Double Bass Pain in right foot

[Curley Shadow]

Hello,
For some reason, I have developed pain in my right foot, I noticed I have been putting a lot of weight, pressure on it. I use a stool appropriate for my height (5'6") and the classic left foot on rung position. I am working on shifting balance more to my left side that seems to alleviate the pressure somewhat and also moving foot around during rests, etc. . Any suggestions to ponder for this? For those afflicted with left foot pain from the rung on a stool (I had this many years ago) I found a great solution besides ergonomically studying one's position was a carbon fiber insole that spread the pressure on the middle of the foot to the entire foot, my left foot pain went away.

 

[Don Hergert]

Whatever it is, sorry you're experiencing it.

Possibly plantar fasciitis??? Might want to check with your physician if it doesn't go away.

 

[David Potts]

These are a few initial suggestions. The first is to look at the height of your stool and how you are sitting. Is your pelvis level or are you twisting to play?

I am only 5' 7" and play on a 3/4 flat back bass with medium dropped shoulders and the end pin almost right in. I am too short to sit down on top of my 27" stool so I half sit forward with knees bent and both feet equally on the floor. I would overbalance forward if I picked them up. I try to have my pelvis level with equal amount and weight on my backsides. If I do need to raise my left foot to support the bass then I would use a brick-size block or a guitar foot stool away from the base of the stool, not the rung of the stool that cuts off circulation. I make myself comfortable and then bring the bass to me. I try to point an imaginary arrow towards the bridge. For what it is worth I will attach a photo that shows my approach.

The second suggestion is to use Voltaren Emulgel or similar anti inflammatory on your foot while you sort out your seating position. The third suggestion (by dhergert) is good - see your doctor, physio or podiatrist if pain persists.

 

[CaseyVancouver]

I have developed pain in my right foot, I noticed I have been putting a lot of weight, pressure on it.

A playing rule I believe in is, there should NEVER EVER, in any way, be pain when playing bass.

I find solutions to playing problems and issues are often simple. You just have to discover your solution.

Is there a way you can stop putting pressure on your right foot? Stop doing it. Be flexible and move around when playing. It is ok to stand. It is ok to sit. Maybe a combo works for you, sit for bit then stand. Some great players sit with both feet on the floor, some with a foot on the rung or a foot rest. Some prefer to stand.

Big orchestra bass sections often sit on high stools with every player having a left foot high on a rung, exactly like the principal. They even wear out a spot on the bass from their left knee. Sheesh. That just does not work for every player. Murray Grodner recommends against a left foot high on a rung.

Do what works for you to avoid pain.

 

[Curley Shadow]

These are a few initial suggestions. The first is to look at the height of your stool and how you are sitting. Is your pelvis level or are you twisting to play?

I am only 5' 7" and play on a 3/4 flat back bass with medium dropped shoulders and the end pin almost right in. I am too short to sit down on top of my 27" stool so I half sit forward with knees bent and both feet equally on the floor. I would overbalance forward if I picked them up. I try to have my pelvis level with equal amount and weight on my backsides. If I do need to raise my left foot to support the bass then I would use a brick-size block or a guitar foot stool away from the base of the stool, not the rung of the stool that cuts off circulation. I make myself comfortable and then bring the bass to me. I try to point an imaginary arrow towards the bridge. For what it is worth I will attach a photo that shows my approach.

The second suggestion is to use Voltaren Emulgel or similar anti inflammatory on your foot while you sort out your seating position. The third suggestion (by dhergert) is good - see your doctor, physio or podiatrist if pain persists.

Thanks David,
very helpful, I'm working on more balance between the feet and that should alleviate the problem, thanks

 

[Curley Shadow]

Thanks David,
very helpful, I'm working on more balance between the feet and that should alleviate the problem, thanks

Great picture by the way