Numb left hand

[sheffgirl]

I keep getting numb fingers and thumb on my left hand whilst cycling, it kicks in after a few miles. Also I get pain in the heel of my hand.
I try shifting hand position but it doesn't seem to help. I can only think that I hold my left hand differently; I dont change rings very often if at all so I don't position my hand over the levers as much.
Any ideas anyone?

 

[RebornBumbler]

Perhaps you've just gripping too hard with the left - try and focus on keeping it loose.
Is this on flat bars? - Well worth while trying some different grips and/or getting some bar-ends if so.
Try using mitts if you're not already, but some can be over-padded, so if you are, try taking off the left.

 

[pclay]

what bike are you riding? Road MTB? If its a road bike, I had the same problem on my roadie. I reduced my stem length by 10mm, and the problem went away.

 

[John the Canuck]

have you been cycling long.?
or playing a repetitive grip game such as tennis

if 'yes' then consider CTS
''The symptoms of CTS are often worse after using the affected hand. Any repetitive actions of the hand or wrist can aggravate the symptoms, as can keeping your arm or hand in the same position for a prolonged period of time.''

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Carpal-tunnel-syndrome/Pages/Symptoms.aspx

 

[sheffgirl]

I ride a MTB with flat bars. Been cycling for about 3 years, more seriously for the past 16 months when I got this bike. I only got this problem in the last few weeks, and nothing else has changed. I've been doing longer distances for the past 5 months (10 mile each way to work).
Its usually the thumb and forefinger that are affected.

 

[RebornBumbler]

Hmmm - so what's changed in the last few weeks ?
(Not necessarily cycling-related)

 

[MikeG]

I always suspect shoulder and/ or neck when it comes to numb hands. If you've done all the easy things, such as gloves, bar-enders, etc, then it probably isn't actually your hand which is the problem. Try a few shoulder and neck loosening exercises, and see if that makes a difference. I suffer myself from long-standing shoulder and neck conditions, and the symptom , when cycling, is frequent numb hands.

 

[Joshua Plumtree]

Hmmm - so what's changed in the last few weeks ?
(Not necessarily cycling-related)

 

[vickster]

@sheffgirl , perhaps try ergo grips if you have the round type. They'll give you more support.

Read this http://www.thetritouch.co.uk/that-numbing-feeling-cyclist-palsy (and other stuff on the subject)

It may however be worth consulting your doctor in case it is neck related

 

[Jimmy Doug]

This can be very serious if left ignored. I would suggest double-checking your cycling position first of all to make sure you're not putting to much pressure on your hands. As someone already said, gel tape can be a solution, as can good quality padded gloves. Don't fall into the trap of using too much padding, though: too much can exacerbate the problem. Another possibility is that it's related to typing at the keyboard.
I had this a few years ago but managed to solve it by raising the handlebars slightly and using gloves for long rides. I also bought a wrist rest for when I'm typing and a padded mouse mat. These days it comes back from time to time, but it's nothing like it was: it used to be dreadfully painful and it even hurt when I went to bed.

 

[Dragonwight]

More time in the saddle tends to reveal minor bike fit issues. Have you tried the elbow test from the saddle to the bars ? You may need to move the saddle forward and up a smidgeon.

 

[Cyclist33]

More time in the saddle tends to reveal minor bike fit issues. Have you tried the elbow test from the saddle to the bars ? You may need to move the saddle forward and up a smidgeon.

Elbow Test:
You might want to expand a bit on what that is, where it comes from and what the drivers behind it are...

 

[cyberknight]

You haven't got a trapped/pinched nerve in your neck ?
I suffer with similar symptoms off the bike so sometimes bike riding aggravates it but is not the cause and some physio exercises help keep it in check , basically bad posture from lumping steel all day .
http://mypinchednerveinneck.com/pinched-nerve-neck/

 

[vickster]

As I am discovering, everything is linked and something hurting somewhere can be a complete red herring as to the actual issue! I have back issues right now because of a knee issue which means I am straining my back on the bike as I am not able to push effectively through my leg! When I had tennis elbow, the pain was more forearm and wrist that elbow specifically! Pesky nerves, muscles, tendons, ligaments link everything together and randomly refer pain and sensation (or lack of)!!

 

[cyberknight]

As I am discovering, everything is linked and something hurting somewhere can be a complete red herring as to the actual issue! I have back issues right now because of a knee issue which means I am straining my back on the bike as I am not able to push effectively through my leg! When I had tennis elbow, the pain was more forearm and wrist that elbow specifically! Pesky nerves, muscles, tendons, ligaments link everything together and randomly refer pain and sensation (or lack of)!!

Indeed the 1st signs that my nerve issue is flaring up is referred pain under the left shoulder blade even though the issue is further up and affects my left hand .
I reckon we need to ditch the bikes ..........