Expert: Brandon Briggs, MS - 5/4/2009

Question
My foot keeps going numb when I go jogging.  I have tried loosening my shoestrings, tightening my shoestrings, wearing thin socks, wearing no socks, but nothing has worked.  My foot normally goes numb after running for one mile.  Then I walk a little to make it go away, I begin to run again, and then it becomes numb again.  Any suggestions?

Answer
Ryan,

Sorry to hear you are having this problem. There could be numerous causes, however since you have tried both a tighter lace and a looser lace the problem doesn't lie there. I would question the size of your shoe. If the numbness originates in your toes you could simply need a larger or "boxier" style shoe. Other problems could be nerve compression which can happen with high impact activities such as running, or you could be looking at a sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Think of this as an imbalance with the right and left hip joint. If you have tried a larger shoe or if the pain is comprised of your entire foot, I would suggest you speak with a physician. Specifically a sports med physician. They may be able to narrow down the specifics for you.

If I can help further please let me know.


In Good Health,
Brandon