Numb foot + pins and needles?

Hi,

I recently applied for a career in the RAF and have begun my training both in the gym & running although from my first few runs I have found at around the 2/3 mile mark one of my feet completely goes numb for example like pins and needles. 

This never used to happen and I could run pretty well a few years ago from playing a lot of football, could someone point me in the right direction to what this could be? 

It stops me from reaching my full potential & will effect my career choice, I have done a little bit of research but feel a little confused, something to do with compression syndrome which i don't really understand. Whats strange is that if i stop for a few minutes the feeling comes back again?

If anyone could point me in the right direction or share any similar experience i would be very grateful, as I really do not want this to mess my application up.

Many thanks, 

Chris.

Comments

  • senidMsenidM ✭✭✭
    See a Physio/consult your Dr?



    I did have something similar, felt like my foot was cold and wet, but turned out to be a lower back problem affecting the nerves (sciatic, I think) and responded to exercise, all to strengthen my core/lowerback.
  • There are some quick and cheap things you could try before seeking help:

    • You could simply be doing up your laces too tight (I have done this in the past and it has worked, I use elastic laces now for triathlon now which can also help with this)
    • There are different methods of lacing up your running shoes, google it and try some of the different lacing methods if my first idea doesn't work.
    • The temperature has dropped recently so it could be due to that, warmer socks/kit (my feet are going numb on bike rides!)
    • senidM's suggestion of strengthening your core wouldn't hurt and should help wth overall fitness and the other tests you will have pass for entry into the RAF and preparation for training.

    Best of luck with your training and your future career

  • Are you wearing new trainers? I always get numb toes until I've worn them in a bit. Also, as Elizabeth said try lacing them a bit looser.

    Best of luck!
  • Go and see a doctor and get them to refer you to a lower limb specialist.  I get this, and have done for many years.  It has steadily got worse and I have spent over a year and lots of expense from visiting lots of different people to finally get an answer.  I have been tested for compartment syndrome but what I have is Popliteral artery entrapment.  I can run very small distances and then have to stop.  It causes a pain in my calf and eventually numbness in my foot and can last all day on the odd occasion.  It has taken over a year to find out my problem, don't delay.  I didn't go to the doctors straight away, thinking sports specialists would be able to help. Unfortunately, the only answer is surgery.  I don't want this, so can no longer run long distances.  Fingers crossed this isn't what you've got.  Good luck!

  • try strengthening calves and stretch after running and before once you have done a warm up. work up to  3 x 20 one legged calve raises (twice a week).

    this fails see a physio.

     

     

  • if it's localised to the forefoot, the see a podiatrist. It may be a neural irritation in the forefoot.

    if it's a generalised numbness, then get your pelvis and back checked.

    nerve root compression coming out the lower back .

  • Just left a helpful comment for another user with similar problems. To sub paraphrase, the NHS made me a pair of orthotic inners to support my feet. Your feet may need a little bit of support when out running.
    As a former career soldier, I know that the military get some privileges. Go and see your MO soonest.
  • As Fred said, there's another thread about the same thing. I get it too (only on the left). I can run through it and it'll go away after a bit. In last Sunday's half marathon my foot got pins and needles from 4.5 miles to 6.5 miles and then went back to normal. It's more of an annoyance than anything.
    I went for a massage on the Monday (my masseur is also an osteo and is well versed in anatomy) and, after ruling out nerve and vascular problems, he figured it was likely caused by impact shock. However, there are a lot of potential causes so it's best to get it checked out so you can rule out anything more serious.
  • FootmechFootmech ✭✭✭
    Podiatrists are foot experts, that's what all their training is about. 
    But some do not specialise in Biomechanics and sports injuries. 
    So find one 
  • rodeofliprodeoflip ✭✭✭
    Shoes? I've just gone from Nike Pegasus 32 to 33 (2 pairs), and Nike in their wisdom have put gel under the forefoot, now I get this in my right foot at around 3 miles. Fine in other shoes.
  • I've started getting numb feet when I run. It happens right after 3 miles. If I stop, the numbness goes away instantly and I can run my last mile without a problem.
    The physio suspects chronic compartment syndrome and ordinated calf stretches.
    The doctor sounded more confident and said it comes from trapped nerves in the lower back. She had me lay down on my back and raise my leg straight up, and I immediately felt pins and needles. She said I need to strengthen my core.
    I called the physio back but he's still not sure the doctor's right though. But my back does feel weak, and I've started feeling pain down my leg, might be the sciatica nerve.
    So I'm skipping ParkRun today and will do yoga for the back and core instead!
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