So I have been dealing with a reoccurring issue that only started this year while riding bikes. Started riding back last May after a decades long hiatus on the bike. First noticed it while riding my MTB, and it’s been an “issue” ( really just an annoyance) while training for triathlon/using my TT bike.
My left big toe will go numb after a period of time on the bike. I’ve eliminated the following things from contention of what’s causing the numbness: cleats too tight/don’t fit, incorrect saddle or saddle positioning, and anything related to bike fit (Ive had a fit done on both my TT and MTB).
I am certain the numbness stems from my sciatic being pinched somewhere, and I believe it is being pinched my by piriformis, and then this only occurs after a period of time on the bike when that area fatigues. So really it only ever pops up after about a half hour on the bike or more. Sometimes it’s not an issue, but most of the time I get off the bike and my left big toe and some of my middle toes are numb. But take today for example, my toes did not become particularly numb while riding and doing a “cruise interval” workout that wasn’t particularly easy. They were just mildly tingling at the end of an hour.
The numbness subsides almost immediately after getting off the bike and has never effected brick runs. Literally within 30 seconds to a minute I gain all feeling back.
I’ve done some basic strength training trying to get that left glute stronger in hopes it would help. While I think the strength training is certainly helping me, it’s not solving the numbness.
I’ve now started doing yoga since the new year, something I’ve wanted to do anyway, with the hopes it would “solve” the issue, and while it seems to help it hasn’t been the dramatic change I was hoping for.
My next step is to investigate acupuncture or something similar. Then finally if none of the above works then I’ll go talk to an Ortho, but that’s really my last option.
Anyone ever dealt with something similar? Any key stetches, strength routines, or natural medicine remedies that really helped?