Foot Matters! – Diagnostic Tips & Quick Fixes (Part 4)

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BIKE FITTING ISSUES

Throughout my bike fitting career, feet numbness and pain are customers’ number-one enemies when it comes to cycling discomfort. We have covered the multiple causes that lead to toes numbness in the previous issue.

As for today’s topic, we will focus on the base of foot and ankles.

 

1. FOOT ARCH SUPPORT

Every cycling shoe company has different criteria for designs when it comes to arch support. Depending on their target audience, some shoe companies directly build in arch support for medium or high arch cyclists, but these shoes will be uncomfortable for those with flat arches. Alternatively, there are shoes that readily accept insoles with different degrees in support. Customers can measure and purchase these insoles separately to fully customize their shoes to achieve the best in comfort.

2. METATARSAL SUPPORT

According to studies, most people have a certain degree of tilt at the ball of foot area which leads to hot burning sensation or numbness that does not subside when pedaling. Foot-tilt-angle (FTA) can be compensated using wedges that are designed with a sloping angle to fill in the gap between foot and pedal. These wedges are designed specifically for bike fitting purposes. Foot measurements are taken to set up these wedges correctly.

 

3. ANKLE ANGLE

Cyclists with ankle strain/pain when cycling, there’s a high chance that your knees are naturally wide open when pedaling. The narrow knee-to-ankle angle causes the ankle joints to be pinched repetitively and might cause swelling and pain. Move your pedal outwards to increase Q-factor is one of the ways to reduce ankle discomforts.

 


Chuah
Little Rock BikeFit Studio

As the first bike fitter in Malaysia to be certified by BikeFit.com & VelogicFit system, as well as classically trained as electrical engineer, his pragmatic approach in getting the best possible comfort out of a bicycle has allowed many customers to cycle further, better, faster and stronger. Not believing in standardized fitments to suit all cyclists,
he constantly researches and revises on methods of new and old to ensure customers get the best performance from their rides.

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