Running can bring on numb feet, even if the issue stems from your upper body. Tightness in the shoulders and chest, or swinging your arms too widely, can disrupt your running form and restrict blood flow to your lower body.
“Relaxing your upper body and keeping your arms close to your sides while running is crucial,” explains running expert, [add expert name and credentials if available from original article]. “Stiffness or clenched hands expend energy in your shoulders and hands, requiring more oxygen. Increased oxygen demand pulls blood away from other areas, like your feet, potentially causing tingling and numbness.”
Foot strike also plays a role. Repeatedly landing heavily on certain areas, like the heel, especially over long distances, compresses nerves. This constant pressure can lead to inflammation and numbness. A study on overstriding (heel-first landing) revealed that prolonged foot-ground contact increases pressure on foot nerves, potentially leading to numbness. ([add link to original study])
Consistently running on the same surface, such as asphalt, can exacerbate the problem. Dr. [add Dr. name and credentials if available from original article] , an interventional spine and sports medicine physician, advises diversifying running terrain.
“Varying your running surface benefits foot health in multiple ways,” he states. Running on gravel, trails, or grass forces your joints and ligaments to adapt, engaging different muscles for stability and support. This prevents overuse injuries common in repetitive movements.
Incorporating varied terrain strengthens supporting muscles, reducing the risk of numbness. It’s important to listen to your body. Persistent numbness warrants a consultation with a healthcare professional to rule out underlying medical conditions. Proper running form, varied terrain, and appropriate footwear can help alleviate numbness and ensure enjoyable runs.
