What is Handlebar Palsy/ Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?

This is an inflammation of the ulnar nerve, which is a major nerve in your arm their runs and your hand. Specifically, it is the part of the nerve around the elbow or the funny bone. It causes numbness, tingling, or pain in the arm and hand on the side of the little finger. In the biking world, we call this condition 'handlebar palsy'. This is also called Cubital Tunnel Syndrome.

How Does Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Occur?

When the elbow is bent, the ulnar nerve may be stretched and push against the funny bone -- the bony bump in your elbow. Over time, this can irritate the nerve.

Some activities that can damage the nerve include repetitive movements of the wrist such as typing or using a computer mouse. Other times and injury to the elbow may inflame the nerve. Many times, people may sleep with their elbows bent, which may aggravate the problem.

But for bicycle riders, handlebar palsy occurs due to repeated shocks or bouncing when your hand is holding on to the handlebars. Or the nerve may be stretched when held in a lower position of the drop handlebar for extended periods of time.

What Are the Symptoms?
The symptoms include numbness, tingling, or pain in the forearm or hand on the side of the little finger. This is different than carpal tunnel syndrome because carpal tunnel syndrome affects the hand on the thumb, pointer, and middle fingers and occurs when the ulnar nerve is irritated in the wrist area.

How is it Treated?

When you are bicycling, padded gloves may help relieve the situation. Also, try adjusting the position of your hands on the handlebar, such as by changing your group from the top to the sides.

• A doctor may suggest a over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as asperin, ibuprofen, naprosyn or ketoprofen. (Check with a doctor or pharmacist regarding side effects or drug interactions first before doing this on your own.)
• Massage the elbow with ice.
• Sometimes, a splint or brace may be is to keep the elbow from bending.
• Modify your posture during the day to avoid long periods of time with your elbow bent.

See also: Why do my hands go numb when I bicycle?

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