Slight pain in big toes

[nyckuk]

As its the January challenge im rowing a lot more than i normal would .
Ive noticed both my big toes around the nail area are aching slightly , especially if i grip down with my toes.

Im thinking i maybe gripping hard with my toes on the return stroke.Its not exactly life threatening just something i've noticed

Does anyone else experience this ??
thanks

[Carl Watts]

Its important the foot stretchers are set to the right length so the straps goes across the ball of your big toe and not on the toes themselves.

Also the straps want to be pretty loose or they start to cut the circulation off in your feet.

Some people prefer to row strapless, however I prefer loose straps in the event something fails on the rower or else you will go flying off the back of it.

[Dangerscouse]

I'm inclined to say it's a slight technique issue. During the recovery your feet should be planted, and you're using your core, and the slight pull from the bungee, to help with the recovery.

If you're gripping your toes in the recovery you're not gaining anything, only compensating for a weakness. For an FM distance I'll quite often use the recovery to stretch my feet and wiggle my toes.

[nyckuk]

Its probably all of the above , Ive loosened the foot straps and trying to have a better posture which both seem to be helping.

I have the same issue playing golf recently (before Covid Ban ) . Gripping with my toes on the follow through , i think due to poor balance and habit

thanks