Hand tingling / numb - what am I missing please?

[StuUngar]

I am too skint and tight to get a "proper" bike fit - especially when my local stores are charging £200 +

When I first got into road about 30 months ago my first real problem was lower back paid which I quickly eradicated with some saddle adjustmet.

Unfortunately I now have a "numb / pins and needles" hand but it's only my left.

I have just got a shorter stem from 110 - 90 which is better but even so, ofter 10 miles or so I keep getting this hand issue.

Anyone have any ideas I would be very grateful - not sure where to look now.

Thanks in advance

 

[Spinney]

Drops or straight bars?

Edit:
Oops - sorry, just saw you said 'road'.

Do you change your hand position often, that can help - middle of bar, corners, hoods, drops.

Padded gloves?

 

[GlasgowFinn]

I changed the angle of the stem - worked OK for me.

 

[StuUngar]

Drops - doesn't happen on my flat bar commuter hybrid with a much LONGER stem - for leaning over.

 

[StuUngar]

I changed the angle of the stem - worked OK for me.

Not a lot of play there as 95% an in the hoods - but I suppose a slight tweak might be worth a shot.

Think I probably have a lopsided body / arms. I am right handed and never had a problem there. I guess it could just be down to what's dominant or stronger - haven't a clue!

 

[Simmer]

I made a couple of changes recently and thinking about it I've not notice numbness on the last couple of rides. My left thumb and area of the palm used to effected after 10 miles or so.

I put a shorter stem on (120 to 100) and also my seat was slightly off alignment. (clockwise). Might of been overcompensation for the seat angle with pressure on left hand, or to much weight on my hands from the long reach. Gel gloves are worth investing in if you don't use them.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Why don't you join BikeRadar and post in the Beginners section?. There are a few muppets but some good advice too.



I've actually been suffering similar lately due to crash damage. I'll leave you to google ulnar nerve stretching ie: "don't listen" and "sunglasses". I'd also be playing with bike setup - saddle fore/aft primarily, a few mm is enough to shift your weight balance. Balance which determines how much you actually lean on the bars, position of hoods can vary bend in the wrist.

 

[Tyke]

I had this until I rotated the bars to bring the huds up slightly.

 

[midliferider]

Few comments..
Bike fit should not cost that much. There is LBS which does it for £60. That is if you really want to do that. It is not necessary.
You can achieve a good fit by following simple guide with the help of a friend. There are plenty of youtube videos on the subject.
Invest on good pair of gloves.
Change the position frequently as you ride.
Combination of above should address the problem.

 

[midliferider]

have a look at this video


View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAl_5e7bIHk

 

[cyberknight]

You do not suffer from pins and needles normally?
I currently have an ongoing problem with a "trapped " nerve or similar with a constant knot in the muscle under my left shoulder blade so my left hand is constantly tingling which means i have had to cut back on long rides recently.

 

[solidthegreat]

Sounds like pressure being placed on the ulnar nerve on the left. Start with padded tape, good quality gloves then work back. Check reach by putting your elbow on the tip of the seat and with your hand outstretched your fingertips should be around 10mm short of the centre of the stem. I would consider getting a proper bike fit though. £200 seams a lot, I visited Phil Corley in Milton Keynes (Ex pro and current UK cycling team) and they charged only £50 for a fitting, but then you pay for the parts. Also try checking how you are sat on the bike, do you lean to the left on the saddle? Keep your elbows unlocked and try support your weight through your core. Hopefully the pain may ease a little

 

[midliferider]

You do not suffer from pins and needles normally?
I currently have an ongoing problem with a "trapped " nerve or similar with a constant knot in the muscle under my left shoulder blade so my left hand is constantly tingling which means i have had to cut back on long rides recently.

Perhaps you should consider seeing a doctor. If the problem is due to bike fitting and your position, it is unusual to be one sided. Nerves supplying the hands does not go close to shoulder blade.

 

[cyberknight]

Perhaps you should consider seeing a doctor. If the problem is due to bike fitting and your position, it is unusual to be one sided. Nerves supplying the hands does not go close to shoulder blade.

i have and had physio, its not bike fit related .
Maybe i oversimplified the first post as apparently the shoulder blade pain is linked to the trapped nerve.The problem is called
Cervical Radiculopathy.
and its a lot better than it was, i was waking up with both hands completely numb but now its localized to just the left hand and its a lot milder than before although the ride to work i have to change left hand position a lot but on the way home its ok.
Tried sleeping with wrist straps but its does not affect the numbness.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

i have and had physio, its not bike fit related .

Neither is mine also single sided, although "unusual"