For the past couple of years (at least, that’s as long as I can remember it going on), I’ve experienced a recurring pain in my outer two left toes. I’ve tried various shoes, pedals, insoles, bike fits, adjustments to bike fits, stretching/rolling of my leg, massage, yoga, adjustments via chiropractor, and, despite all of those things, the problem has slowly become more frequent, severe, and faster onsetting than in the past. So, with another bout of pain that put me off my bike during the 2nd climb at natz, I decided I’d try to seek medical help.
After asking around some friends, I was directed to OrthoMemphis. I saw a foot specialist who, looked at some xrays and said that there was nothing structurally wrong with my foot or ankle. He scheduled an appointment for a nerve conduction study & EMG, which I went to today.
Well, first I rode the scooter over to a local motorcycle shop (Performance Plus) for some scooter oil… I’ve put close to 800 miles on it since I bought it from FullFace Kenny
Once I utilized the “master mechanic” skill needed to remove a cover and cap then funnel in a full bottle of oil, I then paced around the house until it was time to head up to the EMG clinic.
I had a “this is what’s wrong with America” moment in the waiting room while I watched a kid lay across 4 chairs listening to/watching music videos at full volume on his phone while everyone else crammed themselves into the 4 remaining chairs on the other side of the waiting room.
Luckily, I didn’t have to wait for long. Back in the exam room, I donned a pair of one-size-fits-most paper shorts and crossed my fingers in hopes of finding some sort of diagnosis.
After being shocked and poked with a needle in a multitude of places from back to foot, it was determined that all of my nerves are working properly. The doctor did, however, mention that my symptoms sounded as if my sciatic nerve was being irritated from sitting on it. He suggested getting a highly padded gel saddle to make up for the lack of padding that I’ve got under my backside. I didn’t feel like explaining about how terrible highly padded saddles can be, so I just smiled and took it as a complement to my fitness.
So, now the possible diagnoses include either that, or some sort of vascular problem that’s causing a shutdown of bloodflow to my lower leg. It’d be great to at least figure out the cause before I head off to Colorado again for Breck Epic so I can at least try and avoid some of the pain during the race. Between this, the continuing summer heat/humidity, and my occasional driver-induced anxiety attack…
I decided to console myself with sushi lunch at Sakura.
I was half way to the store to buy some 2 cycle engine oil for a similar problem I am having, when I realized this is two separate stories.
This makes me very uneasy. Extra padding is so bad. You are spreading the pressure to places you REALLY don’t wAnt. Did you get any more recommendations from alternate doctors?
I have a similar problem and it starts with my the side of my calf and into my last two toes. Pain. I fell 3 years ago on the same side, so apparently I did something. For a while it was numb. Now it’s Pain. I’ll take numb. To relieve mine, sitting on a tennis ball helps. Yes, sounds dumb like it’s not your ass that hurts, but if it’s your sciatic nerve it helps. If anyone has diagnosed you with piriformis syndrome, you can bet it’s probably your sciatic nerve. I went through that earlier this year, not sure if it’s both or what. Padded seat. I think my ass just cried a little.
I now want a scooter.
Maybe just try a different seat? I had a similiar problem when using an SLR saddle (and I have plenty of padding of my own). A friend suggested it was my saddle and I totally did not take his advice. He urged me to just try another seat for one day and sure enough, it was my SLR seat!