Numb Hands and Feet

[lesley_x]

Just wondering if anyone has any explanations for why I would be getting numb hands and feet on the bike? I'm only doing max 8 mile rides at the moment due to health issues.

My feet go numb pedalling and when I take them off they get their feeling back. Same with the hands. I'm going to try wearing gloves (even though for such a short ride it seems a bit silly) but I don't know what to do about my feet!

 

[vickster]

Pressure points coupled possibly with poor bike fit. Try getting some shoes with stiffer soles. Definitely get some decent padded gloves. I won't ride without, not least that if you come up the likelihood is you'll knacker your palms. With my big off, I was wearing gloves, my palms were very bruised and the glove tore. I'm glad that wasn't my skin!

Look at the set up of your saddle especially

 

[Hip Priest]

All sorts of things can cause numbness, so it's a matter of trial and error. Some simple solutions might be to ensure that your shoes are not fastened too tightly, and to regularly change the position of your hands on the bike.

I can get numb hands on long rides, due to having too much weight on them, so I'm trying to build up my core muscles.

 

[ColinJ]

I get the same problem if I pump my tyres up too hard! The road surfaces in this area are generally very poor so a lot of vibration can be caused by riding on them. I make local riding bearable by using pressures which are a lot lower than many people advocate. I typically use 95-100 PSI rear, and 85-90 PSI front on my 23c tyres.

 

[lesley_x]

Thanks for the replies guys, I'll take all suggestions on board. I think my saddle may need to go up a touch.

Also I'm using my hybrid at the moment so not much scope for changing hand positions, I think wearing my gloves may help a lot.

ColinJ do you get numb hands and feet from the vibration, or just numb hands?

 

[Supersuperleeds]

Thanks for the replies guys, I'll take all suggestions on board. I think my saddle may need to go up a touch.

Also I'm using my hybrid at the moment so not much scope for changing hand positions, I think wearing my gloves may help a lot.

ColinJ do you get numb hands and feet from the vibration, or just numb hands?

You could use bar ends?

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Categories.aspx?CategoryID=106

 

[ColinJ]

ColinJ do you get numb hands and feet from the vibration, or just numb hands?

I injured my left foot/ankle about 20 years ago when I jogged down a dark country lane in the winter and didn't see a pothole in front of me. Ever since then, my left foot has been a bit delicate and can suffer numbness and cramp.I have noticed that excessive vibration when riding can trigger it off. The right foot isn't quite so bad, but still feels uncomfortable if I overdo my tyre pressures.

I've also had discomfort from loose fillings rattling (!) and have had bottles jump out of bottle cages, and a pump fall off the bike.

All in all, I don't like hard tyres on rough roads!

 

[lesley_x]

Quick update, loosened off my shoes a little and wore gloves. No numbness! Hope it continues with these simple adjustments. The terrain was certainly different in the rain mind you. Thanks all!

 

[Baggggerz]

Always just a case of trial and error. Glad you seem to have worked it out.

 

[PhunkyPhil]

I have a problem where my right foot goes numb if I cycle hard for a prolonged period. I recently bought some Shimano mouldable shoes and these have made a massive difference. I'm not saying go and spend hundreds on new shoes but you could do an internet search for custom mouldable cycling footbeds as there are a few companies who sell them and you stick them in your oven for a few minutes and then wear them till the cool down and they will mould to your foot, they cost about £35.

Once this has been done you will be able to feel on the footbed where all your toes and bits contact the footbed and this helps distribute the pressue better.