New shoes, left leg falling asleep
Last Post 03/19/2015 11:19 AM by thinline .. 36 Replies.
Author Messages
6ix

Posts:485

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10/14/2013 04:18 PM
This is weird. Just picked up a pair of the new Specialized S-Works road shoes and have found my left leg going numb along with my foot completely falling asleep even on short rides. I don't have much power to begin with so this definitely sucks. The shoes are replacing 2012 S-Works. Same exact size. When trying them on at the store, they felt like slippers and very, very similar to my other shoes. Pretty disappointed because I wanted them for over a year and paid a lot. My theory is that it's because the Boa cables are placed a bit higher up and are on top of a thinner tongue. I think it's digging into my foot and cutting off some of the circulation. Why my leg is going numb doesn't make sense though.
Cosmic Kid

Posts:4209

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10/14/2013 04:26 PM
have you tried the older shoes since getting the new ones? If not, do that and see if the same thing happens.

have you changed anything else recently, like the saddle?
Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!
mondonico

Posts:158

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10/14/2013 08:16 PM
Maybe it has something to do with your cleat placement. Perhaps it's changed the say you sit on your saddle and is pinching a nerve is you ars or ass. Does seem strange that you leg would go numb, but what do I know.
79pmooney

Posts:3178

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10/15/2013 01:12 AM
Could the shoes have different thicknesses, changing your effective saddle heights?

Ben
Pin0Q0

Posts:229

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10/15/2013 07:07 AM
I have had similar experience with new shoes but only in the foot and not in the leg and took me months to get it right. I found that if the pain is at the bottom of your feet, the ratchet/strap is too tight. So start with it really loose and tighten as you go until you feel the pain coming. If the pain is on the side of the feet, then it’s arch support.

I’ve been using Super Feet insole for arch support, which has helped. Comes in three colors for low, Med and High arch support. Finally make sure the ball of your feet is sitting directly on the pedal and not in front of it. Play with the positioning of the cleat from side to side. Take an Allen key with you and adjust it back and forth while riding, you’ll immediately feel it. My left foot cleat is positioned differently than my right. Finally new shoes have to be broken in so it may be just a matter of time.
Pin0Q0

Posts:229

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10/15/2013 08:59 AM
Sorry - My fault your mistake - Pain at the side is too tight and on the bottom it's support.
Cosmic Kid

Posts:4209

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10/15/2013 10:32 AM
Good call by mondonico on possible cleat placement issues. Definitely check that.
Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!
zootracer

Posts:833

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10/15/2013 12:02 PM
One reason I never change brands of shoes. Long time Shimano user. I use Specialized shoe inserts (green). I used Superfeet for years. I prefer the Specialized. I have high arches and the Specialized provide more midfoot support.

I suppose if you are pinching a nerve, associated with saddle height. The thing to do would be to lower your saddle a tad. Maybe a couple of mm's.
6ix

Posts:485

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10/15/2013 01:34 PM
Just returned from a quick ride, albeit a hard one up a nearby climb. Wore my old shoes and found that my foot didn't fall asleep. Well, maybe just a little but they were substantially more comfortable because the wire over the tongue wasn't digging into my foot. I mounted the cleats on the new shoes exactly the same and haven't changed anything else. No new saddle, pedals or seat height.

I'd say I have my answer now but I'm still feeling very sluggish and weak. Was a bit worried that it would turn out to be yet another blood-clot/DVT but it isn't swollen or painful at all. Still, something is amiss.
zootracer

Posts:833

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10/15/2013 01:42 PM
Maybe you should see a doc, just in case...
jacques_anquetil

Posts:245

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10/15/2013 07:57 PM
KR turned me onto the LeMond LeWedges a few years back and found they did the trick to calm the hot spots and feet falling asleep for me. VN forum = highly recommended.
Orange Crush

Posts:4499

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10/16/2013 11:35 AM
Foot falling asleep is likely attributable to shoe but entire leg going numb would tend to indicate a need for (more) stretching; that's the only thing that worked for me when I had similar problems.
stinkyhelmet

Posts:94

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10/16/2013 12:11 PM
6ix, the Specialized shoes come with supportive insoles. Check to see if they are the same in both sets of shoes. From their website, Red = minimal contours for riders that prefer minimal support. Blue = moderate (slightly higher longitudinal arch & metatarsal button) = for people with flat to standard arch. Green = significant support = for people with standard or high arches
6ix

Posts:485

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10/18/2013 09:43 AM
Thanks for all of the suggestions!! I was actually using the same insoles from the old shoes even though they appear to be identical to the red ones supplied with the new shoes. I took a really close look at the two shoes and noticed that the Boa wire that runs across the top of the shoe (above the tongue) is higher on the new shoes. This is probably why they feel like they are pinching my feet. It's only about 8-10mm difference but it's definitely noticeable. Since the tongue is so thin, it exacerbates the problem.

Funny that Jacques mentioned LeWedges as I actually have a set of those sitting around!

The most comfortable shoes I've ever worn were Carnac Ellipses. They have a super soft and squishy neoprene upper. Sure, they were incredibly heavy but they worked. Unfortunately, Carnac has all but disappeared.
Keith Richards

Posts:781

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10/18/2013 04:56 PM
I swear be LeWedges! I have two on my left foot and one on my right. Keeps everything moving in a straight line.

I tried the Specialized shoes when they first came out with their body geometry sole and insoles. Just didn't feel as good as my Sidi Genius shoes. Been wearing the same brand and model for almost 20 years.
----- It is his word versus ours. We like our word. We like where we stand and we like our credibility."--Lance Armstrong.
6ix

Posts:485

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10/27/2013 09:33 AM
I'm still finding that my left leg is falling asleep/dead weight while riding and then stays that way for the rest of the day. I've suffered from DVT (deep vein thrombosis) and pulmonary embolisms in the past so it wouldn't surprise me if there is something a bit more serious going on.

Or it could be my Iliac artery is getting pinched, like Florencio in this article: http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/15709/Florencio-explains-narrowing-of-Iliac-artery-has-forced-his-retirement-will-take-up-a-sporting-director-role-with-Katusha.aspx
Pin0Q0

Posts:229

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10/30/2013 06:07 PM
Make sure your saddle is perfectly horizontal using a level. If it is try tilting the nose down about two to three degrees.
6ix

Posts:485

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10/18/2014 03:26 PM
Finally figured out the problem!! Had an arteriogram yesterday to test the blood-flow in the artery in my left leg. All is good until I flew my calf. Then, the entire artery gets closed off just below my knee. It's called Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome. I can have surgery to release the artery. Doesn't sound too awful pleasant and is further complicated by the fact I'm on blood-thinners. Once I find out what the recovery time will be, I'll make the decision on whether or not to proceed.
It's nice to finally have an answer. At least I'm not crazy as I was starting to wonder if I was making it all up. I've dropped over 50lbs and am now sitting at 159 with a power-to-weight ratio of just under 4 watts/kg. I'm pretty happy with that but it sucks knowing I'm being held back too.
Cosmic Kid

Posts:4209

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10/18/2014 03:38 PM
4 watts / kg?

Niiiice!!!

Sucks about the Entrapment issue. Let us know what you decide to do....I'll obviously be interested to see how you deal with the thinner issue.
Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!
6ix

Posts:485

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10/18/2014 04:12 PM
I actually had to deal with the blood-thinners this time. I had to stop coumadin for 5 days prior to the operation and bridge with Lovenox shots. Lovely...injecting yourself in the stomach twice a day. Anyhow, that drops your INR but the Lovenox is there just in case any clots pop up. So now that the procedure is over and I'm in the clear, I'm back on coumadin but still using Lovenox until my INR returns to a therapuetic level. I'm supposed to be 2-3. If I go ahead with this other surgery, I'll have to do this whole song and dance again!!
I actually had my wattage higher earlier in the year but I also lost a lot of weight since then. I was only able to hold 290 watts during my last FTP test.
Cosmic Kid

Posts:4209

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10/18/2014 05:53 PM
I was *only* able to hold 290 watts during my last FTP test.


FTFY. Damn impressive.

I never checked my FTP when I was near my peak this year....but I averaged 267w at Nationals for the 40k bike. Seemed a bit high, especially since it was not a standalone effort and I forgot to calibrate the PowerTap before the race....if it was accurate, then my FTP would have been in the 280-ish range, I think.
Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!
Dale

Posts:1767

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10/18/2014 09:05 PM
Lovenox in the stomach… that smarts! I did that one time, the rest of the shots went in my quad and it was zero pain.

Congrats on finding the issue.
6ix

Posts:485

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10/30/2014 05:39 PM
Still searching for a surgeon to perform the procedure to fix the Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome. Met with an orthopedic surgeon earlier this week only to be told he's never done the operation before and that he thought a vascular surgeon would do it anyhow. Well, nice waste of time there!

On the bright side, I did yet another 20-minute FTP test today on the trainer. I wasn't taking 95% of the wattage into my earlier calculations but this time I finished it with a 296 watts average at 72 kg (158 lbs.) That's 3.9 watts/kg!! I'm happy with that!! Think the highest I ever got when racing was around 4.2 or something so that's some major progress. And that's with my leg being silly.

Then I see what the professionals can do and I shed a tear. Darn freaks of nature.
6ix

Posts:485

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03/16/2015 08:47 AM
As a little follow-up on this topic for anyone that's interested, I had surgery this past Friday at Univ. of Virginia. My vascular surgeon here in Asheville sent me a specialist there. The issue ended up being Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome. I have a 6-7" long incision in the shape of an "S" behind my knee where they released the artery from the muscle. Lots of pain as one would expect. Probably 5-6 weeks off the bike. At first I was thinking "whatever" when they said that long for recovery but now that I know how much pain there is, I understand. When I would push down on the pedals before surgery, the pulse would disappear at my foot but that's been fixed. Surgery was a success! Now I just have to deal with recovery and doing nothing while the weather is beautiful outside.
Master50

Posts:340

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03/16/2015 08:57 AM
I had similar symptoms that turned out to be 2 things. Shoes were too tight and Bont shoes cured that but the big one was the Iliac artery was the reason for the leg cramping up. Had the surgery and it has been good.
Cosmic Kid

Posts:4209

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03/16/2015 10:00 AM
Glad the surgery went well, 6ix....Heal fast!

Shoot me an e-mail when you get a chance....may have something to help fill the time while you heal.
Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!
zootracer

Posts:833

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03/16/2015 10:11 AM
You should recover fast and be back on your bike in no time.....
Dale

Posts:1767

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03/16/2015 11:00 AM
Good news! Heal up quick then get back and punish the bike.
ChinookPass

Posts:809

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03/16/2015 11:16 AM
glad the docs found it. Riding should be fun again.
SideBySide

Posts:444

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03/16/2015 03:27 PM
Best of luck. Should we hope for bad weather? No, I don't think so.
Master50

Posts:340

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03/16/2015 06:43 PM
Posted By Evan Solida on 03/16/2015 08:47 AM
As a little follow-up on this topic for anyone that's interested, I had surgery this past Friday at Univ. of Virginia. My vascular surgeon here in Asheville sent me a specialist there. The issue ended up being Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome. I have a 6-7" long incision in the shape of an "S" behind my knee where they released the artery from the muscle. Lots of pain as one would expect. Probably 5-6 weeks off the bike. At first I was thinking "whatever" when they said that long for recovery but now that I know how much pain there is, I understand. When I would push down on the pedals before surgery, the pulse would disappear at my foot but that's been fixed. Surgery was a success! Now I just have to deal with recovery and doing nothing while the weather is beautiful outside.


Bad timing of my last post. I take it they did not alter the artery but released it from a muscle that was blocking it? I had to keep my activity down just to prevent bursting the artery. Almost 6 weeks off the bike and 4 at home.
longslowdistance

Posts:2881

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03/16/2015 06:57 PM
Good news 6ix.
Smart and honorable move by your honest local doc to send you to UVa. What says even more to me is that Asheville has a lot of very, very good docs, mostly trained at top programs at UNC and Duke. They want to live in Asheville. The groups there get the cream of the crop when hiring.
There are several types of popliteal entrapment and some are trickier than others to fix. So getting referred to UVa says a lot about all concerned.
(UVa only got a 2 seed but I think they'll go far!)

General medical advice:
Operations go best where the specific procedure is done a lot. Practice makes perfect.
Try to find out to whom the MDs go and take their family members. That's the doc for you, too.

As for the OP's numb leg, it's got to be more than just the shoes.
Oldfart

Posts:511

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03/16/2015 11:55 PM
Good to hear you are on the road to recovery. In the grand scheme of things 6 weeks is nothing. I have had two blown ACL's each of which resulted in five or six months off from real riding, crutches and lots of rehab. You key on the progression of the rehab and healing and see the results. That kept me happy, kept me working the rehab.
6ix

Posts:485

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03/17/2015 04:14 PM
Thanks to everyone for the kind words and support. Leg is extremely swollen and is pretty painful but that's to be expected. Trying to stretch it, apply ice and keep it elevated as much as possible. Definitely helps to have an occupational therapist for a wife!! She won't let me mess this up.

Yeah, I give my local vascular surgeon a lot of credit for simply saying the procedure wasn't really his thing. Far better than experimenting. Can't be a specialist at everything! The 6-hour drive to UVA wasn't fun but I'm sure worth it in the end.

As Master50 mentioned, they didn't perform a bypass of the artery so that will reduce recovery time and the inherent risk.

So, my guess is 5-6 weeks off the bike so that puts me back in the saddle in late April. Probably take 6-8 weeks to get most of my fitness and strength back but once I do, look out! The artery was obviously sapping me of power so I should come back stronger. Heck, maybe I'll even hop in a race this summer. French Broad Classic perhaps? I ride the TT course nearly every single day. Just need to find a TT bike!
Keith Richards

Posts:781

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03/18/2015 12:52 PM
Glad you got a good diagnosis and outcome bro!
----- It is his word versus ours. We like our word. We like where we stand and we like our credibility."--Lance Armstrong.
SideBySide

Posts:444

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03/18/2015 06:10 PM
I'll keep my fingers crossed for you, good luck.
thinline

Posts:323

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03/19/2015 11:19 AM
Glad to hear about the positive outcome. You will just love riding that much more as your strength comes back!


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