david baker

You might try putting the cleat mounted to the bottom of your shoe as far
towards the heel as it can go. This helped me for knee pain.
Just a hunch but it's easy to try.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Seth May"
To: "OBRA"
Sent: Friday, June 12, 2009 9:25 AM
Subject: [OBRA Chat] Foot cramps

> All,
> I thought I'd mine to collective knowledge of this group.
>
> Whenever I ride for more than 1.5 hours, my feet start to cramp up. It's
> bearable while I'm on the bike (mainly), but as soon as I remove my shoes
> at home, I can hardly stand sock-footed, until the cramps subside. It has
> been bad enough that I've had to stop riding and massage my feet before I
> could continue riding. The cramps are on the outside of the foot from
> about the base of the small toe, down back to the end of the arch.. It
> gets worse to longer I ride. As might also stand to reason, they are worse
> the harder I ride (20-25mph). I've only noticed this riding on the road,
> but I don't do much mountain biking at the moment.
>
> I've been riding and racing in Specialized shoes for years and have always
> liked them. My current shoe is 3 or 4 years old, but I have the same
> problem in my newer set of shoes as well (both are specialized pro). This
> is not, say, plantar fasciitis (which I've had, feels totally different).
> Since this is non-chronic and so specific to an activity, I haven't felt
> like it's something I should take to a podiatrist. Perhaps I'm wrong.
>
> As another variable, I am (to be polite) a heavier rider (do you have a
> double, extra heavy duty, clydesdale category?). This likely is a
> contributing factor.
>
> I'm planning some nice long rides on 101 this summer and would like to
> enjoy them. Anyone out there experienced similar problems? How did you
> solve them?
>
> Thanks
> Seth
> _______________________________________________
> OBRA mailing list
> obra@list.obra.org
> http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
> Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
>

eric aldinger

Several of the Therapeutic Associates locations have physical therapists
that are trained to do bike fits.

On Fri, Jun 12, 2009 at 11:52 AM, Jack Bennett wrote:

> Seth,
> Jason Surratt is a podiatrist, a rider, and a good guy. He has offices in
> Tigard and LO. (503) 245-2420‎. He's helping me w/ a Morton's neuroma,
> which displays symptoms similar to what you describe.
> Jack
>
> .................................
> Jack Bennett
> bennett.jack@yahoo.com
> .................................
>
> --- On *Fri, 6/12/09, Tim Schauer * wrote:
>
>
> From: Tim Schauer
> Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] Foot cramps
> To: "Seth May" , "OBRA"
> Date: Friday, June 12, 2009, 9:58 AM
>
> Seth,
>
> I have had some similar as well as some different problems with my feet
> over the years (with pain while cycling and walking) and I've tried all
> kinds of metatarsal button pads, arch supports, extra insoles, etc...I even
> went to see a couple of podiatrists. one who had even done some riding...but
> was more of a runner. He provided me some advice on how to utilize/customize
> the above misc pads/buttons/insoles, etc. I got 100% relief in all my
> non-cycling shoes but only limited success in my cycling shoes and, like you
> it is worst when I press/pedal hard for extended periods without easing the
> pressure on my feet. For example, any TT effort over 50 minutes or so begins
> to cause pain that can only be relieved by getting out of my cycling shoes.
> Now, all of this gets worse when it gets hot, as I suspect my feet get a
> little swollen from the heat which make the matter worse. I've been told
> that I have "thinned out" the soft(fatty) pad/cushion on the bottom of my
> feet, particularly i
> n the area of the metatarsal heads and this exposes those bones (& nerves)
> to more intense pressure and thus pain when I pedal for extended periods. I
> was told I need to find a foot bed that supports the entirety of my foots I
> spread the pressure of pedaling over the entire sole of my foot. I was also
> heavily cautioned again "toe down" pedaling and to try to lower my heel
> during my pedal stroke to not drive my front foot into my cycling shoes. I
> should note that I too and not a "feather weight" rider. I have narrow feet
> (size 47) so my problem is not likely a shoe that is too tight.
>
> Blah blah blah about me and my feet...I guess I'm convinced that podiatrist
> or not, I should find someone out there who has very specific experience to
> cycling related foot problems and it also sympathetic to keeping us on the
> bike and not just tell us to take 2 months off and you'll feel better.
>
> So,...I too would appreciate any referrals to any experts out there in OBRA
> land for diagnosing cycling foot problems and finding effective solutions.
>
> -Tim Schauer
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: obra-bounces@list.obra.org[mailto:
> obra-bounces@list.obra.org]
> On Behalf Of Seth May
> Sent: Friday, June 12, 2009 9:26 AM
> To: OBRA
> Subject: [OBRA Chat] Foot cramps
>
> All,
> I thought I'd mine to collective knowledge of this group.
>
> Whenever I ride for more than 1.5 hours, my feet start to cramp up. It's
> bearable while I'm on the bike (mainly), but as soon as I remove my
> shoes at home, I can hardly stand sock-footed, until the cramps subside.
> It has been bad enough that I've had to stop riding and massage my feet
> before I could continue riding. The cramps are on the outside of the
> foot from about the base of the small toe, down back to the end of the
> arch.. It gets worse to longer I ride. As might also stand to reason,
> they are worse the harder I ride (20-25mph). I've only noticed this
> riding on the road, but I don't do much mountain biking at the moment.
>
> I've been riding and racing in Specialized shoes for years and have
> always liked them. My current shoe is 3 or 4 years old, but I have the
> same problem in my newer set of shoes as well (both are specialized
> pro). This is not, say, plantar fasciitis (which I've had, feels totally
> different). Since this is non-chronic and so specific to an activity, I
> haven't felt like it's something I should take to a podiatrist. Perhaps
> I'm wrong.
>
> As another variable, I am (to be polite) a heavier rider (do you have a
> double, extra heavy duty, clydesdale category?). This likely is a
> contributing factor.
>
> I'm planning some nice long rides on 101 this summer and would like to
> enjoy them. Anyone out there experienced similar problems? How did you
> solve them?
>
> Thanks
> Seth
> _______________________________________________
> OBRA mailing list
> obra@list.obra.org
> http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
> Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
> _______________________________________________
> OBRA mailing list
> obra@list.obra.org
> http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
> Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> OBRA mailing list
> obra@list.obra.org
> http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
> Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
>
>

--
iamerichearmeroar

Seth Hosmer

Foot cramps and/or pain are relatively common in cycling. There are a number of potential causes including tight shoes, shoe deformation around a pedal causing focal pressure, pronation/support issues, etc. One of the most frequent causes that I have seen has to do with a rigid sole of the shoe not matching the shape of the riders foot, causing focal pressure points and pain.

In this case, you indicate that is a cramping type feeling, which makes it sound like a muscle is getting over-worked, suggesting that it is a support issue.

Custom orthotics may be helpful, but the first step would be to see a qualified professional that is familiar with cycling and foot pain...figure out exactly what is going on, then suggest treatment from there. Not everybody that has foot pain needs orthotics. That being said, I have seen many cases where orthotics provided immediate and lasting relief.

Seth Hosmer, DC, CSCS
www.HPChiro.com

Jack Bennett

Seth,
Jason Surratt is a podiatrist, a rider, and a good guy. He has offices in Tigard and LO. (503) 245-2420‎. He's helping me w/ a Morton's neuroma, which displays symptoms similar to what you describe.
Jack

.................................

Jack Bennett

bennett.jack@yahoo.com

.................................

--- On Fri, 6/12/09, Tim Schauer wrote:

From: Tim Schauer
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] Foot cramps
To: "Seth May" , "OBRA"
Date: Friday, June 12, 2009, 9:58 AM

Seth,

I have had some similar as well as some different problems with my feet over the years (with pain while cycling and walking) and I've tried all kinds of metatarsal button pads, arch supports, extra insoles, etc...I even went to see a couple of podiatrists. one who had even done some riding...but was more of a runner. He provided me some advice on how to utilize/customize the above misc pads/buttons/insoles, etc. I got 100% relief in all my non-cycling shoes but only limited success in my cycling shoes and, like you it is worst when I press/pedal hard for extended periods without easing the pressure on my feet. For example, any TT effort over 50 minutes or so begins to cause pain that can only be relieved by getting out of my cycling shoes. Now, all of this gets worse when it gets hot, as I suspect my feet get a little swollen from the heat which make the matter worse. I've been told that I have "thinned out" the soft(fatty) pad/cushion on the bottom of
my feet, particularly i
n the area of the metatarsal heads and this exposes those bones (& nerves) to more intense pressure and thus pain when I pedal for extended periods. I was told I need to find a foot bed that supports the entirety of my foots I spread the pressure of pedaling over the entire sole of my foot. I was also heavily cautioned again "toe down" pedaling and to try to lower my heel during my pedal stroke to not drive my front foot into my cycling shoes. I should note that I too and not a "feather weight" rider. I have narrow feet (size 47) so my problem is not likely a shoe that is too tight.

Blah blah blah about me and my feet...I guess I'm convinced that podiatrist or not, I should find someone out there who has very specific experience to cycling related foot problems and it also sympathetic to keeping us on the bike and not just tell us to take 2 months off and you'll feel better.

So,...I too would appreciate any referrals to any experts out there in OBRA land for diagnosing cycling foot problems and finding effective solutions.

-Tim Schauer

-----Original Message-----
From: obra-bounces@list.obra.org [mailto:obra-bounces@list.obra.org] On Behalf Of Seth May
Sent: Friday, June 12, 2009 9:26 AM
To: OBRA
Subject: [OBRA Chat] Foot cramps

All,
I thought I'd mine to collective knowledge of this group.

Whenever I ride for more than 1.5 hours, my feet start to cramp up. It's
bearable while I'm on the bike (mainly), but as soon as I remove my
shoes at home, I can hardly stand sock-footed, until the cramps subside.
It has been bad enough that I've had to stop riding and massage my feet
before I could continue riding. The cramps are on the outside of the
foot from about the base of the small toe, down back to the end of the
arch.. It gets worse to longer I ride. As might also stand to reason,
they are worse the harder I ride (20-25mph). I've only noticed this
riding on the road, but I don't do much mountain biking at the moment.

I've been riding and racing in Specialized shoes for years and have
always liked them. My current shoe is 3 or 4 years old, but I have the
same problem in my newer set of shoes as well (both are specialized
pro). This is not, say, plantar fasciitis (which I've had, feels totally
different). Since this is non-chronic and so specific to an activity, I
haven't felt like it's something I should take to a podiatrist. Perhaps
I'm wrong.

As another variable, I am (to be polite) a heavier rider (do you have a
double, extra heavy duty, clydesdale category?). This likely is a
contributing factor.

I'm planning some nice long rides on 101 this summer and would like to
enjoy them. Anyone out there experienced similar problems? How did you
solve them?

Thanks
Seth
_______________________________________________
OBRA mailing list
obra@list.obra.org
http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
_______________________________________________
OBRA mailing list
obra@list.obra.org
http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org

Russell @ Upper Echelon Fitness

Scott Peterson comes to Portland about once a month now, working out of
P.A.C.E. facility in North Portland. He will be here next on June 26th and
27th. I agree, he is an excellent resource for this, as he is one of the
leaders in orthotics for cycling. There is more info on my website:
www.upperechelonfitness.com

RC

Russell Cree, DPT
Upper Echelon Fitness, LLC
Coaching I Bike Fitting I Phys Testing I Physical Therapy
www.upperechelonfitness.com
Phone: 503.501.8121
Fax: 503.345.0999

On Fri, Jun 12, 2009 at 10:52 AM, Joshua Creem wrote:

> If you're in Bend or willing to make the trip, get an appointment with
> Scott Peterson. (541)617-1505. Amazing diagnostic abilities, orthotic
> tools, and tons of experience with runners and cyclists. Most likely he's
> come across and fixed a problem like yours in the past.
>
> If you want to stay local, Seth Hosmer may be able to help.
> http://www.hpchiro.com/HPChiro/. He does chiropractic, bike fittings and
> orthotics and has a keen understanding of biomechanics.
>
> Both have really helped me with bike-related issues (especially at the foot
> and ankle level) and are great at explaining the issues and the solutions.
>
> Good luck!
>
> Joshua
> _______________________________________________
> OBRA mailing list
> obra@list.obra.org
> http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
> Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
>

Joshua Creem

If you're in Bend or willing to make the trip, get an appointment with Scott Peterson. (541)617-1505. Amazing diagnostic abilities, orthotic tools, and tons of experience with runners and cyclists. Most likely he's come across and fixed a problem like yours in the past.

If you want to stay local, Seth Hosmer may be able to help. http://www.hpchiro.com/HPChiro/. He does chiropractic, bike fittings and orthotics and has a keen understanding of biomechanics.

Both have really helped me with bike-related issues (especially at the foot and ankle level) and are great at explaining the issues and the solutions.

Good luck!

Joshua

Tim Schauer

Seth,

I have had some similar as well as some different problems with my feet over the years (with pain while cycling and walking) and I've tried all kinds of metatarsal button pads, arch supports, extra insoles, etc...I even went to see a couple of podiatrists. one who had even done some riding...but was more of a runner. He provided me some advice on how to utilize/customize the above misc pads/buttons/insoles, etc. I got 100% relief in all my non-cycling shoes but only limited success in my cycling shoes and, like you it is worst when I press/pedal hard for extended periods without easing the pressure on my feet. For example, any TT effort over 50 minutes or so begins to cause pain that can only be relieved by getting out of my cycling shoes. Now, all of this gets worse when it gets hot, as I suspect my feet get a little swollen from the heat which make the matter worse. I've been told that I have "thinned out" the soft(fatty) pad/cushion on the bottom of my feet, particularly in the area of the metatarsal heads and this exposes those bones (& nerves) to more intense pressure and thus pain when I pedal for extended periods. I was told I need to find a foot bed that supports the entirety of my foots I spread the pressure of pedaling over the entire sole of my foot. I was also heavily cautioned again "toe down" pedaling and to try to lower my heel during my pedal stroke to not drive my front foot into my cycling shoes. I should note that I too and not a "feather weight" rider. I have narrow feet (size 47) so my problem is not likely a shoe that is too tight.

Blah blah blah about me and my feet...I guess I'm convinced that podiatrist or not, I should find someone out there who has very specific experience to cycling related foot problems and it also sympathetic to keeping us on the bike and not just tell us to take 2 months off and you'll feel better.

So,...I too would appreciate any referrals to any experts out there in OBRA land for diagnosing cycling foot problems and finding effective solutions.

-Tim Schauer

-----Original Message-----
From: obra-bounces@list.obra.org [mailto:obra-bounces@list.obra.org] On Behalf Of Seth May
Sent: Friday, June 12, 2009 9:26 AM
To: OBRA
Subject: [OBRA Chat] Foot cramps

All,
I thought I'd mine to collective knowledge of this group.

Whenever I ride for more than 1.5 hours, my feet start to cramp up. It's
bearable while I'm on the bike (mainly), but as soon as I remove my
shoes at home, I can hardly stand sock-footed, until the cramps subside.
It has been bad enough that I've had to stop riding and massage my feet
before I could continue riding. The cramps are on the outside of the
foot from about the base of the small toe, down back to the end of the
arch.. It gets worse to longer I ride. As might also stand to reason,
they are worse the harder I ride (20-25mph). I've only noticed this
riding on the road, but I don't do much mountain biking at the moment.

I've been riding and racing in Specialized shoes for years and have
always liked them. My current shoe is 3 or 4 years old, but I have the
same problem in my newer set of shoes as well (both are specialized
pro). This is not, say, plantar fasciitis (which I've had, feels totally
different). Since this is non-chronic and so specific to an activity, I
haven't felt like it's something I should take to a podiatrist. Perhaps
I'm wrong.

As another variable, I am (to be polite) a heavier rider (do you have a
double, extra heavy duty, clydesdale category?). This likely is a
contributing factor.

I'm planning some nice long rides on 101 this summer and would like to
enjoy them. Anyone out there experienced similar problems? How did you
solve them?

Thanks
Seth
_______________________________________________
OBRA mailing list
obra@list.obra.org
http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org

Seth May

All,
I thought I'd mine to collective knowledge of this group.

Whenever I ride for more than 1.5 hours, my feet start to cramp up. It's
bearable while I'm on the bike (mainly), but as soon as I remove my
shoes at home, I can hardly stand sock-footed, until the cramps subside.
It has been bad enough that I've had to stop riding and massage my feet
before I could continue riding. The cramps are on the outside of the
foot from about the base of the small toe, down back to the end of the
arch.. It gets worse to longer I ride. As might also stand to reason,
they are worse the harder I ride (20-25mph). I've only noticed this
riding on the road, but I don't do much mountain biking at the moment.

I've been riding and racing in Specialized shoes for years and have
always liked them. My current shoe is 3 or 4 years old, but I have the
same problem in my newer set of shoes as well (both are specialized
pro). This is not, say, plantar fasciitis (which I've had, feels totally
different). Since this is non-chronic and so specific to an activity, I
haven't felt like it's something I should take to a podiatrist. Perhaps
I'm wrong.

As another variable, I am (to be polite) a heavier rider (do you have a
double, extra heavy duty, clydesdale category?). This likely is a
contributing factor.

I'm planning some nice long rides on 101 this summer and would like to
enjoy them. Anyone out there experienced similar problems? How did you
solve them?

Thanks
Seth