Numb hands

[eclectic]

Putting alot of weight on your hands may be a sign of a weak core (abs, etc.). Strengthening the core (pilates is a good way) will allow your body to hold more of your weight, as opposed to your hands and wrists.

Welcome RedransV2 ! ! !

and very good point Tulip. I forgot about core strength, important in EVERYTHING

And Kano - Hooray on the clipless ! Don't you just love 'em ? I shift my hands around a lot too and keep my thumbs up on top if just cruising along

[Kano]

And Kano - Hooray on the clipless ! Don't you just love 'em ? I shift my hands around a lot too and keep my thumbs up on top if just cruising along

I DO love those new pedals! My body is grumbling a bit today, as new muscles came into play, simply because they could yesterday and perhaps 30+ miles wasn't the best choice for a first ride, but, you know....

I gotta echo the core strength thing -- my LBS set my handlebars to sit me more upright early in the season -- my bike is a comfort bike, and you don't get much more upright than those, really, but more upright than the "default" even, and as the season has progressed, we've changed my handlebar position now to less upright, which changed the way the bike handles and MY position -- again, new muscles engaging, good thing I've been doing some core work! (not enough, but it's helped a lot!)

Karen in Boise

[run it, ride it]

All this talk is making my forearms ache. I've had bad tendonitis in both for four years. Most of it came from improper keyboard height, carrying too many textbooks and years of working labour. It's not carpal tunnel yet, but it will get there. Did I mention I'm only 20? You're never too young to do permanent damage.

Straight handlebars are now out of the question in my case. Don't let it get that far. Don't suck it up like I did--it may not be reversible.

In addition to core strength (upper, lower, obliques, back, everything!), make sure your wrists are indeed strong enough to support the tendons without extreme stress or (lord forbid) excessive and prolonged bending.

Whenever you put prolonged stress on your wrists (biking, typing, etc) shake out your wrists, stretch them up and down, wiggle your fingers. Stress balls may either help or hinder depending on the tendons and inflamation involved--if it hurts, don't do it. If it helps, do.

Wrist curls won't heal damage already done, but it can preserve what you have left. At worst I had no mobility in either wrist and wore braces all day. I worked up to a gentle stretch, partial mobility, full stretch and mobility, then a full wrist curl. Now I can do 12 lbs (CAREFULLY). But if I palm open a door the wrong way I'm doubled over in pain. It's knuckle-pushups only and I need to be very, very careful on all equimpent at the gym.

Make sure EVERYTHING you do is friendly to your wrists. Elbows bent 90 degrees for mouse and keyboard, and gel pads. I don't care if you feel silly. Do not break severely at the wrist when you hold a pen or frying pan, carry a box, squeeze the gas pump, drive a car...

I know I sound like an old biddy about this, but some injuries you just can't ignore!