The Phil-list Jul_2008: [Philmont] Googling Hiking Numb Toes for

From: Jim Moss <bsa.rec.law@gmail.com>
Date: Sun Jul 27 2008 - 13:15:29 CDT

I used to come back from mountains with the tops of my feet numb. In fact my nieces and nephews used to delight in stabbing my feet with a fork at Xmas time to see if I would react.

It was always from lacing my shoes up to tight, then lacing crampons on top of them.

Never bothered me, and the feelings always came back after a few months to a year sometimes.

Jim Moss

-----Original Message-----
From: Philmont@troop47.com [mailto:Philmont@troop47.com] On Behalf Of Mike Wegenka
Sent: Sunday, July 27, 2008 5:47 AM
To: Philmont List Member
Subject: [Philmont] Googling Hiking Numb Toes for possible solutions

I also have a slight case of "numb big toes" since coming back from the ranch 9 days ago - not as bad as past backpacking treks, I'm down about 20 pounds from when I bought my boots 10 years ago (heavy duty leather Meindls, well broken in but not worn out). Will be questioning my doctor when I go in for a physical in a few months as to what his take is on this.

Got to Googling and the most appropriate responses were:

http://gorp.away.com/gorp/activity/hiking/medical/feetfunk.htm

I have previously discussed the"Numb Toes Syndrome," which affects about 64 percent of hikers. Most had mild loss of sensation. The subsensitivity may begin a week or two into the hike. Normal sensation usually returns after the hike and recovery may be complete in about two months. The mechanism of this sensory loss appears to be pressure on the bottom of the foot from pack weight in foot strikes, which causes damage to the sensory nerves to the toes. These nerves run in the sole of the foot and when damaged recover at the rate of about one inch a month, depending upon the hiker's condition; age, diabetes, and other diseases impair healing. Preventive measures can reduce or delay numbness and include well-fitting boots, cushioned insoles, good socks, foot soaking, and good general foot care. There is no effective treatment.

http://www.drfoot.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=582

Could be that Morton's Neuroma is involved. Check with your Dr. or Podiatrist. Roll a golf ball under your foot from front to back pressing down with your foot in any spots that feel uncomfortable. I know that sounds counterintuitive but it works. 2x a day is what my Dr. told me, as long as I can tolerate it.

http://www.backpacker.com/medicine_man_toes_numb_when_hiking/community/ask_buck/72
Q.} My middle two and sometimes three toes go numb when I hike. It is usually about 4-5 miles in, and not always on the same foot at the same time. I have very good boots that fit well. I've also noticed this with athletic shoes when working out. Any ideas?
Submitted by: Glenn, Aquebogue, NY

A.} Yes, I have, at least, an idea. Numbness is almost always caused by inadequate circulation. That can come from compression of your feet (sometime simply standing for a long period of time may cause numbness) or from some swelling that may or may not be noticeable. It may be treatable by using insoles with more cushion, or you may need insoles with more arch support or custom insoles. The cushioning and/or additional support for your feet often alter the pressure enough to increase circulation. If off-the-shelf insoles don't help, I suggest a visit to a foot specialist who can offer more personal advice.

http://www.thebackpacker.com/trailtalk/thread/30448,-1.php
“I went through the whole "boot war" thing lately and I ran into the toe pinching thing. (along with other issues too)

The problen turned out to be that my boots were too tight because my feet were swelling big time after hiking. So my typical size twelves felt great in the store. at home and on short hikes but as soon as I really got on it and laid down some miles the dogs were barking.

So one morning I put my daughter in the baby backpack and went for a long walk and then headed to the outfitter for a fitting. Turns out my perfectly symmetrical size 12s when sitting or under light loads would swell and spread to size 12 3/4 while backpacking. Solution? Get size 13 boots. So several weekend trips and 2 week long hikes later I have yet to get a blister or have a toe problem.

I'm thinking your boots are too tight in the toebox, get measured again, go for a hike and then get measured one more time directly afterwards and get bigger boots.”

YMMV but the last post hit a nerve with me: my feet definitely swell from being in the boots under load for an extended period of time so it makes sense you should get larger boots. I'm a 10.5E so my 11E boots probably should be a little wider. Also laced them a little looser in the toe this trek that may have decreased the numbness some.

Mike Wegenka
Onalaska, WI

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Received on Sun Jul 27 13:20:07 2008

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