My calf muscles are asymmetric after 4 months of rowing

[nsgymd]

I started indoor rowing in May 2016 and have logged 437,670 meters. Two weeks ago I noticed that one calf is larger than the other. A doppler study ruled out a blood clot.

Can this type of asymmetry occur with rowing? Could I compensate by changing the foot position on the smaller side?

[hjs]

Strange, very likely its your Physic thats the cause certainly not rowing. Think if your cycled, did weights etc you had the same.
Look at your technique though, do you stroke evenly? Does the handle travel straight. Best seen if you video it.

And don,t know how big the difference is. Its very common to have differences. Arms, legs, etc are seldom on the cm alike.

[Hanzo]

Are your feet the same lenght? It's not to uncommon for one legg to be shorter than the other, I myself have this and I'm guessing it might cause you to work more with one fooot compared to the other

[nsgymd]

The size difference is noticeable to friends and family members. I believe that my stroke technique is good (haystack) and the handle is pulling straight (checked this morning). I do have the feeling that my smaller leg is being hyper-extended which makes me think that my right leg may be shorter as suggested by Hanzo. Would altering the height of the foot strap on the smaller side help? If so, which direction? Any other potential solutions to adjust for the asymmetry? Thanks

[hjs]

The size difference is noticeable to friends and family members. I believe that my stroke technique is good (haystack) and the handle is pulling straight (checked this morning). I do have the feeling that my smaller leg is being hyper-extended which makes me think that my right leg may be shorter as suggested by Hanzo. Would altering the height of the foot strap on the smaller side help? If so, which direction? Any other potential solutions to adjust for the asymmetry? Thanks

Not adviceble to put uneven pressure on your body. Keep everthing even.

Measure to know what is the case, even a shorter leg would not matter much I think for your calves. If so maybe you put something under the shorter leg to even things out. But first be sure what is the matter. If needed see yiur doctor/phycio.

[nsgymd]

I looked at my legs in full extension and noted that my right (smaller) leg was lower than my left. I raised the right foot piece one notch which evened the leg heights and I seemed to feel more force through the right foot during subsequent rows.

I have appointments with my physician and a rehab specialist also.

[hjs]

I looked at my legs in full extension and noted that my right (smaller) leg was lower than my left. I raised the right foot piece one notch which evened the leg heights and I seemed to feel more force through the right foot during subsequent rows.

I have appointments with my physician and a rehab specialist also.

Do that first, internet advice on a bit of text is proberly not very usefull.

[Hanzo]

I would like to know what comes out of your visit, as I know I have uneven feets as well. No idea if it matters at all, but I have been thinking about putting just a extra sole on the shorter leg to even out.

[grahamcawood]

May I suggest 2 things.
1. Fit blocks, perhaps 25mm thick, to the heels of your rowing shoes. High enough that your heels never lift.
When rowing relax your calf muscles. Pressure will then be taken heel or toe as is comfortable.
2. Hold the erg handle with hands as far apart as you can. Then ensure that the handle is always square to the chain. Pull on the handle will then be the same left and right.

Have fun!