Concept2 Forum

When i row i sometimes get a red mark or even cut on my calf inside leg where it touches the monorail on the finish of the stroke. Anybody else get this and any suggestions on how to avoid this?

Hi John.<br /><br />You say you get a red mark or cut on the inside of your calf<br /><br /><!--QuoteBegin-johnhgough+Oct 27 2005, 12:09 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(johnhgough @ Oct 27 2005, 12:09 PM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->...where it touches the monorail on the finish of the stroke. [right] <br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br />I'm not quite sure <i><b>why</b> </i> it touches the monorail on the finish of the stroke. Is it a function of calf size? Are you using the muscles on the inside of your leg to pull your leg & knee toward the center as you finish the stroke? If so, why? Is it a part of maintaining balance or pelvic stability since you're working w/ one leg? <br /><br />I would normally think of the legs as parallel to the rail, not touching it. With straight knee-tracking as the knee flexes and extends between the fixed positions of the pelvis and the foot. Perhaps a little more detail will inspire suggestions...<br /><br />Kind regards,<br /><br />Alissa<br />

Are you using the Model D? The footpads on the older models were aligned to keep your feet more or less parallel to the rail, but the new flexfoot allows them to point wherever you wish. Since I tend to point my toes out somewhat, I noticed I would sometimes hit the rail with the inside of my heels with the stock Model D footpads. Perhaps trying to stabilize with one leg leads you to excessive toe out?<br /><br />When I switched to the older Model C footpads (because I row barefoot and the ridges on the D hurt), I no longer hit my heels. So this might help. You could also try sitting off-center so your drive is more linear.<br /><br />Alex

John, I suspect you are contacting that part of the rail due to your amputation? In any case, find the area of the monorail that is causing the problem and inspect it for burrs or sharp edges. The stainless track on the top of the monorail is a thin sheet of metal that is sheared and it's edges bent down. You may have a sharp edge that needs to be dulled with some sandpaper, ScotchBrite or file. Feel free to call tech support at 800 245 5676. JonW

No it's a Model C, i usually use the foot rest on setting No 4 (third hole down) , i have just tried a higher setting and that appears to let me extend my leg without touching the rail. dont know why i didnt try that earlier. just always kept the foot plate in the same position. <br /><br />John<br /><br /><br /><!--QuoteBegin-lowwall+Oct 27 2005, 08:10 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(lowwall @ Oct 27 2005, 08:10 PM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Are you using the Model D?  The footpads on the older models were aligned to keep your feet more or less parallel to the rail, but the new flexfoot allows them to point wherever you wish.  Since I tend to point my toes out somewhat, I noticed I would sometimes hit the rail with the inside of my heels with the stock Model D footpads. Perhaps trying to stabilize with one leg leads you to excessive toe out?<br /><br />When I switched to the older Model C footpads (because I row barefoot and the ridges on the D hurt), I no longer hit my heels.  So this might help.  You could also try sitting off-center so your drive is more linear.<br /><br />Alex <br /> </td></tr></table><br />

The edge is quite smooth so its not the sharpness of the edge. I have some oedema in the good leg and i suspect it is because of my larger calf that is rubbing on the raill and then the skin is blistering/rubbing. <br /><br /><!--QuoteBegin-c2jonw+Oct 27 2005, 08:17 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(c2jonw @ Oct 27 2005, 08:17 PM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->John,  I suspect you are contacting that part of the rail due to your amputation? In any case, find the area of the monorail that is causing the problem and inspect it for burrs or sharp edges. The stainless track on the top of the monorail is a thin sheet of metal that is sheared and it's edges bent down. You may have a sharp edge that needs to be dulled with some sandpaper, ScotchBrite or file.  Feel free to call tech support at 800 245 5676.      JonW <br /> </td></tr></table><br />

Outdoor rowers often get the same sort of thing but on the back of the calf. It is remarkable that a repeated light touch can cause a bruise or a cut like you describe. It can get to be a real problem as it does not heal unless you stop what you're doing for a time.<br /><br />The suggestions of heal height are useful and may solve the problem. Another reliable solution is to cut off the top of a sock and pull it over the affected area. A piece of tape works well too.<br /><br />