Left leg issues when driving - help?

[Zeffy94]

From a comfort perspective, I will say that there are days when I'm tempted to swap for something like a Golf R. The traffic on my commute is getting worse, and the total lack of lumbar support combined with the super notchy 1st to 2nd shift (the higher the RPM, the worse it fights me) is really starting to wear on me. I know that the R is a much better car for raw performance, but there are admittedly days when I'm starting to question my original "I'll keep this car forever" statement. I think that a Grand Touring type car would be much more comfortable to commute in.

Yes, that’s how I feel as well. This car feels amazing at 9 or 10/10, but I’m usually only able to use 6/10 if I try hard enough. I love the car though, I just wonder if (assuming there’s nothing wrong with me) it’s worth continuing to hold onto it knowing it’s causing me physical distress.

The lack of lumbar support is doing some thing to me I’m sure of it. I never had as bad pain as I do now before I bought this car. Admittedly, I am fairly inactive in terms of physical fitness, but I like to think that I would have noticed pains for clutching in and out within the first days of driving manual.. not 18 months after I started.

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[Caestus]

Yes, that’s how I feel as well. This car feels amazing at 9 or 10/10, but I’m usually only able to use 6/10 if I try hard enough. I love the car though, I just wonder if (assuming there’s nothing wrong with me) it’s worth continuing to hold onto it knowing it’s causing me physical distress.

The lack of lumbar support is doing some thing to me I’m sure of it. I never had as bad pain as I do now before I bought this car. Admittedly, I am fairly inactive in terms of physical fitness, but I like to think that I would have noticed pains for clutching in and out within the first days of driving manual.. not 18 months after I started.

You can buy pillows to provide Lumbar Support.

Also.... If you really are only 120 lbs.... Some weight training could help.

 

[davemarco]

Yes, that’s how I feel as well. This car feels amazing at 9 or 10/10, but I’m usually only able to use 6/10 if I try hard enough. I love the car though, I just wonder if (assuming there’s nothing wrong with me) it’s worth continuing to hold onto it knowing it’s causing me physical distress.

The lack of lumbar support is doing some thing to me I’m sure of it. I never had as bad pain as I do now before I bought this car. Admittedly, I am fairly inactive in terms of physical fitness, but I like to think that I would have noticed pains for clutching in and out within the first days of driving manual.. not 18 months after I started.

To be honest, from what you've said, there's definitely something "wrong" physically. Based on your young age, it is most likely just a specific physical weakness/imbalance that can corrected through targeted physiotherapy (as opposed to a major structural injury, like Stenosis.) It could be something as innocuous as a pelvic tilt or hip hike that has been gradually worsening due to postural issues over time. Maybe it's finally reached the point at which it can cause you pain during this specific activity - no one could say definitively without a full workup.

Get a full workup by a sports-specific medical professional.

 

[Zeffy94]

No pain driving home today in the RAV4. I did however experience a rather sharp pain in my ankle after walking around at work today. After that ankle pain, the back pain returned and then went away when driving.

Debating on which car to take tomorrow... regardless something is definitely wrong because the pain is becoming intermittent even when not driving, and it’s all over the place it seems.

 

[boosted180sx]

take the Rav4 until you can get it checked.

 

[Patriots1959]

Last week I got stuck in stop and go traffic due to an accident. After about 20 min of crawling (and I was keeping a decent distance to avoid stopping too much) and I had serious pain in my entire left leg to the point where it almost went fully numb. Since that moment, I’ve been noticing recently that operating the clutch seemingly is straining my leg more and more. This hadn’t happened really even when I was learning how to drive stick.

I have extremely flat feet and I also have a hard time finding a good seating position - the one I found is the most comfortable I can get. My shoes are large (13) and I don’t have much room to push the clutch without running into the top of the firewall behind the pedals. Where my foot makes contact with the clutch is right near the toes, which is an area that constantly gives me pain when pushing the clutch in and out repeatedly. Since I have no arch in my foot there’s nothing really cushioning the impact.

I’ve read that Honda and Acura cars are known for having not enough seating or wheel adjustments to where they can become problematic for certain people over time. I wouldn’t think my body (125 lbs 5’11) would have issues there but it’s becoming more of an issue and it’s worrying me. I get anxiety about getting stuck in another jam like that because by the time traffic started moving I could barely operate the clutch with any precision.

I’m scheduling something with a podiatrist to figure out if I have some undiagnosed condition that would cause leg issues when driving (note that it’s primarily the left leg only) but in the meantime is there anything you guys can suggest? The shocking part is I’m only 25 years old so you would think I shouldn’t have issues like this.

Really wish the seat, although very comfortable, had more adjustability, because I can’t go too far back without feeling like I don’t depress the clutch all the way. At the same time, since it’s not power operated, I only have a limited number of positions I can use to start with. I also tried the Porsche seating position video which helped but does not alleviate the leg pain.

Like you I have flat feet. "Bucket" style seats such as in our CTR and my old Corolla with limited lumbar support are terrible for the back. I also had your same leg pain issue several years ago including lower back pain. It got so bad I once collapsed carrying something heavy up my stairs then I couldn't walk for two days. After a month physical therapy and regular chiropractor appointments since then I've been mostly pain free for the past 2-3 years.

My suggestion for you: Consider getting something to adjust your seating position such as sitting on a folded towel or small pillow, rolling a small towel for lower back support or purchase cheap seat pads - cushioning your rear and lower back may relieve the leg pain. Perhaps get something like a full car seat support set or find a local store which specializes in creating custom pads to fit the CTR's unique car seat and provide support (custom sets are usually $500+). I use a rolled towel for my lower back on long trips. On short trips I don't need it.

You may need to do more stretching or specialized exercises to strengthen the muscles which are causing you pain. As you suggested a Podiatrist is good - also look for a Pedorthist's Shop (a person who works in the design, manufacture, fit and/or modification of footwear and orthoses to alleviate foot problems caused by disease, congenital defect, overuse or injury). Good luck!

 

[Zeffy94]

Like you I have flat feet. "Bucket" style seats such as in our CTR and my old Corolla with limited lumbar support are terrible for the back. I also had your same leg pain issue several years ago including lower back pain. It got so bad I once collapsed carrying something heavy up my stairs then I couldn't walk for two days. After a month physical therapy and regular chiropractor appointments since then I've been mostly pain free for the past 2-3 years.

My suggestion for you: Consider getting something to adjust your seating position such as sitting on a folded towel or small pillow, rolling a small towel for lower back support or purchase cheap seat pads - cushioning your rear and lower back may relieve the leg pain. Perhaps get something like a full car seat support set or find a local store which specializes in creating custom pads to fit the CTR's unique car seat and provide support (custom sets are usually $500+). I use a rolled towel for my lower back on long trips. On short trips I don't need it.

You may need to do more stretching or specialized exercises to strengthen the muscles which are causing you pain. As you suggested a Podiatrist is good - also look for a Pedorthist's Shop (a person who works in the design, manufacture, fit and/or modification of footwear and orthoses to alleviate foot problems caused by disease, congenital defect, overuse or injury). Good luck!

Yeah the pain has gotten to the point where it kept me out of work today. Although, I was able to drive my dads ILX for about 3 hours without any issues or pains.

I’ll try the towel trick - I tried it in the past but I could never get the position right, but it may be worth trying again. Until I see the podiatrist though it’s only a temp fix.

Glad to see I’m not the only one who had these issues. I have found that these seats simply by themselves don’t give good back support. They sure are somewhat soft though, wish the ride was too over less-than-well-maintained roads (or all of PA/NJ). I can say that these pains are some of the worst I’ve experienced and I want to keep them at bay.

Regarding the seat pads, do you have links to any in particular?

 

[davemarco]

Yeah the pain has gotten to the point where it kept me out of work today. Although, I was able to drive my dads ILX for about 3 hours without any issues or pains.

I’ll try the towel trick - I tried it in the past but I could never get the position right, but it may be worth trying again. Until I see the podiatrist though it’s only a temp fix.

Glad to see I’m not the only one who had these issues. I have found that these seats simply by themselves don’t give good back support. They sure are somewhat soft though, wish the ride was too over less-than-well-maintained roads (or all of PA/NJ). I can say that these pains are some of the worst I’ve experienced and I want to keep them at bay.

Regarding the seat pads, do you have links to any in particular?

Respectfully, if the back and leg pain is severe enough to keep you out of work, then a DPM (podiatrist) isn’t going to cut it. In some ways, they’re only a half step above Chriopractors. You need to see an Ortho ASAP.

Pain that severe needs imaging and Physiotherapy, not a back pillow and orthotics.

 

[Zeffy94]

Respectfully, if the back and leg pain is severe enough to keep you out of work, then a DPM (podiatrist) isn’t going to cut it. In some ways, they’re only a half step above Chriopractors. You need to see an Ortho ASAP.

Pain that severe needs imaging and Physiotherapy, not a back pillow and orthotics.

It seems like the back pain is brought on by the foot pain, which is why I think a podiatrist is a good first start. I do think the fact my back pain lasts far longer than the foot/leg pain after driving is a concerning factor though, and I will attempt to see when an ortho can see me (seems like every specialist I call is booked a week in advance).

FWIW I drove the CTR to work today, and 30 min in the pain returned, but it wasn’t as bad. I shifted the seat recline angle back one notch which sort of helped the leg pain. However the back pain, despite having a pillow to hold it, was ever present and it became far worse after I got out of my car. I think the suspension is what makes the pain worse after it starts... ugh

 

[Zeffy94]

So after doing some research it sounds like the back pain is sciatica, which apparently can be caused from flat feet. The pain is made a lot worse when driving the CTR, so until I get seen, I am pretty much unable to drive it.

What sucks is that this is my 18 month anniversary of owning it, and I couldn’t even enjoy a spirited drive with it.

 

[davemarco]

So after doing some research it sounds like the back pain is sciatica, which apparently can be caused from flat feet. The pain is made a lot worse when driving the CTR, so until I get seen, I am pretty much unable to drive it.

What sucks is that this is my 18 month anniversary of owning it, and I couldn’t even enjoy a spirited drive with it.

I hope you feel better soon sir. I've said all that I can - I hope that you get the help that you need.

 

[tinyman392]

So after doing some research it sounds like the back pain is sciatica, which apparently can be caused from flat feet. The pain is made a lot worse when driving the CTR, so until I get seen, I am pretty much unable to drive it.

What sucks is that this is my 18 month anniversary of owning it, and I couldn’t even enjoy a spirited drive with it.

If this is true, I have a feeling that you just pinched a nerve or something minor. Let it heal and you should be fine.

If you truly feel like it's due to your flat feet and nothing else, then finding a shoe with additional arch support can help. Insoles may be more ideal (you could get generic ones, but something custom from a pediatrist might be a better option).

There are some stretches and exercises that can help you with the pain and heal a little quicker. This link here has a bunch of stretches that you can do. Most look to stretch your buttocks and hip flexors (I did a handful of these when I ran track). Keep in mind that you generally never want to stretch a cold muscle (most recommend that you do some light movement to loosen the muscle up a bit before stretching it).

Keep in mind that I'm not a doctor or physical therapist and won't be held responsible for anything that happens. If in doubt, consult a doctor or physical therapist for the best options tailored for your current situation.

Edit: one other thing, you made a statement saying that you were using the tip of your toes to press the clutch pedal in. You should try using the ball of your foot as it uses the muscles in a more efficient manner. If you use muscles in an inefficient manner it can actually cause injury, even on the lightest of resistance.

 

[Zeffy94]

I said eff it and went for a drive this morning (nothing will keep me from my car), and used a back pillow I use on my computer desk chair and it seemed to help the lumbar a lot. But now the pain moved upwards towards my spinal area. I’m hoping it is just a pinched nerve honestly, but I don’t like the fact I’m getting it only driving the CTR. Still hopeful.

 

[2019SiOldGuy]

Last week I got stuck in stop and go traffic due to an accident. After about 20 min of crawling (and I was keeping a decent distance to avoid stopping too much) and I had serious pain in my entire left leg to the point where it almost went fully numb. Since that moment, I’ve been noticing recently that operating the clutch seemingly is straining my leg more and more. This hadn’t happened really even when I was learning how to drive stick.

I have extremely flat feet and I also have a hard time finding a good seating position - the one I found is the most comfortable I can get. My shoes are large (13) and I don’t have much room to push the clutch without running into the top of the firewall behind the pedals. Where my foot makes contact with the clutch is right near the toes, which is an area that constantly gives me pain when pushing the clutch in and out repeatedly. Since I have no arch in my foot there’s nothing really cushioning the impact.

I’ve read that Honda and Acura cars are known for having not enough seating or wheel adjustments to where they can become problematic for certain people over time. I wouldn’t think my body (125 lbs 5’11) would have issues there but it’s becoming more of an issue and it’s worrying me. I get anxiety about getting stuck in another jam like that because by the time traffic started moving I could barely operate the clutch with any precision.

I’m scheduling something with a podiatrist to figure out if I have some undiagnosed condition that would cause leg issues when driving (note that it’s primarily the left leg only) but in the meantime is there anything you guys can suggest? The shocking part is I’m only 25 years old so you would think I shouldn’t have issues like this.

Really wish the seat, although very comfortable, had more adjustability, because I can’t go too far back without feeling like I don’t depress the clutch all the way. At the same time, since it’s not power operated, I only have a limited number of positions I can use to start with. I also tried the Porsche seating position video which helped but does not alleviate the leg pain.

You are not meant for a clutch...this post is sad.....exercise dude....!!! LOL

 

[2019SiOldGuy]

^^^^^^^

BINGO...this dude is a pre madonna......

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