Numbness

Question
I have been a consistent runner/athlete since elementary school and never had a problem.  Recently at 26, after about a 9 month break from athletics I have been experiencing a problem in my foot.  While running for more than 30 minutes my big toe begins to go numb followed by the rest of my left foot, from the toes back.  I have changed shoes from Asics to Adidas and loosened the laces and still have the problem.  My calvs are tight toward the end of the run.  I've been running on flat ground and some pavement, I stay mostly in the grass when I can.  When I stop and take weight off my foot during these episodes the numbness is temporarily relieved, but returns when I begin running again.  Any suggestions?

Answer
James,

It sounds like a nerve irritation, especially since you have calf pain with it. The new shoes may have you running slightly different form wise, which your body is not used to. As your calf tightens, it likely presses a nerve causing the foot problem. I would go back to wearing Asics. One thing I have learned over the years is to stay with the same shoe if you like it, and if you can't get it, stay with the same brand. Give this a try