Yep, the elliptical is great and your legs and butt will thank you for it. . . in the long run.
In any case, I too had the numb feet problem. I've started lifting the weight off of my "at rest foot" fixes that problem like a treat - the foot I'm pushing down carries my weight and it's the other foot I lift the weight off of...it doesn't need to come off of the pedal or anything, just enough to take the pressure off. I hope that makes sense to you and helps!