Cure for Numb Feet?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Chris C on August 6, 2012 at 10:58am

I seem to recall reading somewhere that you're a trike rider.  Is this the case?

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Liz on August 6, 2012 at 11:03am

You may want to get a proper fit up.  

Do you ride a clipless shoe?  Riding clipless and keeping an even spinning cadence with a lighter pressure on the top and bottom of your foot may help. If you ride platforms or clipless with a constant heavy downward motion, it can cause some foot trouble.

I know when I ride in my platforms, I have to pedal much lighter than clipless or my feet start to hurt after more than 5 miles. 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on August 6, 2012 at 11:03am

Yes, I ride a trike. I should have mentioned that, because my legs are out in front of me, horizontal, not vertical like I was on a two-wheeler. I use power strips that grabs my feet at the top of my foot, so it stays in place.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Chris C on August 6, 2012 at 11:19am

Well, as one bearded aerobelly to another, I feel your pain brother.

 

In my case, switching to stiff-soled shoes and moving the cleats as far to the rear (towards the heel) as possible helps.  The stiffer the sole of the shoe, the better.  I've been able to alleviate the symptoms somewhat but not completely prevent it.  I now get to about 3 hours before the onset of discomfort. Mid-ride I stand up, remove my shoes and walk around for a few minutes in my socks on the pavement.  This alleviates the symptoms for another hour or so of riding. YMMV.

This is a reoccuring topic in the trike forums on Bent Rider Online. So much so that I swear the topic resurfaces about once a week.  If you haven't been there, BRO is a great resource for birds of our type of feather.

http://www.bentrideronline.com/messageboard/forumdisplay.php?f=13

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by h' 1.0 on August 6, 2012 at 12:27pm

Not enough info. Could be coming from your lower back or elsewhere in your spine.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on August 6, 2012 at 1:16pm

Thanks, Chris.

h', I do have lower back problems. Because of some spine curve I stretch hamstrings, quads and lower back every morning along with some crunches and side leg lifts before my morning commute. 'Twill never go away, but the bad effects are dramatically reduced with the stretching. Anything else you need?

h' said:

Not enough info. Could be coming from your lower back or elsewhere in your spine.

• ▶ Reply

▶ Reply to Discussion