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Post by jeanne on Apr 9, 2009 15:14:47 GMT -5
I went out and purchased Brooks running sneakers and of course new exciting socks. Took all my new "equimpent" out for training today and got pins and needles feeling in my feet. Don't if it's the new stuff, the technique, old age, whatever... any advice? (not to worry - I did the whole training session ANYWAY.)
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Gene Zeitler DC MS ART
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Post by Gene Zeitler DC MS ART on Apr 9, 2009 21:46:32 GMT -5
Causes of numbness and tingling (N&T) in the feet can be numerous. Here are a couple of questions for you. Do you only get N&T when wearing your Brooks? Are you a new runner? If you have run before when you switch back to your old running shoes does the N&T go away? Where is the N&T in the feet-the whole foot, certain portions of the foot etc?
The most likely cause of the N&T is that you are tying your laces too tight and this is cutting off the circulation to the foot. Obviously the cure is to loosen your shoelaces. There are alternate ways to tie shoelaces in running shoes so go to a running store and they should be able to help you with this.
The shoebox in the sneaker may also not fit properly causing compression of the forefoot (the portion of the foot towards the toes). This can compress the digital nerves which run between the bones of the feet towards the toes causing N&T in the forefoot and toes. If the shoe does not fit properly you would need a new pair.
Different shoes change the way the bones align in the ankle and foot. This can cause compression of the posterior tibial nerve as it runs through a tunnel in the ankle bones called the tarsal tunnel. After the nerve goes through the tarsal tunnel it splits into the medial and lateral plantar nerve, which run along the bottom of the foot. If the nerve is compressed it can cause N&T anywhere along its pathway from the inside of the ankle to the bottom of the foot. Causes of tarsal tunnel syndrome include flat feet, ankle sprains, being overweight, inflammatory diseases such as diabetes and arthritis, or a mass in the tarsal tunnel. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is diagnosed by a physical examination, an MRI or EMG and NCV studies. Treatment is dependent on the cause. Nerve compression is something that needs to be addressed by a medical professional (medical doctor, chiropractor or podiatrist) as it can cause permanent nerve damage and loss of sensation and or motor function.
Other less likely (I say less likely because it appears from your post that the N&T is related to wearing the Brooks) causes of the N&T are a diabetic polyneuropathy (do you have diabetes or a familial history of diabetes), a central herniated disc or spinal degeneration specifically central canal stenosis. All of these would need to be evaluated by a professional.
N&T are not symptoms that should be ignored. The cause needs to be identified so permanent nerve damage does not occur. If the simple suggestions that I make above do not alleviate your symptoms then you need to be evaluated.
I hope this helps!
Gene Zeitler, DC, MS, ART
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