Burning toes

[johnno6650]

G'day all.
I find the second toe on both feet tend to end up with a serious burning sensation during hard rides. The front buckle/strap has been removed from my shoes and the strap over the middle of my foot is kept snug, but not tight at all.
If I remove the foot from the pedal and shake it around for 10 seconds the relief is incredible, but once back into action the pain returns.
Some rides are worse than others. I 'assume' how hard I ride has a bearing on when it hits, but I am wondering if cleat placement is crucial here ?? Should I move the cleat slightly forward, or even back, on my shoe ?? Perhaps there are a few other ideas that experience has shown some of you.
I would appreciate any input.
Cheers.
Johnno

 

[David Suro]

Do a Google search on 'Morton's Neuroma'.

To reduce compression of the nerve, try an insole with a prominent metatarsal button. The Specialized insoles are inexpensive and effective.

 

[flyor64]

Do a Google search on 'Morton's Neuroma'.

To reduce compression of the nerve, try an insole with a prominent metatarsal button. The Specialized insoles are inexpensive and effective.

David,

Can that "button" wear out? Reason I ask is I had alot of the same symptoms as the OP but when I got into a good pair of Specialized BG shoes about 3 seasons ago the symptoms all but stopped.

However i've noticed this season that I'm also getting that numbness (only in the left foot though) even in my Specialized shoes.

thanks

 

[Notso Swift]

I had a similar sensation when I had my Time Equip CX Pro shoes (Excellent shoes, stiff and perfect power transition) and then changed to my Sidi 5.5 carbon's, (a lot "softer")
It was the Time's that caused the problem, even though they are "better" for power transition

I assumed is there is a profile in the last that restricts blood flow to certain parts of my foot (all feet being different)

 

[David Suro]

Yes, the button can wear out. It is made of a compressable foam and will become flattened with use. The insoles are only about $40-$50 and will work in any shoe. With the insoles a set of shims are included. A fit specialist can track your patella while you are pedalling and make recommendations about shim placement to insure that forces are being applied to the footbed as efficiently as possible.

When i switched from Sidi's with an inferior insole to Specialized with the metatarsal button, my improvement in performance was incredible. I can now do century rides with absolutely no foot pain. I used to get 'hotfoot' so bad that I would try squirting water into my show to cool things down. In my opinion, the metatarsal buttin insoles are the best innovation to cycling footwear since the invention of clipless pedals.

 

[brianf7]

Either go to the form and fitness forum or go to http://www.pedalpushers.com.au
and look up Steve Hoggs post on this problem.
Or write to him and share your experience.
Good luck

 

[johnno6650]

Thanks everyone. I shall investigate the 'button' insoles and see what Steve Hoggs has to say on the subject.
Mush appreciate the input.
Regards.
Johnno

 

[johnno6650]

Thanks Dave, Sincerely !

 

[ms switchback]

I have also experienced that problem. There is not much room in the space between the MTs and if your toes are being jiggled around, the bursa above gets irritated and puts pressure on the nerve. That in turn causes a neuroma (basically a thickening of the nerve) and a debilitating (ride ending) pain. 2 things helped - stiffer soled MTB shoes and moving the cleats forward to get the axle behind the MT so that the toes weren't clenching (also causing the irritation). I also use a pedal with a bigger surface area (keywins on the roadie and look quartz on the MTB) and so much better. Just some thoughts ...