerve impingement and numbness every time you use the elliptical, over time, this may result in a thickening of nerve tissue. This condition, known as neuroma, can cause painful nerve irritation and sometimes even permanent nerve damage. Other underlying health problems that may cause foot numbness include diabetes, central nervous system problems, and joint or bone problems.
Tips
To prevent numbness from compressed nerves or circulation, keep your feet flat rather than placing most of your weight on the forefeet, and lift your feet off the pedals as you would when walking or jogging. Wear well-fitting shoes with good forefoot cushioning, and do not lace them too tightly. Other solutions for elliptical-related foot numbness or pain include taking a break from exercise for one or two days, or incorporating different types of cardio exercise machines such as a stationary bike or treadmill into your routine so that you are not using the elliptical every day.
Considerations
Losing some sensation in your feet while using an elliptical is fairly common and usually not indicative of a serious health problem. However, if you continue to have numb feet when exercising after taking self-care measures such as trying a different pair of shoes, it is a good idea to see a physician. Also see a doctor if the numbness is accompanied by certain symptoms, including numbness in your legs that worsens as you walk, frequent urination or loss of bladder control, dizziness, muscle spasms, confusion or other unusual symptoms.
References
- Cayman Active; Exercise-Induced Leg Numbness; Russell O'Connor, M.D.; December 2010
- Bellevue Podiatrist; My Feet Are Numb and Tingling After Using the Elliptical Trainer -- Why?; Jennifer Saam; February 2010
- NetWellness; Ask an Expert: Numbness In Feet; Carolyn Nickol, R.D.; December 2003
- Still Foot and Ankle Care Center: Neuroma
- MedlinePlus: Numbness and Tingling
