Left foot going numb during running

Triathlon Forum
1

I have been having some problems with my left foot only going numb during running. I
thought it was a footwear issue however I changed out for a new pair of
Asics and that didn’t work so I was thinking maybe it was the brand that
was doing it. Nope, in my Zoot racing flats during yesterdays race sure
enough my left foot goes numb. I actually forgot to tighten my shoes
after slipping them on in T2 so they weren’t too tight. Any ideas?

2

This won’t be much help. but it could be a nerve problem anywhere from your lower back to the foot. I am sure others are more of an expert and can ask you the right questions. It is nice to get some help on line, but take medical advice with a grain of salt.
Good luck

3

Is that your only symptom? Does it only happen when running or also when cycling? Foot numbness can be one symptom of Iliac Artery Endofibrosis BUT you would most likely have problems while cycling and running and have issues with your entire left leg (feeling of a constricting tightness, loss of power, cramping, foot numbness, possible foot feeling cold, etc…). Maybe it’s not what you have going on but because I dealt with this issue for over 5 years before finally getting the correct diagnosis and surgery to fix it, I would hate anyone else to deal with it for that long! Not many sports docs know anything about it or suspect a vascular issue so it can take a really long time to diagnose. Just some links to read to see if it fits for you:
http://velonews.competitor.com/2007/08/coaches-panel/ask-the-doctor-ryan-cox-and-iliac-artery-endofibrosis-2_13064

http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/bicyclinginjuries/a/Arteriopathy.htm

4

I’m not a doctor and I haven’t seen your foot, so don’t let this lead you to conclude that it isn’t something serious, but maybe your shoelace is too tight. Your foot swells a bit with the running and numbness. Are you clenching the toes on that foot? Is it as relaxed as your right foot?

I had some some right foot numbness, I loosened my shoelace, concentrated on keeping the foot relaxed, and it went away. (The numbness, not the foot.)