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xl_cheese 100+
Joined: 01 May 2003 Posts: 223
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Posted: Thu Sep 16, 2004 7:40 am GMT +0000 Post subject: 24 hour side effects |
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I did the solo 24 last weekend. Should I be concerned that my left big toe is still numb. It's not too bad. Kind of like it has fallen asleep.
My hands are still weak, but they are slowly returning to normal. It's the weirdest feeling. My hands have felt like rubber since monday morning.
Thanks. |
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The Bike Doc 250+
Joined: 08 May 2003 Posts: 1398 Location: Corpus Christi and Warda, Texas
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Posted: Thu Sep 16, 2004 10:57 am GMT +0000 Post subject: |
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xl_cheese:
Your toe numbness is likely due to prolonged nerve compression from being on the bike for as long as you were. Clipless pedal can concentrate pressure to the nerves between the toes and prolonged compression can lead to numbness. Additionally, shoes that are too tight can squeeze the foot bones together and compress the nerves. Shoes that fit fine at the start of the race may be too tight several hours into the race due to swelling that occurs normally in the feet and legs with being up for prolonged peroids of time. How long will it last is uncertain. It may take days, weeks or even months before sensation can return depending on the degree of compression nerve injury that you incurred.
While you are waiting for the numbness to resolve, look seriously at going either with platform pedals or switching to a broader based clipless pedal system such as Speed Play Frogs, Time Attacks or some of the SPD style down hill pedals with built in platforms and get a set of shoes with a rigid carbon fiber sole to help discipate the pressure from the pedal. Make sure your shoes fit comfortably. The best time to try shoes on is late in the day when your feet will have some normal increase in their diameter from the swelling that occurs.
If your symptoms persist or worsen, see a Podiatrist, a foot doctor, as you may have a neuroma which is a swelling along the shaft of a nerve in the foot that can lead to numbness when it is compressed.
Your hands sound like they are on the recovery mode. It is a good idea to stay off the bike for a week or two to allow time for things to heal. Do some swimming as cross training to take the load off your hands and feet while you are recovering from your solo effort.
Thanks, _________________ Paul K. Nolan, MD
AKA: The Bike Doc |
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xl_cheese 100+
Joined: 01 May 2003 Posts: 223
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Posted: Tue Sep 21, 2004 3:48 pm GMT +0000 Post subject: |
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Thanks for the advise doc! I actually did some recovery rides on wed-sat following the 24 hr which I feel helped a lot. After the first easy ride I felt much better. When I say easy I mean EASY.
The toe is about 95% better and the hands are still a bit weak. About 75% strenght so far (1.5 weeks). Racing x-bar on sunday sure didn't help. My hands took a pounding on that course. |
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The Bike Doc 250+
Joined: 08 May 2003 Posts: 1398 Location: Corpus Christi and Warda, Texas
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Posted: Tue Sep 21, 2004 6:03 pm GMT +0000 Post subject: |
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xl_cheese:
Next year, plan on a 24 hour 5 person team, have fun but keep the body abuse down. I am glad to hear you are doing better.
Thanks, _________________ Paul K. Nolan, MD
AKA: The Bike Doc |
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