More than 100 million Americans ride bicycles for pleasure, according to the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. Some of the most common foot problems associated with cycling are irritation and inflammation of tendons in the foot, ruptured or inflamed bones in the toes and nerve impingement. These conditions can lead to pain, burning, tingling, numbness and even loss of muscle control. It's important to address pain, which is often a symptom, before it develops into a chronic condition; consult your doctor before attempting to self-treat any condition.
Shoes
Wearing the wrong type of shoes can lead to debilitating foot pain. Arch pain, tendon problems and a burning sensation on the bottom of the foot is linked to wearing shoes without proper arch support. Wearing cycling shoes with a stable shank deflects trauma from the feet to the pedals. Shoes that lack a supportive shank force the foot's arch to bend, the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine explains. People with other foot conditions, such as hammertoes, arthritic bone spurs and bunions, should use wider shoes to accommodate any abnormalities. Toe clips and pedal clips can also eliminate foot pain by anchoring the foot to the pedal, which reduces pressure and the risk of arch trauma and strains.
Nerve Conditions
The foot contains multiple nerves that can easily become compressed or irritated by the repetitive nature of cycling. Morton's neuroma is a condition that causes pain, tingling or numbness in the ball of your feet that may radiate into the toes. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is characterized by a compressed nerve near the anklebones on the inside of the foot, the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons explains on its Foot Health Facts website. Symptoms include pain, tingling and numbness. Peripheral neuritis is a condition caused by inflammation or swelling of the nerves connecting the ball of the foot to the toes. Cyclists are especially prone to this condition because of the force and repetitive trauma applied to the bottom of the foot from the bicycle's pedal. Other causes of nerve-related pain can occur from an injury. After an injury, the tissues in the foot can swell and crowd out nerves, causing irritation and pain.
Circulation
Chronic compartment syndrome is a condition characterized by increased pressure in a tight space from thickened tissues or muscle swelling; it can restrict circulation and affect functioning, CNN reports. Chronic compartment syndrome can occur suddenly or as a chronic condition and may result in permanent muscle and nerve damage if not treated. Acute compartment syndrome is often caused by an injury or trauma and chronic compartment syndrome is often caused by continual exercise. While anyone can develop this condition, it's more common in athletes and from activities involving repetitive motions.
Overuse
Overuse injuries or traumas are some of the most common causes of foot pain associated with cycling, according to research published in 2001 in the journal "American Family Physician." Metatarsalgia is characterized by pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot and can be cause by wearing poor-fitting shoes. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammatory condition caused by overuse of the arch tendon. Biking won't cause this condition, but can exacerbate your symptoms. Achilles tendinitis usually results from repetitive stress to the tendon, causing pain to the back of the foot near the heel. It can be caused by increased or intense activity, tight muscles or bone spurs.
References
- American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine: Cycling and Your Feet
- CNN; Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome; Aug. 12, 2010
- Mayo Clinic; Metatarsalgia; Jan. 25, 2011
- Columbia University --- Go Ask Alice!: Plantar Fasciitis; Sept. 26, 1996
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; Achilles Tendinitis; June 2010
- "American Family Physician"; Bicycle-Related Injuries; Matthew J. Thompson and Frederick P. Rivara; May 15, 2001
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