Extremely sore calves after driving

Galbin

Not sure where to put this, but as I am only a newly novice driver (July) I guess I am still a learner.

Anyhow, whenever I drive any type of distance (more than an hour) I end up with aching pain in my calves and it persists for days as if I have done a crazy workout. What could cause this, and is there anything I can do to prevent it? I really enjoy driving, so don't think I am tensing my body or anything.

Thanks.

Paddy@CIRL

Start by re-examining your driving position. You should be able to put your right hand at the 9 o'clock position without your right shoulder leaving the seat-back, and vice versa with your left hand at 3 o'clock.

Then depress the clutch (while the car isn't running) and slide the seat until you leg feels comfortable. Make sure you can depress the brake pedal all the way at the same time.

It's simple, but something that no one ever teaches you.

Del2005

Paddy@CIRL wrote: »

Start by re-examining your driving position. You should be able to put your right hand at the 9 o'clock position without your right shoulder leaving the seat-back, and vice versa with your left hand at 3 o'clock.

Then depress the clutch (while the car isn't running) and slide the seat until you leg feels comfortable. Make sure you can depress the brake pedal all the way at the same time.

It's simple, but something that no one ever teaches you.

Surely the 1st job of an ADI should be to show you how to set your self up in a car? When I teach people, in a field, I make sure that they are set up before moving off.

MascotDec85

Del2005 wrote: »

Surely the 1st job of an ADI should be to show you how to set your self up in a car? When I teach people, in a field, I make sure that they are set up before moving off.

It’s amazing the amount that don’t! Drives me mad

MascotDec85

When driving along is your left foot, in particular, sat in front of the clutch with your heel on the floor and your toes pointing directly up?

If so, that’s possibly your answer. Take your foot away from the clutch after each change and especially when in 4th/5th and cruising. Keep your foot to the left, using the foot rest of your car has one and RELAX!

galwaytt

Sounds like you're holding your left foot up all the time, hovering over the pedals, so you're in tension the whole time.

Unless you're using it, the foot should be flat on the floor or on the foot rest, relaxed.

Del2005

galwaytt wrote: »

Sounds like you're holding your left foot up all the time, hovering over the pedals, so you're in tension the whole time.

Unless you're using it, the foot should be flat on the floor or on the foot rest, relaxed.

I've never driven a manual with my left foot on the floor and I only had a few with a foot rest, I never had any issues with my calfs or clutch wear. You won't be able to stop when you really need to.

antix80

I used to get an ache in my elbow (after months of driving 2 hours a day). I adjusted my seat forward & now it doesn't happen. Honestly, op, surprised it didn't occur to you to adjust your seat.

MascotDec85

Del2005 wrote: »

I've never driven a manual with my left foot on the floor and I only had a few with a foot rest, I never had any issues with my calfs or clutch wear. You won't be able to stop when you really need to.

You stop with the brake pedal, not the clutch but you know that. I’m yet to see someone be unable to stop a car because their left foot is either on the floor near the clutch or on the footrest, again, near the clutch. It’s not as if it’s a million miles away.

LorelaiG

Are you pressing the clutch with your toes only? That could be another one that could cause issues.

Dravokivich

Have you spoken about this with someone who can actually look at you?

galwaytt

not-so silly question, maybe: but is OP a lady or a gent........... ?

If the former, what kinds of shoes are you using ? Heels can cause issues.

Galbin

galwaytt wrote: »

not-so silly question, maybe: but is OP a lady or a gent........... ?

If the former, what kinds of shoes are you using ? Heels can cause issues.

I wear ballet flats. I couldn't drive in heels. I wonder though if the fact that I wear the same old (emphasis on old) ballet flats every time could be playing a part. The other option is the seat position, so I will have a look at that tonight.

Also, who would I get to look at my seat position to check it's correct? Thanks!

Galbin

Also, the pain is in both legs - not just the left one. I will check tonight whether I am.using my whole foot or just the toes when driving...

Del2005

Galbin wrote: »

I wear ballet flats. I couldn't drive in heels. I wonder though if the fact that I wear the same old (emphasis on old) ballet flats every time could be playing a part. The other option is the seat position, so I will have a look at that tonight.

Also, who would I get to look at my seat position to check it's correct? Thanks!

Wear proper shoes or trainers. Ballet flats are like driving barefoot and offer no support.

Ask your ADI or do as Paddy said and check your set up again. How much adjustment does your car have, can you adjust the steering wheel as well as the seat?

Galbin

Paddy@CIRL wrote: »

Start by re-examining your driving position. You should be able to put your right hand at the 9 o'clock position without your right shoulder leaving the seat-back, and vice versa with your left hand at 3 o'clock.

I must be missing something as when I do that driving position there doesn't seem to be a way for my shoulder to remain on the seat unless I put my chair basically into the windscreen. ðŸ˜ðŸ˜

Or do you mean my whole shoulder should not leave the seat, but some of it can? For reference I am just under 5'5", but I have a short torso and long legs.

Del2005

Galbin wrote: »

I must be missing something as when I do that driving position there doesn't seem to be a way for my shoulder to remain on the seat unless I put my chair basically into the windscreen. ðŸ˜ðŸ˜

Or do you mean my whole shoulder should not leave the seat, but some of it can? For reference I am just under 5'5", but I have a short torso and long legs.

Since it's your legs that are hurting I'd be getting them right 1st then see how you go with the arms. You don't have to be completely flat to the seat just using most of it. You can buy car seat cushions and pads to help fit the car better, don't use domestic cushions or pillows.

MascotDec85

OP, which are are you in? I’m an ADI, if you’re near to me I’ll look at your position if you like.

galwaytt

Galbin wrote: »

Also, the pain is in both legs - not just the left one. I will check tonight whether I am.using my whole foot or just the toes when driving...

I assume you are resting your heel all the time whilst driving ? i.e., that your heel is on the floor all the time for accelerator and most of the time (bar actually using) for clutch.

My eldest daughter is petite, and has size 3 feet, so I eleveated the driver footwell by 30 mm as otherwise she was holding her feet 'mid-air' all the time, got tired, and found accelerator use hard to be smooth with.