I'm just about one year into swimming since stopping after college thirty years ago. I always retained great leg strength though biking but seven years ago I developed very bad sciatica at disc L5-S1, and pain down my left leg was excruciating. Three years ago I had a 2nd surgery and finally began recovery. The problem that remains is a tendency (actually more of a certainty) of getting bad cramps in my left calf and both arches in my feet. The chiropractors we get at big swim meets all say any nerve damage would be healed by now and I simply need to strengthen my calf muscle. Using fins will guarantee a cramp in seconds and actually so will a pull-buoy.
Anybody else every had this dilemma?
I have a very extensive running background and used to own a tech running store. Your symptoms sound similar to plantar fasciitis. I know your problem is probably related to your sciatica but maybe your symptoms could be helped using the same measures we use to help folks with the other problem.
Try wearing shoes with a firm mid-sole and a good heel counter all day long. Add a 1/4 inch heel lift to your shoes; if you can find a simple sorbathane heel lift they seem to work very well. Never wear flip-flops, Toms, or shoes with negative heel lift.
They make night time braces for plantar fasciitis but I've never known anyone who had much success with them. The ice massages can give some temporary relief too.
I have a very extensive running background and used to own a tech running store. Your symptoms sound similar to plantar fasciitis. I know your problem is probably related to your sciatica but maybe your symptoms could be helped using the same measures we use to help folks with the other problem.
Try wearing shoes with a firm mid-sole and a good heel counter all day long. Add a 1/4 inch heel lift to your shoes; if you can find a simple sorbathane heel lift they seem to work very well. Never wear flip-flops, Toms, or shoes with negative heel lift.
They make night time braces for plantar fasciitis but I've never known anyone who had much success with them. The ice massages can give some temporary relief too.
