A Case of Numb Hands

Numb hands and feet are a regular problem we get asked about; Gene Fleming has written in about his numb hands and wants some suggestions as to how he can help his problem. He is a young 87 years old, but this shouldn’t be a problem for his cycling!

Question:

My hands start to feel numb after 10-15 miles. I have been riding all my life but now it seems that I can’t ride as far in comfort. I am 87 years old which may have something to do with it. I wear gloves but they don’t seem to help as much as they used to. Maybe there is a better glove or handlebar grip that that would help. Thanks.

Hi Gene,

This is a problem that we have had before and is quite prevalent with many cyclists. There are a few different reasons why this could be happening, you are correct that your age could have something to do with it, as you get older the blood circulation is not as good as it used to be and the nerves could also be damaged and not be the clear pathways they used to be.

You should have your position on the bike checked as maybe you are either stretching to much to the handle bars or you are too crouched up, with both this can affect the shoulder and neck area which can pinch a nerve which will make the hands feel numb as will bad blood circulation.

Visit a chiropractor or osteopath to have a look at you upper body, he might find a simple answer and can also give you some stretching exercises that could help. Do you stretch before and after a bike ride? This can help to ward off any injuries or strains that can be caused by starting off cold and also helps your flexibility which also can help in everyday life activities.

Try some different gloves; there are a few with gel pads in the palm area which may help, especially if the roads where you live are on the rough side. As to handle bar tape there is the thicker gel tape on the market or you could do what the Paris-Roubaix cobbled classic riders do and put two layers of tape on your bars. Grips are available with gel, stay away from the thinner rubber grips as they can be great for off-road racing, but are uncomfortable for daily riding.

Whatever you do don’t stop cycling, this helps your whole body to stay active, healthy, strong and flexible, as I’m you know being a young 87 year old! Good luck Gene and keep at it.

TOP TIP: Always do your stretching exercises.

3 Responses to “A Case of Numb Hands”

BillG August 17, 2009

When my hands, feet, or butt start getting numb, I stand for a while or take a foot out of the pedal and wiggle it around. After 35-40 miles I stop and take a five minute break. Why ride in misery, take a break.

MAJ. AL LIENDO August 17, 2009

Hi Gene,I used to have this same problem, when doing 100 or 150 miles, I thought it was the gloves, or the handlebars, but I was told by a cyclist Dr to adjust the front of the seat up or down, and that took care of the problem. I am 67 and have not had any problems since.

DAVID HOGAN August 17, 2009

I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, AND FIXED IT BY REVERTING TO THE CHEAP “DEFORMABLE FOAM” GRIPS THAT USED TO BE IN VOGUE SOME YEARS AGO, AND WHICH ARE SOMETIMES STILL FOUND FOR SALE IN THE CHEAP CYCLE PARTS SECTIONS OF THE DISCOUNT SUPERSTORES ( K-MART, BIG-W IN ‘OZ). THEY ARE HARD TO GET ON, APPLYING SOME SOAPY WATER HELPS, AND CONSCRIPTING THE HELP OF A HELPER WITH A STRONG GRIP !MAYBE THEY HELP BECAUSE OF THEIR LARGER DIAMETER, IN WHICH CASE SAM’S SUGGESTION OF THE DOUBLE GEL TAPE LAYERS MAY PROVIDE THE SAME SOLUTION. I STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WHEN RIDING MY MOUNTAIN BIKE, BECAUSE OF THE INABILITY TO CHANGE GRIP POSITION WITH THEIR FLAT BARS. I FIXED THAT BY ADDING THE SMALL BOLT-ON, TRIATHLON TYPE ADJUSTABLE END BARS, SO THAT I HAD AN ALTERNATIVE GRIP POSITION. THIS WORKED EVEN BETTER WHEN I THICKENED THEM WITH SOME TAPE – WHICH SUGGESTS TO ME THAT THE ABILITY TO CHANGE HAND/ARM/SHOULDER POSITION, COUPLED WITH A THICKER GRIP WORKS FOR ME !RE; NUMB FEET: THIS ONE’S HARDER: TRY THICKER SOCKS, LOOSER SHOES. ALSO TRY CHANGING YOU POSITION OF THE FOOT RELATIVE TO YOUR LOWER LEG : I.E. PEDAL CORRECTLY WITH HEELS DOWN FOR A WHILE, THE TRY A PERIOD WHERE YOU POINT THE TOES DOWN, USING YOU CALVES MORE AND FLEXING THE ANKLES, ALSO TRY POINTING TOES IN, THEN OUT USING WHATEVER MOVEMENT AVAILABLE WITHIN YOUR CLEATS OR CLIPS.MAYBE MOVING FOOT POSITION SLIGHTLY FORWARD OR BACK RELATINE TO THE PEDAL AXLE WILL HELP. TO SUM UP, TRY TO UNLOCK THE FOOT, AND IMPROVE CIRCULATION.HOPE THIS HELPS, BUT WHATEVER YOU DO, DON’T GIVE UP GENE! ALTHOUGH I AM YOUNGER, I HAVE A GROUP OF MATES IN SYDNEYOF SIMILAR AGE TO YOU WHO STILL ROW ( 8 – OARED) AT LEAST THREE MORNINGS EACH WEEK, CYCLE ON ALTERNATIVE DAYS AND RACE IN MASTERS CLASS AGAINST SIMILAR AGED CREWS. THEY ARE DETERMINED TO STAY YOUNG FOREVER, AND LOOK LIKE PULLING IT OFF!