I desperately need some advice on how to alleviate the severe discomfort that I have while riding.
Background: I fell from a horse about 8 years ago. It was the worst pain I have ever felt in my life…I fully expected to be paralyzed – that is until I realized I probably wouldn’t be hurting if I were paralyzed. An x-ray said there was nothing broken, bulging, etc. Shortly thereafter I developed a burning, painful tingling sensation that ran from the top of my buttocks, down the back of my left leg to the sole of my foot at the base of my toes. Sciatica. I had a MRI done about 7 years ago because of this constant pain. It didn’t show anything. I’ve taken nortriptyline from time to time when it gets to the point that I can’t sleep or even sit for more than 10 minutes at a time. The side effects of the nortriptyline prevent me from taking it on a regular basis…plus, I just don’t like taking drugs. Another x-ray about 6 months ago only shows “signs of early arthritis.”
Back to the present. It has flared up again to the nearly unbearable point and now the right leg is becoming involved from the calf down to my foot.
Hence the problem: About 5 minutes into my ride now I am experiencing severe discomfort in both soles of my feet at the base of my toes. Does anyone have any ideas what I can do to alleviate this? My shoe straps are not tight. My SPD cleats are attached to fixed holes in the sole of my shoe so I can’t adjust them. The soles of my shoes are stiff. I really need some help. My doc doesn’t have any solutions. Obviously something is wrong...why can't they find it!? Stretching helps some with the daily discomfort but not while riding. I’m hoping to clear this up before my first 100K attempt this Saturday. Advice please!