Pain and numbness in my right leg/hip during exercise.

[Meduseld 29]

I know the title sounds really ominous, but I promise my situation isn't that bad, but I have a few concerns.

I've been using the elliptical machines at my university's gym recently and I think I've been doing really well. I chose the elliptical to save my knees, which are pretty delicate. I didn't want to put them at risk since I am still pretty heavy.

Problem is now that after a certain amount of time, my right foot goes numb. The feeling returns, but when I am exercising it can get incredibly annoying. Also with that leg, my right hip hurts pretty bad sometimes during and definitely after exercise. What's weird is that it is only my right leg. My left is perfectly fine. However, it seems my hip hurts less and less the more I get into my exercise routine.

The only thing I can think of that could cause this is my spine. My right shoulder is noticeably higher than my left and I seem to put more weight on my left leg than my right because of the curvature of my spine. Could the elliptical maybe "even out" my weight distribution and put more stress on my right leg than normal, thus causing these feelings?

Do you guys have any ideas on how to fix this or what else may be causing it?

Thank you guys!

[Jess55 97]

Not sure about the pain, but my feet always go numb when I'm on the elliptical, not sure why but I read it's not uncommon

[Jachut 487]

Feet going numb is common on the elliptical. The pain sounds like sciatic issues which could be your spine, or it could be like me - my sciatic nerve on the right side runs through the piriformis muscle not under it like it hould (not uncommon) so exercise causes the muscle to expand which constricts the nerve. I just ignore discomfort and run nyway ,but i stretch a lot because if i let my buttock/hip muscles get tight i end up in real pain.

[CheckYes 46]

Can I suggest you get a foam roller? You can get them at Target and most sporting goods stores. Do a quick google search about foam rolling muscles. It's been really helpful for me. It hurts the first few weeks of rolling but, I swear, it ends up feeling good and is really helpful.

[Jachut 487]

You can roll around on a tennis ball too. I need to roll my left leg, did a ten k today and ave itb issues, ouch

[cakegirl 12]

Maybe you should visit a chiropractor to get your spine and skeletal alignment checked out. I used to have lots of similar unilateral numbness/tingling problems but with some visits to the chiropractor (and I now go once a month for maintenance), I got it sorted out.

[brendap 2]

check how tight you have your shoes laced. My husband has always said that your feet expand when you excercise and people who have their shoes tied too tight will experience numbness in their feet. I loosened mine up and it stopped.