Foot numbness is an uncomfortable condition that can cause pain, burning, tingling and a feeling of walking on pins and needles. Tingling in your feet can inhibit your ability to participate in sports such as cycling or make participation in cycling less enjoyable. Foot tingling can be the result of mechanical or foot deformities, but oftentimes, the causes of foot tingling while cycling are treatable and even preventable. Contact your doctor if you experience persistent foot tingling while cycling.
Causes
Tingling, numbness or burning in your feet while cycling is a common condition. This tingling is usually caused by a compression of the nerves near your metatarsal bones --- the small bones underneath the balls of your feet that connect with your toes. Cyclists may experience tingling as a result of wearing tight shoes, excessive road vibrations or cycling up too many hills. High arches and excessive pronation can also cause numbness by placing more pressure on the balls of your feet as you cycle.
Morton's Neuroma
There are a number of medical conditions that can occur as the result of placing excessive pressure on the balls of your feet while cycling. One condition is known as Morton's neuroma. This is a condition that involves an impingement of the nerves in the balls of your feet. Morton's neuroma commonly occurs between your third and forth toes. You are likely to experience a sharp, burning pain in the balls of your feet. Your toes may also become affected, experiencing stinging, burning or numbness as a result. Morton's neuroma is treated with the use of arch supports, appropriate footwear while cycling, steroid injections and, as a last resort, surgery.
Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia is a condition that causes tingling, pain, swelling and inflammation in the balls of your feet. Those who are physically active and place excessive stress on the balls of their feet are most likely to develop metatarsalgia. Wearing ill-fitting shoes when participating in cycling can also cause the development of this condition. Taking a rest from cycling is one the easiest ways to treat metatarsalgia. You can also ice the balls of your feet or invest in shock-absorbing arch supports of your shoes, which can help prevent the reoccurrence of this condition.
Prevention
Tingling in your feet while cycling can be prevented. If you use cleats while cycling, try moving the cleats two to three millimeters towards the rear portion of your shoes. You can also loosen the foot straps on your shoes or try wearing a sock with more cushioning. You can also consider the use of an arch support to provide more cushioning and better support of your feet. Take a look at your cycling shoes, examine them for any deformities. If you notice your shoes are worn or damaged, replacing your shoes can help reduce the risk of developing foot tingling or other foot conditions.
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