Many athletes experience toe numbness at some point during training, as may those who exercise only casually. There are several common causes and treatments for lower-extremity numbness, and it is important to get a professional diagnosis before attempting to fix this problem. The medical term for toe or foot numbness is metatarsalgia; this condition may be caused by the action of exercising or by an underlying medical condition. Consult your doctor rather than attempting self-diagnosis.
Shoes
Exercising in shoes which are the wrong size, width or fit, can lead to toe numbness, because blood flow through your feet and toes can become restricted. Ensure you are wearing shoes long enough that there is roughly a thumb's width between the end of your big toe and the toe of the shoe. If you are constricted by the width of the shoe, choose a wider model or brand of shoe for exercise. The Cool Running website notes that you can also gain space in the toe box of your shoes by wearing thinner socks.
Morton's Neuroma
If your foot numbness during exercise occurs mostly between and around your third to fourth toes, this may be indicative of Morton's neuroma. This condition arises when one of the nerves connecting to your toes develops a thickening of the surrounding tissue, MayoClinic.com explains. Individuals with Morton's neuroma typically experience numbness, stinging or burning sensations in and between the toes, possibly spreading into the ball of the foot. Treatment for Morton's neuroma may involve corticosteroid injections, surgery or special footwear.
Compartment Syndrome
Most commonly experienced in the lower leg or the forearm, compartment syndrome may also cause the feet and toes to become numb. Compartment syndrome commonly occurs following a repetitive stress injury or physical trauma. The syndrome is caused by fluid imbalance in muscular areas of your body. Fluid may build up in the so-called muscle "compartments" of your body. This, in turn, can lead to numbness in the area surrounding the affected muscle compartment.
Prevention/Solution
If toe numbness is an ongoing concern for you during exercise, you should see a doctor to have any underlying condition diagnosed. Diabetic neuropathy may cause nerve damage leading to foot numbness, so if you suffer from diabetes you should have regular foot examinations during doctor's visits --- at least twice annually, the MedlinePlus online medical encyclopedia recommends. If you know of no underlying medical conditions causing toe numbness, ensure your workout shoes are well-fitted and supportive, and consider replacing exercise forms which repetitively put great weight on the feet --- running, for example --- with lower-impact alternatives.
