Pins and Needles when Running - General running

Tim Mazdon

08/10/2002 at 14:01

I also suffered from this - every time I hit about 6km my right foot would start to go completely numb until I couldn't feel it any more. I went and saw a physio and along with the calf stretches already mentioned I was shown a stretch similar to a hamstring stretch (i.e touching your toes but sat down with your feet against the wall) but you slouch your back and put your chin on your chest. Really push down (yes it hurts!!) and do four reps and hold for a count of seven. After a couple of nights I was pins and needles free!!

Gaz.

08/10/2002 at 15:43

Tim, the toes on my right foot go numb after about 2 miles, someone mentioned tight laces so I have tried tying them not so tight, a lot better but the pins and needles/numbness came back on at about 6 mile, as soon as I stop they go, so I will try the stretch you suggest and hope it works for me.......thanks
Gaz.......

Waffle

08/10/2002 at 16:23

I get pins and needles/numbness under the front part of both feet on the stair master in the gym(don't use it now)and when I run in particular shoes (?insufficient cushioning)Only solution- relegate them to shopping. No problems with NB 854's so far.

keswick1uk

08/10/2002 at 16:31

I used to suffer exactly the same. I rarely do now even though I have increased mileages to 8 (well past the 2-4 mile mark where it used to kick in). I have controlled it with changing the lacing on my shoe to give my instep more room to move.

However, be careful. Velociraptor advised me to be aware it can be a symptom of a back problem.

Gaz.

08/10/2002 at 16:36

Thanks for advice keswick, I do suffer sometimes from lower back problems, right side, will have to watch this and get it checked out if it persists
cheers.....
Gaz......

Tim Mazdon

08/10/2002 at 16:42

I did the old loosen the shoe lace bit aswell! As far as getting numb feet on stair masters, I get that too (and on cross trainer). I'm not sure if this is correct but I have a dim and distant memory that my physio told me there are different "kinds" of numbness and that lots of people suffer the "stair master syndrome"! But apparently its not connected to the running pins and needles. Its all double dutch to me - I think I'll take the shopping tip!

Lardy

08/10/2002 at 18:20

There is good advice on lacing techniques in the web site - if memory serves it is in the shoe selection section.

Also, how many miles do you have on your shoes? You may find that the cushioning under the ball of your foot has gone and it's time for a new pair?

Chris Tarpey

08/10/2002 at 20:51

I used to get terrible pins and needles in my feet. I went to an acupuncturist, but it just made things worse.
(sorry, couldn't resist it!)

Chris.
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Bionic Ironwolf pirate

pirate

08/10/2002 at 21:58

I suffer this too, in my left foot after about 3 miles, it continues until 7 or 8 and then goes away. In my case, yes it is a symptom of back problems, I have a numb patch also in my left thigh which the orthopaedist said would get better after about 6 months, but 2 years later I still have it.

Brian Simmons

09/10/2002 at 11:18

This is bizzare !! I thought I was the only one who suffered this. I tried everything, at least 3 different physios, an osteopath but no one could cure it long-term. Now it seems to have dissapeared of its own accord. My numbness used to hit on exactly the hour mark and then gradually dissapear over the following 10 minutes. Sometimes it used to be the whole lower left leg (never the right side). Its the funniest feeling, running on "one leg" for 10 minutes. The laces trick is an interesting one and the stretches sound useful.

Sutton Runner

09/10/2002 at 13:49

This used to happen to me - especially when racing (I never used to stretch before or after running - I just went straight out and ran). I now have a good stretch before any run as a result my times have improved and I never get the pins and neddles or numb feet!

Sutton Runner

09/10/2002 at 13:49

sorry needles not neddles

Gaz.

09/10/2002 at 14:28

2 weeks ago I put in shock absorber insoles in my shoes and ever since I have been getting pins and needles/numbness plus sore shins and calfs, took them out today and ran 9 miles, no numbness or needles and no shin and calf pain so I am leaving them out, £16.99 wasted I think, I will see what happens over next few weeks.
Gaz........

Bionic Ironwolf pirate

pirate

09/10/2002 at 19:01

There's nothing new under the sun......! I think I've had just about every runner's problem in my more than 40 years of running, most have disappeared or been cured over time, but the pins and needles are persistent little blighters.

Richard Shearman

10/10/2002 at 13:15

I have the same problem. After about 5 miles / 40 mins my left foot gets pins and needles and then goes completely numb. I've tried loosening my laces, but now get a large blister on the arch side of the sole of the same foot. It's really frustrating, as the pins and needles feel odd, and the blisters prevent me from training as much as I'd like. I'll try these stretches and see I guess.

Gaye Wallis

15/10/2002 at 13:36

I have tried everything for pins and needles in my left foot, which eventually goes dead. I have had orthoses given to me by a podiatrist, but they gave me other pains in my knnes.. Very interestingly ,I am one of those people who stretches at the end of a run, I will definately start at the beginning of a run |I hope it helps Thanks, glad to know I am not alone!!

Shock and Awe

15/10/2002 at 14:18

I got some new shoes and was suffering from numb toes on my right foot. I re-laced my shoes looser it improved slightly. I then removed the insoles and replaced them with an older pair therefore giving more space in the toe of my shoe, this also improved it slightly but I still got a numb toe after about 2K. I then realised that my socks were too tight and I had pulled them up too far therefore putting pressure on my toe. I haven't suffered since - I noticed it was worse with thick cushioned socks.

Ronner

15/10/2002 at 14:29

I get pins and needles during my long runs but not in my feet...it's in the fingers on my left hand, particularly my little finger!! I figure it's from keeping my elbow bent the whole time. The right hand is fine but that's carrying the water bottle so maybe that helps. Anyone else have this problem or is it just me??

Elena Howard

13/11/2002 at 21:57

Ok Folks try this one. My old shoes (NB 712 and 636) no problem. Any new shoes (NB 854, 3000, Suconey can't remember the number, nike, asics...) with or without special indsoles and left foot numb and painful after 20 minutes. PS I strecht before running
The problem is the old sgoes are falling apart and the gurus say to change them every 6 months and these are pushing 24.
My GP said to just keep wearing the new shoes that hurt the least until they mold to my foot.
I'll let you know if it works.

Gary Goodall

27/04/2004 at 01:12

I thought i was all alone with this problem!! I must thank you all for your tips, especially the one linked to lower back pain, which has been a big problem in recent years, I have very recently taken up pilates to help stregthen my back so with a little gentle back exercise this problem could soon be rectified I hope!!!

gary