Why Do My Hands Go Numb When I Ride My Bicycle?
Because you’re putting pressure on the nerve that runs down your arm to your fingers. This can easily be prevented by buying a good pair of bicycle riding gloves. Also, consider shifting your hand position when you ride.
Numb hands are a common problem for cyclists, and there are many brands of gloves to alleviate the issue. You may need to pay twenty bucks or more for a good pair of gloves, but believe me, if you spend any time in the saddle at all, it is worth it to relieve the hand and arm ache.
For more information see: What is handlebarpalsy/ cubital tunnel syndrome?
Tags: Cycling
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on Thursday, March 23rd, 2006 at 2:02 pm and is filed under Exercise.
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May 5th, 2006 at 4:33 pm
I have a similar issue, but when I use my exercycle. Also, it seems that when this happens, the heart rate monitor that has sensors on the handlebars starts failing. What would be causing this, and if I were to wear gloves, the heart rate sensors would not work. Any other possible solutions?
[Reply]
May 5th, 2006 at 4:42 pm
I have a similar issue, but when riding my exercycle. At this time, when my hands start going numb, the heart rate monitor that has sensors in the handlebars fails. Are the two, numbness and pulse associated. If so, then wearing of gloves will not help as the sensors would not pick up the “pulse”. Is there another option other than purchasing a seperate heart rate monitor?
[Reply]
May 5th, 2006 at 5:33 pm
Another way to prevent this is to move your hands around to different positions every couple of minutes when you ride or use the exercise bike. By moving your hands around, you are not keeping your hands/ wrists/ arms in the same position and are giving those muscles a break. Keep in mind, your arms are taking much of the weight of your upper body. Ya gotta give them a break every now and again. I do not know why you lose your pulse. I will research this to try to find you an answer.
I personally *have* to sit up every once in a while and take my hands off the handlebars just to shake out my arm muscles. When I spin my bike on my trainer, I actually extend my arms to the side and do arm circles just to do something different with my upper body and give my wrists and hands a rest.
Granted, you will lose your pulse measurements when doing this, but at least you’ll be able to feel your hands. If you must keep track of your pulse at all times, it might be a good investment to get a different heart monitor.
Now, I’m assuming you are having issues with this after pedaling for more than 20 minutes. If this happens only after a few minutes, see your doctor. You may have an injury which requires you to stay off the handlebars for a time.
[Reply]
May 8th, 2006 at 10:28 am
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