Numbness on the sides of your big toe, after strenuous exercising, can be attributed to several factors that range from the size of your shoes to neuromuscular disorders. Some repetitive exercises, such as running, place too much pressure on certain nerves which can cause numbness in your toes. Consult your doctor when experiencing pain or numbness in your feet or toes.
Shoes
Numbness in your toes can occur from simply wearing the wrong size shoe. A shoe too small can constrict your toes, placing pressure on the surrounding nerves which can produce numbness. Feet tend to swell during exercise, so ensure that your shoes provide enough room around your toes as well as on each side of your foot. Canadian runner Duncan Sisk recommends loosening your shoe laces a little near the front of your shoes or mid-way up to reduce toe pressure and lessen numbness. You can also lace backwards -- with the ends of your shoe laces near your toes -- for easier adjustments during exercise.
Compartment Syndrome
Exercise-induced compartment syndrome, a condition in which high pressure builds in a contained space, or compartment, of nerves, muscles and blood vessels, can lead to numbness and pain in the feet and toes. Compartment syndrome manifests itself in two forms: acute or chronic. Acute compartment syndrome can result from an exercise-related injury and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms include severe pain and tingling sensations that may not appear until hours after the exercise ends. Fortunately, the most common form of this condition, chronic exertional compartment syndrome, is not considered a medical emergency. The chronic form often appears in athletes after repetitive-motion exercises including running, biking and swimming. Symptoms, such as numbness in the toes, can occur during or directly after strenuous exercise and usually disappear within a few minutes to hours.
Morton's Neuroma
Another possible cause of numbness on the sides of your big toe, Morton's Neuroma, affects the ball of your foot. Morton's neuroma can produce a sensation similar to standing on a pebble in your shoe. This disorder involves the thickening of the tissues around one of the nerves leading to your toes. Morton's neuroma can result in sharp and burning pain in the ball of your foot along with stinging, burning and numbness in your toes.
Treatment
Treatments for numb toes vary according to the severity of your condition. A special orthotic device inserted in your shoe can reduce pressure on the balls of your feet and provide arch support. Choose a somewhat rigid orthotic insert that conforms to your foot and doesn't extend under your toes. In serious cases, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or suggest physical therapy or surgery. In fact, surgery is the only effective treatment for acute compartment syndrome, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic surgeons. Consult your doctor before beginning any treatment for numb toes.
References
- Foot and Ankle Center of Washington: Numb and Tingling Feet During Exercise; 2005-2010
- The Master Runner: Causes of Numb Foot; Duncan Sisk
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Compartment Syndrome; 1995- 2011
- "Conservative Management of Sports Injuries"; Thomas E. Hyde, et al. ; 2007
- MayoClinic.com: Morton's Neuroma; Mayo Clinic Staff; 1998-2011
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