My left leg goes to sleep after about 12 minutes in a boat. I've explored the
possibility of a pressure point on my left hip. I've removed all padding and it
still happens.

I have noticed, though, a sensation around my in-seam -- perhaps even near the
tail bone. Anyone familiar with this? I've started thinking about my days
riding a road bike and wondering if I've damaged a nerve or something.

Any thoughts? Advice?

On 21-Jun-2004, (ReedLB) wrote:

My left leg goes to sleep after about 12 minutes in a boat. I've explored the
possibility of a pressure point on my left hip. I've removed all padding and it
still happens.

If it's going to sleep. it's a circulation problem, not likely a nerve problem.
What you need is more support of your entire rear end. As well, folks find that
if there's support for the back of their thighs, many leg numbness problems are
resolved.

If the seat is kinda flat, try putting some temorary padding on the seat to give
it a shape that matches your backside. You want to spread the load. As well,
add a fat support to the back of your thighs just in front of the seat. Once
you've figured out the right configuration, you can replace the temporary stuff
with permanent.

Mike

I was experiencing the same thing early this spring. I have started walking
3-4 miles 3-4 times a week and the problem with my legs in the kayak has
improved a lot. I think some of the tone I have gained in my backside from
walking has helped keep the blood flowing while seated for long periods. Not
a quick fix but the exercise has improved the overall kayak experience so it
is worthwhile.

--
KENNETH MCCLELLAND
"Michael Daly" wrote in message
...
On 21-Jun-2004, (ReedLB) wrote:

My left leg goes to sleep after about 12 minutes in a boat. I've
explored the
possibility of a pressure point on my left hip. I've removed all padding
and it
still happens.

If it's going to sleep. it's a circulation problem, not likely a nerve
problem.
What you need is more support of your entire rear end. As well, folks
find that
if there's support for the back of their thighs, many leg numbness
problems are
resolved.

If the seat is kinda flat, try putting some temorary padding on the seat
to give
it a shape that matches your backside. You want to spread the load. As
well,
add a fat support to the back of your thighs just in front of the seat.
Once
you've figured out the right configuration, you can replace the temporary
stuff
with permanent.

Mike

Michael Daly wrote:
On 21-Jun-2004, (ReedLB) wrote:


My left leg goes to sleep after about 12 minutes in a boat. I've explored the
possibility of a pressure point on my left hip. I've removed all padding and it
still happens.


If it's going to sleep. it's a circulation problem, not likely a nerve problem.

Actually, it can be either, but it's more likely to be pressure on a
nerve than a circulation problem. Inadequate blood flow will cause other
problems (cramping, etc.) that nerve pressure won't. It's entirely
possible to lose all sensation in a leg and still have proper blood flow.

What you need is more support of your entire rear end. As well, folks find that
if there's support for the back of their thighs, many leg numbness problems are
resolved.

If the seat is kinda flat, try putting some temorary padding on the seat to give
it a shape that matches your backside. You want to spread the load. As well,
add a fat support to the back of your thighs just in front of the seat. Once
you've figured out the right configuration, you can replace the temporary stuff
with permanent.

Good advice.

Thanks to all. I'll keep trying different things.

ReedLB ) writes:
My left leg goes to sleep after about 12 minutes in a boat. I've explored the
possibility of a pressure point on my left hip. I've removed all padding and it
still happens.

I have noticed, though, a sensation around my in-seam -- perhaps even near the
tail bone. Anyone familiar with this? I've started thinking about my days
riding a road bike and wondering if I've damaged a nerve or something.

Any thoughts? Advice?

usual advice is change positions, but every 12 min might be annoying. if
paddling a canoe I'd try changing sides every 10 min and see if that helps.


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On 21 Jun 2004 12:38:06 GMT, (ReedLB) wrote:

My left leg goes to sleep after about 12 minutes in a boat. I've explored the
possibility of a pressure point on my left hip. I've removed all padding and it
still happens.

I have noticed, though, a sensation around my in-seam -- perhaps even near the
tail bone. Anyone familiar with this? I've started thinking about my days
riding a road bike and wondering if I've damaged a nerve or something.

Any thoughts? Advice?


I had almost that exact problem. My left leg would go numb, after a
short paddle. It was not so much a "sleepy leg" as I didn't get pins
and needles as with loss off bloodflow. Much more like a numbness,
perhaps relating to something in the nerves.

Oddly, I resolved the situation simply by adjusting my foot. I set my
footpegs to unequal length, with my left foot out further by a few
notches.

Leg works great now.

C wrote:

On 21 Jun 2004 12:38:06 GMT, (ReedLB) wrote:


My left leg goes to sleep after about 12 minutes in a boat. I've explored the
possibility of a pressure point on my left hip. I've removed all padding and it
still happens.

I have noticed, though, a sensation around my in-seam -- perhaps even near the
tail bone. Anyone familiar with this? I've started thinking about my days
riding a road bike and wondering if I've damaged a nerve or something.

Any thoughts? Advice?

I had almost that exact problem. My left leg would go numb, after a
short paddle. It was not so much a "sleepy leg" as I didn't get pins
and needles as with loss off bloodflow. Much more like a numbness,
perhaps relating to something in the nerves.

Oddly, I resolved the situation simply by adjusting my foot. I set my
footpegs to unequal length, with my left foot out further by a few
notches.

Leg works great now.

That makes sense. It's possible that your legs are uneven lengths, which
is actually very common. This is also a good way to eliminate foot
numbness or pain and will reduce lower back pressure and soreness. You
don't want a tight, whitewater type fit in a touring boat.