Looking for a little advice here.
While on the bike, after about 40 minutes, both of my big toes start to hurt like hell.
It’s not a cramping feeling, just both toes really start to throb. My shoes fit well (I think).
If I get off of the bike and go for a run, the pain goes away pretty quickly. In my running shoes, I have been wearing custom orthotics for a few years (flat feet, medium/heavy pronator, haglunds deformity on both ankles).
I was FIST fitted on my bike in January, and I have made a few tweaks since then, but my toes seem to always hurt.
I have tried a couple of little changes on the last 3 rides I have done (only an hour-ish each).
Superfeet Insert - no changePut my orthotics in my bike shoes - no changeMoved the cleats all the way inward and all the way back - no change
That is odd. If a 1st MTP joint issue (common), should hurt on the run as well. Toenail issue should be obvious (and still also hurt in running shoes). Since you don’t actually use/bend the great toe joint at all in cycling shoes, you must look towards shoe irritation as the culprit (be it from cleat placement you tried, too narrow a Q-angle, etc.)
rroof is right on, as usual. I’ve had some athletes following change be unaware that they are continuously pushing their great toes in one direction, say toward the top of the shoe for example. When this is pointed out, they make an effort to think about while astride their bike, neutralize the toe, and the problem disappears. Keep it in the back of your mind.
Looking for a little advice here.
While on the bike, after about 40 minutes, both of my big toes start to hurt like hell.
It’s not a cramping feeling, just both toes really start to throb. My shoes fit well (I think).
If I get off of the bike and go for a run, the pain goes away pretty quickly. In my running shoes, I have been wearing custom orthotics for a few years (flat feet, medium/heavy pronator, haglunds deformity on both ankles).
I was FIST fitted on my bike in January, and I have made a few tweaks since then, but my toes seem to always hurt.
I have tried a couple of little changes on the last 3 rides I have done (only an hour-ish each).
Superfeet Insert - no changePut my orthotics in my bike shoes - no changeMoved the cleats all the way inward and all the way back - no change
I have had, and continue to have the same issue with my big toes since 2006, same as OP and it starts about 40’ into the ride, though now, just on one side usually, though sometimes both big toes. I have
-switched bike shoes twice
-went to shoes that had 2 straps so I could adjust the top strap and lower strap to different tensions, snug or lose in all the variation does not change things
-saw my podiatrist who didn’t have anything additional to add
-use an extra insole to support my arches, and tried all variations of using my running shoe orthotics, off the shelf orthotics
-my bike fitter was no help.
I also have custom orthotics in my running shoes, and like the OP, the pain goes away fairly quickly when I run after a bike (in the first 5 minutes, though my T2’s I am hobbling through them).
I am sick of it.
Are there additional suggestions? What about the heat moldable tri bike shoes. Would that help?
Since my original post, I have tried to focus my pedal stroke so that I am not “leading” with the toe as much. More heel and midfoot focused. It seems to help a little, but it is not my natural pedaling motion. When the pain starts, it reminds me to try and put together a smoother pedal stroke. Also, have been wiggling my toes when there is a break in the action (downhill, stoplight, etc). Also, I have been moving to an easier gear and increasing the cadence a little.
I still feel it, but this allows to to ride a little longer without the pain in the little piggy that went all the way home.
Since my original post, I have tried to focus my pedal stroke so that I am not “leading” with the toe as much. More heel and midfoot focused. It seems to help a little, but it is not my natural pedaling motion. When the pain starts, it reminds me to try and put together a smoother pedal stroke. Also, have been wiggling my toes when there is a break in the action (downhill, stoplight, etc). Also, I have been moving to an easier gear and increasing the cadence a little.
I still feel it, but this allows to to ride a little longer without the pain in the little piggy that went all the way home.
I thought I had tried this too, but will try it again. Thanks for the update!