pain / tingling in foot and ankle

[jagmanvdp]

Morning:

I have been rowing for awhile now (couple years) and used to row 45 minutes at a stretch with no problem. (never really had the desire to go much longer) Recently, I have been getting to the 30 minute mark when I notice that my right foot aches and seems to be falling asleep. (that pins and needles tingling)

I stop rowing and find that my ankle aches and my foot aches too. Aboutt 12 hours later, the pain is gone..but I have to rest the foot for 48 hours before rowing again, or the pain shows up sooner in the row.

Anyone experience this and figure out what they are doing wrong? Only happens in one foot....right foot.

Thanks

Darren

[bw1099]

I sometimes have a problem with one leg going to sleep while rowing on the water. I don't recall ever having the same problem on the erg, but I tend to do multiple shorter pieces so I can get up and stretch between them, so my leg doesn't go to sleep. My recover is fast - a few minutes stretching and walking on the dock.

I have found 3 things to be effective:

1. On the water, I will take several power strokes. This gets the blood moving and my leg gets better for a while.

2. I got a sore-no-more seat pad, which helps to relieve whatever pressure causes the problem.

3. There is an exercise for the lower back that helps. I can't remember what it is called, and may not have the sequence quite right Lie on your back. Lift your knees toward your chest, keeping the lower legs parallel to the floor. Extend your legs and point your toes while slowly raising your head, neck, upper back and arms off the floor. Hold for a count of 10. Reverse the sequence. Take a few breaths and repeat, 5-10 times.

Hope this helps.

bw