leg pain while driving '93 SL?

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by RL, Aug 5, 2003.

  1. RL

    RL Guest

    For the past few months I've had chronic pain in my right leg which I
    believe is due to driving my '93 SL1. Has anyone else had this
    problem, and if so, what did they do to alleviate it?

    It could be described as a dull shooting pain/aching from the middle
    of the back of my right thigh down to the upper part of the calf. The
    pain seems to radiate from the thigh to the calf. The muscle is
    buried and extremely difficult to stretch, and it hurts while
    stretching it. It does not hurt (except when aggravated after
    driving) while walking or running (9 miles/week without trouble). The
    only culprit left is this car. There is no associated back pain so
    sciatica is unlikely. I'm also only 24.

    This car is an ergonomic nightmare. I've tried readjusting the seat
    position both forwards and backwards. Because I'm short (5'3"), there
    are only 2 positions where the gas pedal is within comfortable reach.
    Someone once commented that he thought I was so close to the steering
    wheel, if the airbag inflated it would kill me. The gas pedal is a
    few inches back from the brake pedal, which results in awkward
    twisting movement between brake and gas rather than the simple heel
    pivot. My previous car never caused these problems.

    I already carpool and only drive to work every other week. This pain
    is persistent enough that a week of no driving does nothing to fix the
    problem. The traffic here in DC is certainly no help.

    Any suggestions? Thanks.
     
    RL, Aug 5, 2003
    #1
  2. RL

    Brian Burke Guest

    Do you have a store called 'Relax the Back' in your area? I was there a few
    years ago and they sold a back support for the car that has an aluminum rod
    in the back where they bend it to fit your back. That may help. I get the
    same kind of pain in my right leg when I drive more than an hour. It starts
    at my hamstring and goes into the calf. Sometimes I use cruise control so I
    can bend my right leg for a minute or two and that helps. The best way I
    alleviate it is to get out of the car and walk around for a few minutes.

    Hope this helps.

    Brian

    p.s. I drive a 2000 SL2 and find the seats extremely uncomfortable. I think
    the seats are too low and don't allow a natural bend in the knees when
    seated.
     
    Brian Burke, Aug 5, 2003
    #2
  3. Or seeing a doctor? No small ergonomic issue should cause something so
    severe sounding.

    My 92 SL2 has caused us no such issues. I am 6' and my wife is 5'6" no
    problem for her either.
     
    Wesley Thiessen, Aug 5, 2003
    #3
  4. RL

    Rich B. Guest

    This might be related to some other type of injury or condition you have.
    I'm 21 but have severe osteoarthritis and some replaced joints. Prior to
    surgery, staying in one position (such as during a long drive) or in a weird
    position would leave me with a bunch of pains and aches. I'd go see a
    doctor.
    My mother drives a '98 Altima. She even has the fancy power adjustable
    seats. I cannot get comfortable driving her car. Even on a trip from NYC
    to DC I could not get comfortable the entire time. That's why test-driving
    is so important when purchasing a new automobile. GM is being pretty cool
    with it's new 24-hour road test thing, gives you the chance to get some real
    seat time.
    Take a Tylenol or buy a new car. BTW, I'm only 5'2" and prefer to sit on a
    pillow or two to elevate my view of the road. Perhaps that may help you
    too.
    ~strat81
     
    Rich B., Aug 6, 2003
    #4
  5. RL

    Dan Duncan Guest

    Before you go to that expense, you could look at replacing just
    the seat, or maybe just add a seat cushion. Pedal extenders
    might be helpful also.

    -DanD
     
    Dan Duncan, Aug 7, 2003
    #5
  6. RL

    teem Guest

    On the Ion,I noticed there's no foot room behind the pedals.
     
    teem, Aug 8, 2003
    #6
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