Is ankle/foot pain a common thing when erging?

[Gammmmo]

I've had 3 weeks now of 30-40km a week on the erg (I know that is nothing but I'm gradually working up to a decent amount) and I have noticed a slight bit of soreness in one foot - it's the point where the top of the foot joins the bottom of the shin. I noticed it walking the other day and when I erged Friday I could feel some slight sorenss but it did largely go off. Too much, too soon? A common thing? Just use the RICE protocol for remedial action?

[Anth_F]

I used to suffer from terrible ankle pain and achilles aches before i start erging. Now i don't suffer at all so it's a complete opposite for me. Rowing seems to have cleared it up!!

If you are coming too far forward on the catch and lifting your heels up too much, i could see this being a possible cause of your problem.

[prairiefire]

It could be several things - there are extensor tendons that course over that area. Sometimes, a small spur at the anterior portion of the tibia can make contact (impinge) by bumping onto the talus (the bone just beneath the tibia. Lots of less common things occur there as well. I would have my patients see a physical therapist to check on ankle mobility and Achilles flexibility as first points of treatment + a little old Aleve. Medical studies suggest that Aleve has higher tissue penetration than any of the the other over the counter anti inflammatories - FWIW.

[ArmandoChavezUNC]

Do you erg with shoes or barefoot? What is the setting of the foot-stretcher on the erg? It could be you're not positioned in the most ergonomic way.

[Anth_F]

Do you erg with shoes or barefoot? What is the setting of the foot-stretcher on the erg? It could be you're not positioned in the most ergonomic way.

Good points!

I was actually going to mention that myself about the foot stretcher setting, and where has he got the straps positioned on the feet.

[Gammmmo]

I use squash shoes (fairly light kind of trainer), am size UK9/EU43 and have the foot stretcher with 3 holes showing.

[Anth_F]

I'm a UK 9 as well, i have mine on setting 4 (2 holes showing) And i do not suffer any ankle/foot pain issues at all... and erging over 60k per week now.

That 1 setting difference might make all the difference for you. Worth a try anyway!!

[ArmandoChavezUNC]

If I were you, I'd try doing a session with the foot setting lower down, see how that feels, and then do the opposite-put it higher up. Worth seeing if it changes your comfort level at all.

[Gammmmo]

Will give the foot stretcher alteration a go...sounds obvious really until someone suggests it!!!

[prairiefire]

Is there a correct way to set the foot ocher? - Just by feel? I've always wondered about this.

[Anth_F]

It was by feel for me! My first couple weeks erging i was on setting 3, but felt i wasn't getting the most efficiency from my leg drive (too high) so i lowered it to 4 and haven't looked back. After even just the first couple sessions on 4, the difference in feel was night and day compared to 3, much better position that allows me to drive my legs much better from the catch.