Hi, I am new to the forum. I started cycling this year and really enjoying it and I find it very addictive. However,...my left foot gets really numb after about 30mins. I wear my every day trainers. And,......I am experiencing a terrible pain at the side of my right knee, not when I am cycling but afterwards. It is painful when I press on it. I do stretch before I set off, most of the time! Anyone any ideas?
Knee pain and numb foot - Help!
- Thread starter svh
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accountantpete
OAP
Not being a medical type person I can only suggest a general remedy which is to change your footwear and perhaps get the dreaded clip-in pedals!
The advantage of clip-in pedals is that you can spin the wheel using them -this involves putting pressure on the crank throughout the 360 degree rotation (exactly as you would turn a handle with your hand but using your foot).
So instead of simply pressing down on the pedal,you are pushing down,pulling back,pulling up and pushing forwards on the pedal all in one smooth movement.
It takes a lot of practice to get the muscles and muscle memory established but the advantage is that instead of using one set of muscles you spread the load far more.
If this isn't for you I'd check that your seat isn't too low - that can cause knee problems - and get a pair of shoes with stiffer soles.
The advantage of clip-in pedals is that you can spin the wheel using them -this involves putting pressure on the crank throughout the 360 degree rotation (exactly as you would turn a handle with your hand but using your foot).
So instead of simply pressing down on the pedal,you are pushing down,pulling back,pulling up and pushing forwards on the pedal all in one smooth movement.
It takes a lot of practice to get the muscles and muscle memory established but the advantage is that instead of using one set of muscles you spread the load far more.
If this isn't for you I'd check that your seat isn't too low - that can cause knee problems - and get a pair of shoes with stiffer soles.
I've also been getting a numb foot with my new stiffer shoes. I'm told I have a high instep which puts more pressure on the sole of the foot, so need more padding or softer shoes. I'm going to try out an insole as it's easier than changing shoes again.
Also had knee pain for years when going uphill (different from yours I think) but eventually a physio sorted that out in half an hour, so I'd recommend seeing a good physio.
Also had knee pain for years when going uphill (different from yours I think) but eventually a physio sorted that out in half an hour, so I'd recommend seeing a good physio.
Paul_iow
New Member
- Location
- Sunny Isle of Wight
Where abouts on your foot are you getting the pain? Inside, outside, top, sole?
HLaB
Marie Attoinette Fan
I don't know why but when I'm clipped in I get no cramp in my foot but lately if I miss the clip I sometimes get cramp on the underside of my arch. It might be that with clips the ball of my foot is on the middle of the pedal but without them, it tends to be the arch of my foot but I'm not sure.
Davidc
Guru
- Location
- Somerset UK
I've had foot pain and numbness in the past. There's no reason why it should be the same for you, but mine's always been cured either by getting the saddle position right (forward/backward adjustment as well as height), or foot position on the pedal (with traditional toe clips using a size that makes sure the ball of the foot is in the right place all the time - presumably with cleats it's down to shoe size being right).
I have also had problems using shoes or trainers with a soft sole. The best I have at present are Lidl cycling shoes, which have a hard plate (if you don't fit cleats) in the pedal contact area. They're also cheap.
Edit - forgot the knee. Saddle position can cause knee pain, but if that doesn't fix it it's worth seeing a doctor as it's easily possible to do long term damage to knees.
Hope you get it sorted, I know from experience what the foot pain's like and sympathise.
I have also had problems using shoes or trainers with a soft sole. The best I have at present are Lidl cycling shoes, which have a hard plate (if you don't fit cleats) in the pedal contact area. They're also cheap.
Edit - forgot the knee. Saddle position can cause knee pain, but if that doesn't fix it it's worth seeing a doctor as it's easily possible to do long term damage to knees.
Hope you get it sorted, I know from experience what the foot pain's like and sympathise.
I have adjusted saddle position and is now a lot better, it was too high. I also moved it back about 1" which made a huge difference! My knee still hurts though but not when out cycling! The pain is mostly at the side but now also below the knee and seems to travel down the side of my calf. I do stretches before and after cycling for the iliotibial tendons (?)
Still get a numb foot, I should perhaps invest in some decent pedals and shoes.
Still get a numb foot, I should perhaps invest in some decent pedals and shoes.
Globalti
Legendary Member
Funnily enugh I have exactly the same problem as you with my left foot and knee and in 2 hours I shall be seeing a physio who specialises in bike fit:
http://www.njdsportsinjuries.co.uk/
I suspec it could be something to do with having dislocated my ankle 25 years ago - have you ever had a bad ankle sprain that side?
I will report back on here after my consultation.
Yes, cycle shoes and clip-in pedals would almost certainly help you, though you need to be sure to set them up with your feet in their natural posture. I would recommend you look at Shimano's SPD system, which allows easy walking when off the bike.
http://www.njdsportsinjuries.co.uk/
I suspec it could be something to do with having dislocated my ankle 25 years ago - have you ever had a bad ankle sprain that side?
I will report back on here after my consultation.
Yes, cycle shoes and clip-in pedals would almost certainly help you, though you need to be sure to set them up with your feet in their natural posture. I would recommend you look at Shimano's SPD system, which allows easy walking when off the bike.
