Reader question: Why are my toes numb?

March 24, 2011

I recently was asked this question from Health & Swellness reader Lesley in Toronto:

Why do my toes go numb when I exercise? I recently started working out, and I usually use the gym’s elliptical. After about 15 minutes on this machine, my toes start going to sleep–which makes the next 15 minutes kind of uncomfortable! What is going on?

First off, congrats on your new fitness regime! Good going!

As for your numb toes, as I was unfamiliar with this symptom and what could be causing it, I checked in with Jason Geall, co-owner of Harmony Fitness in Toronto to see if he knew what could be going on:

“I would first suggest that she see a doctor to rule out that the problem isn’t a medical one,” says Jason.

Once medical issues are ruled out, look at your shoes. “From a fitness prospective, it is common to experience numbness when a running shoe is the wrong fit, so start investigating this,” he says.

It may also be your new-to-you gym routine, though. “I have also seen people experience numbness while using an elliptical because their feet aren’t used to the motion and pressure of being constantly on the ball of their feet and toes,” says Jason.

He suggests seeing if the same problem occurs on a different piece of cardiovascular equipment or during a fitness class. “If it doesn’t, you know your answer.”

Filed under: Fitness Swellness,Healthy Swellness

Tags: elliptical, gym, numb toes, reader question