Feet Fall Asleep While Rowing

[[old] bfnicholson]

Back when I used to row intermittently, my feet would occasionally fall asleep. If I choose to ignore it, the feeling would slowly creep up to my knees, at which rowing became impossible. I’ve been rowing regularly now for the past two and a half months (typically 5k and 10k), and it hasn’t bothered me much. However, when I did my first hour-long row last weekend in preparation for the Marathon Row, the pins and needles started setting in. None of my rowing friends have any idea as to what is going on. Health-wise, I am overweight (250 lbs, 5’10”) and both my knees are post-op (kneecaps were way off-center), but blood work is fine.<br /><br />Does anyone know if this is a technique problem or a health concern? I really want to do the Marathon Challenge!<br />

[[old] tap]

I had a similar experience last Friday when I did an hour row although it only affected my right foot and leg. The only thing that was different than usual was that I was not wearing the kind of underwear that I normally wear. The underwear had slightly thicker seams on the edges which I think was causing poor blood circulation to my right leg. I was back with my usual underwear today and my right leg and foot were all back to normal.

[[old] DCSupreme]

Not sure if it's the same thing, but I've had this problem once, when my shoes were to tied to tight. It took about 25 minutes before I started feeling it. But I haven't had the problem since.

[[old] michaelb]

Do you row strapless? That is the first thing I would try. Many of us row strapless for training all the time since it helps ensure good technique. So undo and don't use the straps on your feet. Once you try that, I would also concentrate on keeping my feet flat on the footbeds throughout the stroke, so that you don't rock on your heels. My experience is that makes your feet muscles work harder trying to keep the toes down and under pressure at the finish. It might help (isn't the sensation of falling asleep related to blood flow being interrupted by inactivity in the muscles?).

[[old] whp4]

<!--quoteo(post=58640:date=Mar 6 2006, 12:31 PM:name=bigfoot)--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(bigfoot @ Mar 6 2006, 12:31 PM) </b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'>Back when I used to row intermittently, my feet would occasionally fall asleep. If I choose to ignore it, the feeling would slowly creep up to my knees, at which rowing became impossible. I’ve been rowing regularly now for the past two and a half months (typically 5k and 10k), and it hasn’t bothered me much. However, when I did my first hour-long row last weekend in preparation for the Marathon Row, the pins and needles started setting in. None of my rowing friends have any idea as to what is going on. Health-wise, I am overweight (250 lbs, 5’10”) and both my knees are post-op (kneecaps were way off-center), but blood work is fine.<br /><br />Does anyone know if this is a technique problem or a health concern? I really want to do the Marathon Challenge!<br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br />When I was an active cyclist, I used to have my feet fall asleep on longer rides, especially if I had the shoes laced up tightly and the straps snugged down. I've found that rowing barefoot works just fine - and you really don't need the straps if you make sure that the final part of applying force to the flywheel is with your arms (as it should be). Try your next hour row in socks, with the straps loose, and see if your problem recurs.<br /><br />Bill<br />

[[old] bfnicholson]

Thanks for all the advice! I've focused on improving my technique and am avoiding any tight clothing, and it seems to be working; there was only a little tingle in my left foot in the last few minutes of the hour.<br /><br />Thanks again!