Sportdog

I don’t expect a cure due to age/health issue but do any members have suggestions to at least lessen these effects?
Right now I wear weightlifting gloves with the Velcro straps and if I tighten enough to help with pain I end up numb.

Thoughts???

Thanks

Carbonfiberboy 

Any particular thing(s) that make it painful? Weight on hands? Shifting? Braking? Photo of you on your bike from the side?

Sportdog

My Nishiki Tri-A


My Univega Sportech


Weight on hands.

sorry for the double pics

KC8QVO

I don't have the extent of the issue you have described, but I see your bikes have drop bars. That is the #1 thing that helps my riding. I have to change my hand positions constantly to keep them from going numb and getting circulation issues. A lot of times I don't even grip the bars - I just rest my palms either on the top flats or over top the brake lever extensions with wide open fingers. That is my "work around". I would also hesitate to call my hands giving me troubles as a unique problem. I would venture a guess that most riders are the same to some extent. I don't think anyone can hold their hands in the same grip position for hours a day.

As an aside, and for what it may be worth (perhaps not much), I tried gloves also. I used to ride BMX/freestyle when I was younger and used gloves to hold off blisters. The gloves did nothing for my hands in current times. I did double-wrap the tape on my drop bars for more padding and a larger diameter, though. That has helped and I could probably even go a third layer for more padding and less contact pressure.

bpcyclist

I deal with a similar issue. As stated above, the only thing that seems to work is to constantly change hand positions. Weight on the wrists seems to be the predictor of how bad it will be. Also, I have found I can get relief from being in the drops if I place my hands just so. Hope this doesn't get worse!

Carbonfiberboy 

I know, I know, C & V. OTOH, pain. First thing I would try is to set up your bars like this:

Note that the ramps and hoods form a level resting place for the wrists.

Then look at the Numb Hands post.

Next, move your saddle back as far as possible using a 30mm setback post. You may not need that much setback, but see what it does in terms of decreasing the weight on your hands.

Finally, try these stretching exercises:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Exercises
When I have trouble with my hands, I do the recommended 10 sets of these exercises several times a day.

Of course possibly the most useful thing might be to buy a modern Di2 bike with hydraulic brakes. It's amazing how much hand effort these setups save. Go by your LBS and get a test ride.

philbob57

I'd check into a carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis. If it's CTS, the surgery is simple, and it works. BTDT.