Feeling numbness or tingling in your hands after riding a motorcycle? It may be carpal tunnel syndrome or another related disorder. You may have heard of carpal tunnel syndrome as a disorder experienced by those who use computer keyboards. Did you know that people who ride a motorcycle can be at high risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome, too? It’s true! Two major causes of carpal tunnel syndrome are the use of vibrating equipment and repetitive or prolonged bending of the wrist. Hmm… that certainly sounds like what I experience when I ride! You, too? Read on to learn what you can do to help.
A lot of people notice numbness or tingling hands or fingers when they begin to ride their motorcycle again in the spring. And although generally it’s not a cause for concern, you should have your physician evaluate any problems that worsen or are not alleviated by following some of the tips listed below.
Tips to Help Reduce Numb Hands After Riding a Motorcycle
- Reduce the weight and pressure you place on your wrists. Many of us lean forward, putting some of our body weight on our wrists when we ride. Instead, try sitting back some to put more pressure on your lower body and less on your forearms.
- Shake your hands and wrists out occasionally as you ride. Don’t wait for your hands to start tingling or going numb before you shake them out. Instead, shake them out regularly as you ride.
- Use foam grips and padded gloves. Both will take some of the pressure off your hands and help to alleviate your symptoms. You can even purchase heated grips to increase circulation.
- Move your hands out towards the end of the grips when you ride. You may even choose to ride with your pinky over the end of the grip.
- Wear carpal tunnel braces. These braces have come a long way in recent years, and many can even be worn comfortably while you ride. You may worry about your image, but it will be worth it to avoid the numbness and tingling later.
- Use your legs and abdominal muscles to support your weight. As you ride, your posture can lose stability, and you may put more weight on your wrists. Try to avoid this by using your knees and feet, as well as your abdominal muscles, to support your weight.
- Do not ride while tired. When you are tired, it’s difficult to support your weight. You naturally lean forward, and this can put a tremendous amount of weight on your forearms and wrists. Try to ride when you are fresh and keep your rides short until you are accustomed to handle longer distances.
- Keep your wrists straight when you ride. This may mean that you need to reposition your handlebars. Remember that a straight wrist is a happy wrist.
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No one wants to feel uncomfortable after riding their motorcycle – so exercise care and take note of any numbness, tingling, or painful sensations. Do not wait until the problem gets so bad that it’s difficult to ride: if you are feeling uncomfortable, try these tips. If the problem does not resolve, visit your physician.
At Kass & Moses, we take motorcycles seriously. We know that the freedom of the open road is one of the great freedoms in this world. Don’t let anything hold you back! If you have been hurt in a motorcycle crash, even if you just want a second opinion, contact 1-800-MOTORCYCLE. You will speak with an attorney who can answer questions and provide guidance for your case. Ride safe, ride well!
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