Top of left foot PAIN! Please help!

[LoveHateRelationship]

Hello! Glad I found this forum. I recently purchased a Erg Concept 2 model D. I used one prior to Covid with a trainer. I’ve been using it 3-5 times a week. Although last week I challenged myself to row 6 days in a row. My left foot always goes asleep 20 min in to my workout and I keep going another 5-7 min. Now I have a horrid pain on the top of my left foot. Has to be the rowing as nothing else has changed. Any one had this happen to them? TIA

[Dangerscouse]

I'm guessing, but maybe rowing strapless might help? Are you tying your laces too tight?

I do get a bit of an issue with my left foot, but it's only an issue after about two hours and I think I can attribute it to a botched second in growing toenail operation that gave me nerve damage.

[Ombrax]

My left foot always goes asleep 20 min in to my workout and I keep going another 5-7 min.

This sounds to me like a nerve issue. I'd try seeing a podiatrist and see what they think.

However, do confirm that you're using supportive shoes that fit you will. Shoes that are too small / too tight can cause problems such as what cyclists call "hot foot."

[LoveHateRelationship]

Thank you both. They are quite loose fitting shoes. Not very supportive either. Mesh top slip on runners. I used them many times without issues. I’m thinking maybe I should’ve stop rowing after my foot fell asleep. I am going to see a pediatrist. Thank you!

[Nomath]

Give it a try to row without shoes. That's what I do all the time. Just socks to prevent the straps from rubbing your skin. Your feet will get much better massaged. See it you get the same pain issues.

[MiddleAgeCRISIS]

Hello! Glad I found this forum. I recently purchased a Erg Concept 2 model D. I used one prior to Covid with a trainer. I’ve been using it 3-5 times a week. Although last week I challenged myself to row 6 days in a row. My left foot always goes asleep 20 min in to my workout and I keep going another 5-7 min. Now I have a horrid pain on the top of my left foot. Has to be the rowing as nothing else has changed. Any one had this happen to them? TIA

Sorry to hear that , i wonder are you pushing with your toes like a calf raise or are you putting down the power down with your heels?

I wonder if you have had a look at piriformis syndrome?

I get a teeny bit of hamstring pain that stems from this and rowing for two hours a day. A friend also has this and i think it stems from super tight glutes.

[LoveHateRelationship]

Thank you. I went to a foot doctor today I’ve damaged muscles under my side foot bone. He said 10-14 days off the erg and try strapless. He also said not to use it daily. I’m very disappointed I waited a long time for my rower and it wasn’t cheap as we all know. I’m no expert rower. I’m a beginner and was trying to get back in shape. Very very discouraged now. I don’t even know if it’s possible to do strapless?

[Ombrax]

I don’t even know if it’s possible to do strapless?

Absolutely possible. 99.999% of my rowing is strapless.

No need for them unless you're racing or going for a PB. Or if you have horrible technique and are slamming into the straps to keep from going off the back. If you do it right you don't need them at all. On my Model C at home they're permanently placed under the foot plates.

Once you get used to not having them you won't miss them. If you do need them you're doing it wrong.

[mict450]

In complete agreement with Ombrax. All of my sessions are strapless. If you can walk & chew gum at the same time, strapless should be a cakewalk.

[Dangerscouse]

Very very discouraged now. I don’t even know if it’s possible to do strapless?

Rowing strapless as mentioned by Ombrax and Eric, is most definitely possible, and I'm the same in only using them for PB attempts. It takes a bit of getting used to, but just remember to really plant your feet, and centre your gravity, so you don't fly off the back, and it's not an issue.

The discouragement is natural as your enthusiasm has taken a hit, but you just need to find a solution and accept it's not what you want at the moment, but soon enough it will heal and you can start again in earnest. Injuries are very frustrating, but they come with the territory and are unavoidable.