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A 44-year-old member asked:

What could cause the toes in my left foot always go numb ("fall asleep") when i run on my elliptical?

3 doctor answers5 doctors weighed in
Dr. James Lunsford
Podiatry 45 years experience
Pathology or shoes: Numbness during or immediately after activity could be either a poor shoe fit or sizing vs nerve pathology, pinch or neuroma...Start with a really good sport store for sizing and shoe recommendations...If proper fit is established then a neuroma, benign nerve tumor may exist.
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Dr. Jeffrey Kass
Podiatry 30 years experience
Improper: Fitting shoe, would be one. Nerve compression would be another. This could be happening at a local or more proximal level. Try examining the shoes first, try a different pair. If no improvement - see a doctor.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Jeffrey Bassman
Dentistry 47 years experience
See dr.: Actually, there can be a problem with the back (potential herniated disk) that can pinch a nerve and affect the big toe. I know because i had what is called foot drop, which was brought on by a herniated disk in my back- l3-l4. Hopefully not your problem, but consider and get checked. Duration is important! could be your shoes, gait or shape of your foot.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Aug 23, 2016

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