# Why did my foot go numb? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 30, 2015, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-foot-go-numb/729355 "2015-08-30T01:14:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Fat2FitMama](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7cd45c/32.png) [@Fat2FitMama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fat2FitMama)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2015, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-foot-go-numb/729355/1 "2015-08-30T01:14:50Z")
I recently started a couch to 5K program and I bought new running shoes for this new venture. I had some problems straight off…mainly that I rubbed big bloody spots on my heels. Which I assumed I’d fixed after getting the proper running socks and learning how to properly tie my shoes for running (because I didn’t even know there was a right and wrong way to tie your shoes). However, tonight, when I went for my run, about three quarters of the way through, my right foot went totally numb. I can’t figure out why my foot went numb…my left foot was totally fine. It’s not the size of the shoes either. While I’ve never worn this particular model of shoe, I’ve worn shoes by this same company (Danskin) for probably twenty years now and have never had issues with their shoes before. Buying new shoes in one size up is out of the question at the moment as I’m more broke than the Ten Commandments. ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2015, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-foot-go-numb/729355/2 "2015-08-30T01:41:21Z")
Medical advice is best suited to IMHO. Colibri General Questions Moderator ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2015, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-foot-go-numb/729355/3 "2015-08-30T02:08:04Z")
Combined with your hip thread, I would guess you have [sciatica.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sciatica) Danskin doesn’t even list shoes on their site and the only Danskin running shoes I could find were at Walmart and looked like imitations of a fake running shoe. Where did you buy your shoes? ---
**Author:** ![Fat2FitMama](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7cd45c/32.png) [@Fat2FitMama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fat2FitMama)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2015, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-foot-go-numb/729355/4 "2015-08-30T02:15:23Z")
I guess I have to go google what Sciatica is. I’ve heard of it, but I don’t know what it is. I bought my shoes at Walmart, the only place I can afford to buy shoes at the moment because we’re broker than the ten commandments right now. I’ve worn Danskin shoes for probably twenty years because I have foot issues (wide feet plus they’re very nearly flat) which make finding comfortable shoes almost impossible. I’ve had hip/knee/ankle issues for years…I’m not surprised that my hip is acting up when I run, to be honest. My foot going numb was interesting to be sure because when I first started running (about three weeks ago…I had to take a week off because the first time I wore my new shoes to run in, I rubbed big raw patches off my heels because I wasn’t wearing the right socks), I didn’t have this issue with my foot going numb. My left foot didn’t go numb…only my right and only about 20 min into a 30 min run. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2015, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-foot-go-numb/729355/5 "2015-08-30T02:22:39Z")
Flat feet require the most control and support and running adds enormous impact stress to the equation. You will not get what you need from cheap, imitation running shoes. Shoes that are suitable for walking does not mean they can be used for running. Since you’ve had general leg issues, I would stay away from running for now. Depending on how much you weigh and how much you lose, you may be able to try again in the future. ---
**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2015, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-foot-go-numb/729355/6 "2015-08-30T02:46:48Z")
I’d see a physical therapist to rule out piriformis syndrome. Edited to see you are broke and probably can’t afford it. ---
**Author:** ![Fat2FitMama](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7cd45c/32.png) [@Fat2FitMama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fat2FitMama)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2015, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-foot-go-numb/729355/7 "2015-08-30T03:48:27Z")
RunningCoach–the last time I stepped on the scale (which was a week ago now), I weighed in at 199, down from 208 when I started. My goal is to get down to an ‘acceptable’ weight of around 130, which is way less than I’ve weighed probably since I got married almost 17 years ago when I was working out several days a week in a swimming class in college and walking all over the damn place because I didn’t have a car. I’d be more comfortable at around 160, but I know that’s still considered “obese” and 130 is what good old Doctor Google tells me that I SHOULD weigh given my height (5 ft 5 inches) and bone structure (I’d say large for a woman…my wrist is probably eight inches around which I’m told is fucking huge for a woman). ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2015, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-foot-go-numb/729355/8 "2015-08-30T03:58:11Z")
**Fat2FitMama** , at your weight and past history, do not run. You should do weight-bearing exercise as much as you can but mixing in some cycling or swimming( if possible) can allow continued exercise even if problems flare up. ---
**Author:** ![Fat2FitMama](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7cd45c/32.png) [@Fat2FitMama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fat2FitMama)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2015, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-foot-go-numb/729355/9 "2015-08-30T04:03:59Z")
Neither cycling nor swimming are really an option unfortunately. The HOA has already closed our pool for the season and I don’t own a bike. Nor have I ridden one in close to twenty years, so I’d probably injure myself worse just trying to remember how because I’d probably fall down a lot. Plus…I know it sounds terrible, but I LIKE running. I’ve come to really enjoy pushing myself and seeing if I can make it through a set (I’m using a podcast to help me know when to run and when to walk since I’m doing a couch to 5K). I’m looking forward to getting better at running so I can run this 5K I want to do in December. ---
**Author:** ![zombywoof](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/9e8a1a/32.png) [@zombywoof](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zombywoof)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2015, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-foot-go-numb/729355/10 "2015-08-30T04:28:39Z")
You seem to be very concerned about the short-term costs of relatively inexpensive things like shoes or gym membership (where you could (stationary) cycle, swim, etc.) - what about the long-term, MUCH more expensive costs involved if you really injure yourself? Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s great you want to get in better shape, and I’m certainly not a doctor or anything…but how about planning on walking the 5K at a good pace while working on weight loss via diet in the meantime? Just my thoughts, FWIW - good luck! ---
**Author:** ![Fat2FitMama](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7cd45c/32.png) [@Fat2FitMama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fat2FitMama)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2015, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-foot-go-numb/729355/11 "2015-08-30T04:41:31Z")
If I seriously injure myself…well then, that’s what insurance is for right? God knows we pay enough for it every freaking month. ---
**Author:** ![Alice\_The\_Goon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Alice\_The\_Goon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alice_The_Goon)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2015, 4:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-foot-go-numb/729355/12 "2015-08-30T04:50:32Z")
I have pretty flat feet and I tried to start running in 2008, for a couple of months. I got shin splints really, really bad. Even now, I still get sharp pains in my shins occasionally, I think from that. Sure, I probably could have done some hardcore training and bought some very expensive running shoes and spendy orthopedic inserts and powered on, but I didn’t NEED to run, and you don’t either. If you do decide to keep at it, at least get some decent shoes. Jesus. I wouldn’t wear WalMart shoes to go get the mail. ---
**Author:** ![Fat2FitMama](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7cd45c/32.png) [@Fat2FitMama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fat2FitMama)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2015, 4:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-foot-go-numb/729355/13 "2015-08-30T04:51:30Z")
Even if that’s all you could afford? And honestly, I know how everybody loves to hate on WalMart but I really don’t mind shopping there. Their kids clothes stand up to wear amazingly well, as do their womens’ jeans and the Danskin shoes. I’m not sure how long it’s SUPPOSED to take to wear out a pair of shoes you wear pretty much constantly, but it generally takes me around 2-3 years before I wear out a pair of Danskin shoes to the point I have to replace them. Which for me, makes them a decent value as they generally cost me between 15 and about 24 dollars, less if I can get them on clearance which I did with my running shoes. ---
**Author:** ![Alice\_The\_Goon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Alice\_The\_Goon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alice_The_Goon)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2015, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-foot-go-numb/729355/14 "2015-08-30T04:52:49Z")
> [@Fat2FitMama](#): > > Even if that’s all you could afford? No. I need quality shoes or my feet fucking hurt, and I will do unspeakable things to get them. ---
**Author:** ![Fat2FitMama](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7cd45c/32.png) [@Fat2FitMama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fat2FitMama)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2015, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-foot-go-numb/729355/15 "2015-08-30T04:55:30Z")
Well that’s you. And if you can afford that, fine. I’ve been dirt poor my entire life and honestly, I don’t NEED quality things. I’ve learned to make do with what I _can_ afford or do without. Because when you don’t have a lot of money to throw around on clothes and shoes (as we don’t…a lot of our stuff either comes from WalMart or the thrift store), then you make do. ---
**Author:** ![Alice\_The\_Goon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Alice\_The\_Goon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alice_The_Goon)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2015, 4:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-foot-go-numb/729355/16 "2015-08-30T04:57:25Z")
> [@Fat2FitMama](#): > > Well that’s you. And if you can afford that, fine. > > I’ve been dirt poor my entire life and honestly, I don’t NEED quality things. I’ve learned to make do with what I _can_ afford or do without. Because when you don’t have a lot of money to throw around on clothes and shoes (as we don’t…a lot of our stuff either comes from WalMart or the thrift store), then you make do. That’s fine. But then know your limitations. It would be a mistake to run in those shoes- your feet are already trying to tell you this. Maybe do some other kinds of exercise. ---
**Author:** ![Fat2FitMama](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7cd45c/32.png) [@Fat2FitMama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fat2FitMama)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2015, 5:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-foot-go-numb/729355/17 "2015-08-30T05:06:08Z")
The thing is, I’m really starting to think that maybe it’s either my shoes were laced too tight (which is a definate possibility) OR it’s because they’re not broken in enough since I took a week off due to the big bloody spots I rubbed on my heels because I was a dumbass and didn’t wear the right socks. I want to thank everybody for their advice, etc. 🙂 You’ve been super helpful!😃 ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2015, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-foot-go-numb/729355/18 "2015-08-30T05:13:03Z")
> [@Fat2FitMama](#): > > The thing is, I’m really starting to think that maybe it’s either my shoes were laced too tight (which is a definate possibility) OR it’s because they’re not broken in enough since I took a week off due to the big bloody spots I rubbed on my heels because I was a dumbass and didn’t wear the right socks. > > I want to thank everybody for their advice, etc. 🙂 You’ve been super helpful!😃 Shoes should need no breaking in. Cotton socks are a no-no. Cotton gets abrasive when wet. Get thin acrylic and wear two pairs. That way, any rubbing is confined between the two layers. ---
**Author:** ![Fat2FitMama](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7cd45c/32.png) [@Fat2FitMama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fat2FitMama)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2015, 5:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-foot-go-numb/729355/19 "2015-08-30T05:24:19Z")
> **[Mid-Cushion NoShow Socks with Heel Tab, 6 Pack - Walmart.com](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mid-Cushion-NoShow-Socks-with-Heel-Tab-6-Pack/44881892?productRedirect=true)** > > Not available Buy Mid-Cushion NoShow Socks with Heel Tab, 6 Pack at Walmart.com Those are the socks I got…and when I wore them tonight (single pair instead of doubled), they were really comfortable. I didn’t notice any rubbing on my heels at all and the only issue (which was more of a “it’s not healed YET” thing than the socks thing) was from one of my heels bleeding a tiny bit onto the sock from the small amount of friction against the wound. ---
**Author:** ![choie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/choie/32/7829_2.png) [@choie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/choie)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2015, 6:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-foot-go-numb/729355/20 "2015-08-30T06:01:44Z")
> [@Fat2FitMama](#): > > Well that’s you. And if you can afford that, fine. > > I’ve been dirt poor my entire life and honestly, I don’t NEED quality things. I’ve learned to make do with what I _can_ afford or do without. Because when you don’t have a lot of money to throw around on clothes and shoes (as we don’t…a lot of our stuff either comes from WalMart or the thrift store), then you make do. Yeah, that’s… a bad but sadly typical fallacy created by long-term poverty and short-term thinking. You need to read [The Five Stupidest Habits You Develop Growing Up Poor](http://www.cracked.com/blog/the-5-stupidest-habits-you-develop-growing-up-poor/), with particular attention to #5 and #1. Poor people–and I’ve been there, trust me–are often short-term thinkers. We get into the mindset of: “This widget is cheap? Yay, I’ll buy it now rather than save for a wodget, which is better quality.” In this case, you’re thinking: “$15 sneakers from WalMart? Awesome! Sure, they’ll give me blisters and make my foot go numb and cause pools of blood to squish whenever I walk, and then they’ll fall apart in about two years especially since I’m pounding them on the pavement with my 199lb-self, but what do I care, that’s _the future_, dude, I’ll worry about it later, and if I get a bigger injury, why I’ll pay for it with insurance that probably won’t cover it 100% and put me in greater hock, and then start a thread wondering what to do if I can’t pay for a proper podiatrist.” The late great Sir Terry Pratchett wrote about this fallacy about why the poor stay poor while the rich stay rich: > [@](#): > > “The reason that the rich were so rich, Vimes reasoned, was because they managed to spend less money. > > Take boots, for example. He earned thirty-eight dollars a month plus allowances. A really good pair of leather boots cost fifty dollars. But an affordable pair of boots, which were sort of OK for a season or two and then leaked like hell when the cardboard gave out, cost about ten dollars. Those were the kind of boots Vimes always bought, and wore until the soles were so thin that he could tell where he was in Ankh-Morpork on a foggy night by the feel of the cobbles. > > But the thing was that good boots lasted for years and years. A man who could afford fifty dollars had a pair of boots that’d still be keeping his feet dry in ten years’ time, while the poor man who could only afford cheap boots would have spent a hundred dollars on boots in the same time and would still have wet feet. > > This was the Captain Samuel Vimes ‘Boots’ theory of socioeconomic unfairness.” Next, read this, which is almost freakishly on-point for you: [Can you buy a good pair of running shoes for $16?](http://www.runningshoesguru.com/2015/05/can-you-buy-a-good-pair-of-running-shoes-for-16/) - A serious runner reviews WalMart shoes and says exactly why they suck. Now my advice. _Stay off your feet_. Swimming is ideal for you, but if your HOA has closed the pool (I’m a bit bemused that you’re dirt-poor and always have been, but manage to live in some kind of development with an HOA and a pool!), how about the local YMCA or public pool or whatever the equivalent is wherever you live? Or try beginners yoga or simple stretching. Or–if your knees aren’t injured and you don’t live near too much traffic or too many hills–get a bicycle (borrow one from one of your neighbors if you haven’t got one), which is a similar enjoyable outdoors activity with much less pressure on your feet. But again, if your knees or calves are screwed up, ignore me. Ideal would be a recumbent bike, since they put very little pressure on your feet/knees. There are two sorts of people who ask for advice in threads like this: Those who, when everyone gives the same basic advice, complain because it’s not the kind of advice they want to hear. And those who, when everyone gives them the same basic advice, start realizing… hmm. Maybe I should _listen_. Which one do you want to be? [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-foot-go-numb/729355.md?page=2)