Your feet are the main points of contact with your bicycle. Your power, speed, and balance depend on the positioning of your feet on the pedals. Sometimes while riding, you may notice a tingling, numbness, burning, or aching in your feet. If any of these problems arise and persist, you should visit a podiatrist. But, the occasional flare up of one of these symptoms may indicate a less serious problem that you can solve by following one or more of the following steps:
Wear properly fitted cycling shoes
To experienced cyclists, this one may be a gimme, but new cyclists might not realize the importance of cycling shoes. Wearing cycling shoes provides a stable platform for your foot to rest on. They are breathable and lightweight, and they clip into the pedals so you don’t have to worry about your foot slipping off. Have a professional properly size and fit cycling shoes to your feet.
Wear thin, breathable, moisture wicking socks. If it’s cold, don’t wear thicker socks; use a shoe cover instead. Incorrectly buckling, using the wrong socks, or wearing the wrong size can result in a number of problems that can be solved by refitting or readjusting the shoe.
Don’t push your body too hard
To improve your fitness, you need to push yourself a little bit, but experts agree that you shouldn’t push your body too hard. Stretching before and after you ride can prevent foot pain from developing. You also need to make sure your bicycle is seated at the right height for your body.
Wear a heart rate monitor to check your pulse and ride within your recommended boundaries. If you ride outside of your limits, you can experience discomfort and possibly more serious problems. When you start riding, start off slow and gradually increase your pace as you go.
Remember, if your feet continue to hurt or tingle, it may be the sign of a more serious condition. If you are concerned about the well-being of your foot, visit your podiatrist.
If you are having heel pain or another issue with your feet, you need an expert to evaluate and treat the condition. Call Kansas City Foot Specialists to schedule an evaluation at (913) 338-4440, or request an appointment online so we can work with you to keep your feet healthy.
