Numbness can occur anywhere in the body, but your hands, arms, legs and feet are the most likely body parts to experience that feeling of falling asleep -- often followed by the sensation of pins and needles. Numbness can occur in the feet during a variety of exercises. In most cases, there's no cause for alarm when you develop numbness while walking or running on a treadmill, and there are a couple of easy steps you can take that might help.
Numbness
MayoClinic.com reports that numbness usually occurs when there is irritation or compression of a branch of a nerve in the periphery of the body. This is the type of numbness you might develop when sitting in an awkward position for too long or applying too much pressure during a workout, such as a stint on a treadmill. Numbness can also be brought on by diseases that affect the peripheral nerves, such as diabetes. In rare cases, numbness can be caused by brain or spinal cord problems.
Exercise
Lexington Podiatry, which specializes in foot and ankle issues, reports that developing numbness in your feet during exercise is relatively common. Patients often report that their feet or toes go numb while bicycling or using an elliptical, stair machine or treadmill. The problem is usually caused because nerves running from the foot into the toes get compressed or come under more pressure during exercise. In particular, pressure on the nerves that run under the ball of the foot often lead to a tingling or numb sensation.
Proper Shoes
If numbness is problem when you work out on a treadmill, the first thing to check is your shoes. Make sure your shoes are roomy enough, especially in the toe box. Even shoes that feel comfortable during a leisurely walk may give you trouble when you ramp up the pressure during a workout. You may have problems if your feet shift and toes become cramped while on the treadmill.
Orthotics
Lexington Podiatry says orthotics may help some people that experience numb toes while using a treadmill. The specially fitted devices go inside your shoes and are designed to take pressure off the ball of the foot. If you want to take a do-it-yourself approach first, Lexington Podiatry recommends using an arch support that is somewhat rigid and conforms closely to the arch of your foot. Make sure it does not extend under the toes.
Warnings
Because a host of conditions can cause numbness, Medline Plus warns that it's important to seek medical help if the numbness has no obvious cause, such as that treadmill workout. Get to a hospital or call for emergency care if weakness or paralysis occurs with the numbness and tingling or if numbness occurs just after a head, neck or back injury. You also should seek emergency care if you can't control your leg, lose bladder or bowel control, become confused or develop slurred speech, a change in vision or trouble walking.
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