Hands going numb on rides road and MTB

[Milzy]

Why do I keep getting pins and needles or complete numbness in my hands whilst cycling? I always have the best bar tape or grips.
If it doesn't stop I'll have to pack in cycling.

 

[Tim Hall]

Or get a recumbent.

But before that take a look at your position. Possibly raise the bars a bit (easy with a quill stem, not so easy with a threadless stem), to change your weight distribution. I find padded mitts also help. Does your job involve power tools and Hand Arm Vibration?

 

[vickster]

Get a specialist cycling physio to do a full bike fit and a full check of you, especially your neck

 

[Milzy]

Or get a recumbent.

But before that take a look at your position. Possibly raise the bars a bit (easy with a quill stem, not so easy with a threadless stem), to change your weight distribution. I find padded mitts also help. Does your job involve power tools and Hand Arm Vibration?

Occasionally use power tools such as grinders.

 

[Low Gear Guy]

Have you tried using different hand positions when using drop handlebars? Are putting your weight onto the front instead of the saddle?

 

[ColinJ]

Occasionally use power tools such as grinders.

Vibration(-induced) white finger?

(I heard a union rep talking about that years ago and looked it up.)

 

[Milzy]

Have you tried using different hand positions when using drop handlebars? Are putting your weight onto the front instead of the saddle?

Maybe too much weight on front.

 

[Heltor Chasca]

Could you move your saddle back to lessen the weight on your hands? Sounds illogical I know, but that's how the cookie crumbles.

I had white finger just over 10 years ago. It's debilitating. Good luck sorting it out.

 

[NorthernDave]

Try these handy hints:
https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/k...he-Experts--Hand-and-wrist-pain-on-the-bike-0

EDIT to add: Nearly forgot, but on my hybrid I've fitted some bar ends to give me more variety with hand positions.

 

[fossyant]

What this lot say. I tend to get numb hands on the MTB if I'm not MTB'ing - i.e. smooth surfaces. It's often the lack of hand positions. I'm fine on the rough stuff as you tend to be moving about the bike more. I don't have issues on my road bikes because of the extra positions.

What type of bike is it - hybrid/flat bars or road bike with curved bars ?

 

[Milzy]

What this lot say. I tend to get numb hands on the MTB if I'm not MTB'ing - i.e. smooth surfaces. It's often the lack of hand positions. I'm fine on the rough stuff as you tend to be moving about the bike more. I don't have issues on my road bikes because of the extra positions.

What type of bike is it - hybrid/flat bars or road bike with curved bars ?

Curved on road. Doesn't happen on MTB as much.

 

[fossyant]

Curved on road. Doesn't happen on MTB as much.

Position on the bike could be out. Are you putting weight through your hands on the road bike ? Where do you normally hold the bars ? I use hoods mainly.

 

[400bhp]

Position on the bike could be out. Are you putting weight through your hands on the road bike ? Where do you normally hold the bars ? I use hoods mainly.

This is what you should look at first.

 

[MikeG]

I used to suffer from this in both hands. A year or 18 months back I had a carpal tunnel operation on my right hand, and now suffer only in my left hand. So, in my case, it is fairly clear that carpal tunnel constriction is the cause, not the neck/ shoulder problems I had always thought. As with any medical advice online, take this, and everyone else's, with a huge pinch of salt and get a doctor to have a look.

 

[ColinJ]

A year or 18 months back I had a carpal tunnel operation on my right hand, and now suffer only in my left hand. So, in my case, it is fairly clear that carpal tunnel constriction is the cause, not the neck/ shoulder problems I had always thought.

You know what the problem was, but that doesn't necessarily mean that you know what caused it.